1
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Stadtmauer DJ, Basanta Martínez S, Maziarz JD, Cole AG, Dagdas G, Smith GR, van Breukelen F, Pavličev M, Wagner GP. Cell type and cell signaling innovations underlying mammalian pregnancy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.591945. [PMID: 38746137 PMCID: PMC11092578 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.591945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
How fetal and maternal cell types have co-evolved to enable mammalian placentation poses a unique evolutionary puzzle. Here, we present a multi-species atlas integrating single-cell transcriptomes from six species bracketing therian mammal diversity. We find that invasive trophoblasts share a gene-expression signature across eutherians, and evidence that endocrine decidual cells evolved stepwise from an immunomodulatory cell type retained in Tenrec with affinity to human decidua of menstruation. We recover evolutionary patterns in ligand-receptor signaling: fetal and maternal cells show a pronounced tendency towards disambiguation, but a predicted arms race dynamic between them is limited. We reconstruct cell communication networks of extinct mammalian ancestors, finding strong integration of fetal trophoblast into maternal networks. Together, our results reveal a dynamic history of cell type and signaling evolution. Synopsis The fetal-maternal interface is one of the most intense loci of cell-cell signaling in the human body. Invasion of cells from the fetal placenta into the uterus, and the corresponding transformation of maternal tissues called decidualization, first evolved in the stem lineage of eutherian mammals( 1 , 2 ). Single-cell studies of the human fetal-maternal interface have provided new insight into the cell type diversity and cell-cell interactions governing this chimeric organ( 3-5 ). However, the fetal-maternal interface is also one of the most rapidly evolving, and hence most diverse, characters among mammals( 6 ), and an evolutionary analysis is missing. Here, we present and compare single-cell data from the fetal-maternal interface of species bracketing key events in mammal phylogeny: a marsupial (opossum, Monodelphis domestica ), the afrotherian Tenrec ecaudatus, and four Euarchontoglires - guinea pig and mouse (Rodentia) together with recent macaque and human data (primates) ( 4 , 5 , 7 ). We infer cell type homologies, identify a gene-expression signature of eutherian invasive trophoblast conserved over 99 million years, and discover a predecidual cell in the tenrec which suggests stepwise evolution of the decidual stromal cell. We reconstruct ancestral cell signaling networks, revealing the integration of fetal cell types into the interface. Finally, we test two long-standing theoretical predictions, the disambiguation hypothesis( 8 ) and escalation hypothesis( 9 ), at transcriptome-wide scale, finding divergence between fetal and maternal signaling repertoires but arms race dynamics restricted to a small subset of ligand-receptor pairs. In so doing, we trace the co-evolutionary history of cell types and their signaling across mammalian viviparity.
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2
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Hadas R, Rubinstein H, Mittnenzweig M, Mayshar Y, Ben-Yair R, Cheng S, Aguilera-Castrejon A, Reines N, Orenbuch AH, Lifshitz A, Chen DY, Elowitz MB, Zernicka-Goetz M, Hanna JH, Tanay A, Stelzer Y. Temporal BMP4 effects on mouse embryonic and extraembryonic development. Nature 2024:10.1038/s41586-024-07937-5. [PMID: 39294373 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07937-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
The developing placenta, which in mice originates through the extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE), is essential for mammalian embryonic development. Yet unbiased characterization of the differentiation dynamics of the ExE and its interactions with the embryo proper remains incomplete. Here we develop a temporal single-cell model of mouse gastrulation that maps continuous and parallel differentiation in embryonic and extraembryonic lineages. This is matched with a three-way perturbation approach to target signalling from the embryo proper, the ExE alone, or both. We show that ExE specification involves early spatial and transcriptional bifurcation of uncommitted ectoplacental cone cells and chorion progenitors. Early BMP4 signalling from chorion progenitors is required for proper differentiation of uncommitted ectoplacental cone cells and later for their specification towards trophoblast giant cells. We also find biphasic regulation by BMP4 in the embryo. The early ExE-originating BMP4 signal is necessary for proper mesoendoderm bifurcation and for allantois and primordial germ cell specification. However, commencing at embryonic day 7.5, embryo-derived BMP4 restricts the primordial germ cell pool size by favouring differentiation of their extraembryonic mesoderm precursors towards an allantois fate. ExE and embryonic tissues are therefore entangled in time, space and signalling axes, highlighting the importance of their integrated understanding and modelling in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Hadas
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hernan Rubinstein
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Markus Mittnenzweig
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics and Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoav Mayshar
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Raz Ben-Yair
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Saifeng Cheng
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Netta Reines
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Aviezer Lifshitz
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics and Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dong-Yuan Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Michael B Elowitz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jacob H Hanna
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Amos Tanay
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics and Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Yonatan Stelzer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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3
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Zhu J, Pang K, Hu B, He R, Wang N, Jiang Z, Ji P, Zhao F. Custom microfluidic chip design enables cost-effective three-dimensional spatiotemporal transcriptomics with a wide field of view. Nat Genet 2024:10.1038/s41588-024-01906-4. [PMID: 39256584 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01906-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Spatial transcriptomic techniques offer unprecedented insights into the molecular organization of complex tissues. However, integrating cost-effectiveness, high throughput, a wide field of view and compatibility with three-dimensional (3D) volumes has been challenging. Here we introduce microfluidics-assisted grid chips for spatial transcriptome sequencing (MAGIC-seq), a new method that combines carbodiimide chemistry, spatial combinatorial indexing and innovative microfluidics design. This technique allows sensitive and reproducible profiling of diverse tissue types, achieving an eightfold increase in throughput, minimal cost and reduced batch effects. MAGIC-seq breaks conventional microfluidics limits by enhancing barcoding efficiency and enables analysis of whole postnatal mouse sections, providing comprehensive cellular structure elucidation at near single-cell resolution, uncovering transcriptional variations and dynamic trajectories of mouse organogenesis. Our 3D transcriptomic atlas of the developing mouse brain, consisting of 93 sections, reveals the molecular and cellular landscape, serving as a valuable resource for neuroscience and developmental biology. Overall, MAGIC-seq is a high-throughput, cost-effective, large field of view and versatile method for spatial transcriptomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhu
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Beiyu Hu
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruiqiao He
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zewen Jiang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peifeng Ji
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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4
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Alippe Y, Wang L, Coskun R, Muraro SP, Zhao FR, Elam-Noll M, White JM, Vota DM, Hauk VC, Gordon JI, Handley SA, Diamond MS. Fetal MAVS and type I IFN signaling pathways control ZIKV infection in the placenta and maternal decidua. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20240694. [PMID: 39042188 PMCID: PMC11270594 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20240694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The contribution of placental immune responses to congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) syndrome remains poorly understood. Here, we leveraged a mouse model of ZIKV infection to identify mechanisms of innate immune restriction exclusively in the fetal compartment of the placenta. ZIKV principally infected mononuclear trophoblasts in the junctional zone, which was limited by mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) and type I interferon (IFN) signaling mechanisms. Single nuclear RNA sequencing revealed MAVS-dependent expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in spongiotrophoblasts but not in other placental cells that use alternate pathways to induce ISGs. ZIKV infection of Ifnar1-/- or Mavs-/- placentas was associated with greater infection of the adjacent immunocompetent decidua, and heterozygous Mavs+/- or Ifnar1+/- dams carrying immunodeficient fetuses sustained greater maternal viremia and tissue infection than dams carrying wild-type fetuses. Thus, MAVS-IFN signaling in the fetus restricts ZIKV infection in junctional zone trophoblasts, which modulates dissemination and outcome for both the fetus and the pregnant mother.
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MESH Headings
- Female
- Animals
- Pregnancy
- Interferon Type I/metabolism
- Interferon Type I/immunology
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Placenta/immunology
- Placenta/virology
- Placenta/metabolism
- Zika Virus Infection/immunology
- Zika Virus Infection/virology
- Zika Virus/immunology
- Zika Virus/physiology
- Mice
- Decidua/immunology
- Decidua/virology
- Decidua/metabolism
- Fetus/immunology
- Fetus/virology
- Trophoblasts/immunology
- Trophoblasts/virology
- Trophoblasts/metabolism
- Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Immunity, Innate
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/immunology
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology
- Disease Models, Animal
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Alippe
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Leran Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and Center for Genome Sciences, Lab and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Reyan Coskun
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stéfanie P Muraro
- Campinas State University, Laboratory of Emerging Viruses , Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fang R Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle Elam-Noll
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - J Michael White
- Center for Gut Microbiome and Nutrition Research, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daiana M Vota
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales , Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa C Hauk
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales , Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jeffrey I Gordon
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and Center for Genome Sciences, Lab and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Gut Microbiome and Nutrition Research, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Scott A Handley
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and Center for Genome Sciences, Lab and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and Center for Genome Sciences, Lab and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky the Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity to Microbial Pathogens, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, MO, USA
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5
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Sairenji TJ, Masuda S, Higuchi Y, Miyazaki M, Yajima H, Kwan Ee O, Fujiwara Y, Araki T, Shimokawa N, Koibuchi N. Plasma prolactin axis shift from placental to pituitary origin in late prepartum mice. Endocr J 2024; 71:661-674. [PMID: 38749736 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej23-0724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta secretes a prolactin (PRL)-like hormone PRL3B1 (placental lactogen II), a luteotropic hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy until labor in mice. A report from 1984 examined the secretion pattern of PRL3B1 in prepartum mice. In the current study, we found contradictory findings in the secretion pattern that invalidate the previous report. By measuring maternal plasma PRL3B1 and PRL every 4 hrs from gestational day 17 (G17), we newly discovered that maternal plasma PRL3B1 levels decrease rapidly in prepartum C57BL/6 mice. Interestingly, the onset of this decline coincided with the PRL surge at G18, demonstrating a plasma prolactin axis shift from placental to pituitary origin. We also found that maternal plasma progesterone regression precedes the onset of the PRL shift. The level of Prl3b1 mRNA was determined by RT-qPCR in the placenta and remained stable until parturition, implying that PRL3B1 peptide production or secretion was suppressed. We hypothesized that production of the PRL family, the 25 paralogous PRL proteins exclusively expressed in mice placenta, would decrease alongside PRL3B1 during this period. To investigate this hypothesis and to seek proteomic changes, we performed a shotgun proteome analysis of the placental tissue using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS). Up to 5,891 proteins were identified, including 17 PRL family members. Relative quantitative analysis between embryonic day 17 (E17) and E18 placentas showed no significant difference in the expression of PRL3B1 and most PRL family members except PRL7C1. These results suggest that PRL3B1 secretion from the placenta is suppressed at G18 (E18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Taku James Sairenji
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Masuda
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Regulations, Gunma 371-8512, Japan
| | - Yuya Higuchi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Mitsue Miyazaki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
- Department of Bioscience and Laboratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aomori 036-8564, Japan
- Department of Nutrition, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Gunma 370-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yajima
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Oh Kwan Ee
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Yuki Fujiwara
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takuya Araki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Noriaki Shimokawa
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
- Department of Nutrition, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Gunma 370-0033, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Koibuchi
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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6
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Li Y, Zhang J, Gao X, Zhang QC. Tissue module discovery in single-cell-resolution spatial transcriptomics data via cell-cell interaction-aware cell embedding. Cell Syst 2024; 15:578-592.e7. [PMID: 38823396 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Computational methods are desired for single-cell-resolution spatial transcriptomics (ST) data analysis to uncover spatial organization principles for how individual cells exert tissue-specific functions. Here, we present ST data analysis via interaction-aware cell embedding (SPACE), a deep-learning method for cell-type identification and tissue module discovery from single-cell-resolution ST data by learning a cell representation that captures its gene expression profile and interactions with its spatial neighbors. SPACE identified spatially informed cell subtypes defined by their special spatial distribution patterns and distinct proximal-interacting cell types. SPACE also automatically discovered "cell communities"-tissue modules with discernible boundaries and a uniform spatial distribution of constituent cell types. For each cell community, SPACE outputs a characteristic proximal cell-cell interaction network associated with physiological processes, which can be used to refine ligand-receptor-based intercellular signaling analyses. We envision that SPACE can be used in large-scale ST projects to understand how proximal cell-cell interactions contribute to emergent biological functions within cell communities. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhe Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Computer Science Program, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; KAUST Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; BioMap, Beijing 100086, China.
| | - Qiangfeng Cliff Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China.
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7
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Allen S, Natale BV, Ejeckam AO, Lee K, Hardy DB, Natale DR. Cannabidiol Exposure During Rat Pregnancy Leads to Labyrinth-Specific Vascular Defects in the Placenta and Reduced Fetal Growth. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:766-780. [PMID: 38364116 PMCID: PMC11304342 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis use is increasing among pregnant people, and cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent of cannabis, is often perceived as "natural" and "safe" as it is non-intoxicating. In utero, cannabis exposure is associated with negative health outcomes, including fetal growth restriction (FGR). The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and alterations in placental development can lead to FGR. While there has been some investigation into the effects of Δ9-THC, there has been limited investigation into the impacts of in utero gestational CBD exposure on the placenta. Methods: This study used histological and transcriptomic analysis of embryonic day (E)19.5 rat placentas from vehicle and CBD (3 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) exposed pregnancies (E6.5-18.5). Results: The study revealed that pups from CBD-exposed pregnancies were 10% smaller, with the placentae displaying a decreased fetal blood space perimeter-to-area ratio. The transcriptomic analysis supported compromised angiogenesis and blood vessel formation with downregulated biological processes, including tube morphogenesis, angiogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis, blood vessel development and vasculature development. Further, the CBD-exposed placentas displayed changed expression of glucose transporters (decreased GLUT1 and GR expression and increased GLUT3 expression). Transcriptomic analysis further revealed upregulated biological processes associated with metabolism. Finally, histological and transcriptomic analysis revealed altered cell populations within the placenta, specifically to syncytiotrophoblast layer II and endothelial cells. Conclusion: Together these results suggest that the structural changes in CDB-exposed placentae, including the altered expression of nutrient transporters and the changes to the placental fetal vasculature, may underlie the reduced fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Allen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bryony V. Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexis O. Ejeckam
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- The Children's Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R.C. Natale
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Álvarez-Sánchez A, Grinat J, Doria-Borrell P, Mellado-López M, Pedrera-Alcócer É, Malenchini M, Meseguer S, Hemberger M, Pérez-García V. The GPI-anchor biosynthesis pathway is critical for syncytiotrophoblast differentiation and placental development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:246. [PMID: 38819479 PMCID: PMC11143174 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthetic pathway in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for generating GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs), which are translocated to the cell surface and play a vital role in cell signaling and adhesion. This study focuses on two integral components of the GPI pathway, the PIGL and PIGF proteins, and their significance in trophoblast biology. We show that GPI pathway mutations impact on placental development impairing the differentiation of the syncytiotrophoblast (SynT), and especially the SynT-II layer, which is essential for the establishment of the definitive nutrient exchange area within the placental labyrinth. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of Pigl and Pigf in mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSCs) confirms the role of these GPI enzymes in syncytiotrophoblast differentiation. Mechanistically, impaired GPI-AP generation induces an excessive unfolded protein response (UPR) in the ER in mTSCs growing in stem cell conditions, akin to what is observed in human preeclampsia. Upon differentiation, the impairment of the GPI pathway hinders the induction of WNT signaling for early SynT-II development. Remarkably, the transcriptomic profile of Pigl- and Pigf-deficient cells separates human patient placental samples into preeclampsia and control groups, suggesting an involvement of Pigl and Pigf in establishing a preeclamptic gene signature. Our study unveils the pivotal role of GPI biosynthesis in early placentation and uncovers a new preeclampsia gene expression profile associated with mutations in the GPI biosynthesis pathway, providing novel molecular insights into placental development with implications for enhanced patient stratification and timely interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Álvarez-Sánchez
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Calle de Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Johanna Grinat
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paula Doria-Borrell
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Calle de Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maravillas Mellado-López
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Calle de Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Érica Pedrera-Alcócer
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Calle de Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Malenchini
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Calle de Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Meseguer
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Calle de Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Vicente Pérez-García
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Calle de Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Barrozo ER, Seferovic MD, Hamilton MP, Moorshead DN, Jochum MD, Do T, O'Neil DS, Suter MA, Aagaard KM. Zika virus co-opts microRNA networks to persist in placental niches detected by spatial transcriptomics. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:251.e1-251.e17. [PMID: 37598997 PMCID: PMC10840961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zika virus congenital infection evades double-stranded RNA detection and may persist in the placenta for the duration of pregnancy without accompanying overt histopathologic inflammation. Understanding how viruses can persist and replicate in the placenta without causing overt cellular or tissue damage is fundamental to deciphering mechanisms of maternal-fetal vertical transmission. OBJECTIVE Placenta-specific microRNAs are believed to be a tenet of viral resistance at the maternal-fetal interface. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the Zika virus functionally disrupts placental microRNAs, enabling viral persistence and fetal pathogenesis. STUDY DESIGN To test this hypothesis, we used orthogonal approaches in human and murine experimental models. In primary human trophoblast cultures (n=5 donor placentae), we performed Argonaute high-throughput sequencing ultraviolet-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation to identify any significant alterations in the functional loading of microRNAs and their targets onto the RNA-induced silencing complex. Trophoblasts from same-donors were split and infected with a contemporary first-passage Zika virus strain HN16 (multiplicity of infection=1 plaque forming unit per cell) or mock infected. To functionally cross-validate microRNA-messenger RNA interactions, we compared our Argonaute high-throughput sequencing ultraviolet-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation results with an independent analysis of published bulk RNA-sequencing data from human placental disk specimens (n=3 subjects; Zika virus positive in first, second, or third trimester, CD45- cells sorted by flow cytometry) and compared it with uninfected controls (n=2 subjects). To investigate the importance of these microRNA and RNA interference networks in Zika virus pathogenesis, we used a gnotobiotic mouse model uniquely susceptible to the Zika virus. We evaluated if small-molecule enhancement of microRNA and RNA interference pathways with enoxacin influenced Zika virus pathogenesis (n=20 dams total yielding 187 fetal specimens). Lastly, placentae (n=14 total) from this mouse model were analyzed with Visium spatial transcriptomics (9743 spatial transcriptomes) to identify potential Zika virus-associated alterations in immune microenvironments. RESULTS We found that Zika virus infection of primary human trophoblast cells led to an unexpected disruption of placental microRNA regulation networks. When compared with uninfected controls, Zika virus-infected placentae had significantly altered SLC12A8, SDK1, and VLDLR RNA-induced silencing complex loading and transcript levels (-22; adjusted P value <.05; Wald-test with false discovery rate correction q<0.05). In silico microRNA target analyses revealed that 26 of 119 transcripts (22%) in the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway were targeted by microRNAs that were found to be dysregulated following Zika virus infection in trophoblasts. In gnotobiotic mice, relative to mock controls, Zika virus-associated fetal pathogenesis included fetal growth restriction (P=.036) and viral persistence in placental tissue (P=.011). Moreover, spatial transcriptomics of murine placentae revealed that Zika virus-specific placental niches were defined by significant up-regulation of complement cascade components and coordinated changes in transforming growth factor-β gene expression. Finally, treatment of Zika virus-infected mice with enoxacin abolished placental Zika virus persistence, rescued the associated fetal growth restriction, and the Zika virus-associated transcriptional changes in placental immune microenvironments were no longer observed. CONCLUSION These results collectively suggest that (1) Zika virus infection and persistence is associated with functionally perturbed microRNA and RNA interference pathways specifically related to immune regulation in placental microenvironments and (2) enhancement of placental microRNA and RNA interference pathways in mice rescued Zika virus-associated pathogenesis, specifically persistence of viral transcripts in placental microenvironments and fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico R Barrozo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Maxim D Seferovic
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Mark P Hamilton
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Hematology & Medical Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - David N Moorshead
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Michael D Jochum
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Trang Do
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Derek S O'Neil
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Melissa A Suter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
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10
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Pan L, Zhu F, Yu A, Jiang Y, Wang D, Zhou M, Jia C, Cui Y, Tang L, Tang H, Li J. The Prl3d1-Cre mouse line selectively induces the expression of Cre recombinase in parietal trophoblast giant cells. Genesis 2024; 62:e23585. [PMID: 38124435 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The placenta plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of normal pregnancy, but how it forms, matures, and performs its function remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a novel mouse line (Prl3d1-iCre) that expresses iCre recombinase under the control of the endogenous prl3d1 promoter. Prl3d1 has been proposed as a marker for distinguishing trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) from other trophoblast cells in the placenta. The in vivo efficiency and specificity of the Cre line were analyzed by interbreeding Prl3d1-iCre mice with B6-G/R reporter mice. Through anatomical studies of the placenta and other tissues of Prl3d1-iCre/+; B6-G/R mouse mice, we found that the tdTomato signal was expressed in parietal trophoblast giant cells (P-TGCs). Thus, we report a mouse line with ectopic Cre expression in P-TGCs, which provides a valuable tool for studying human pathological pregnancies caused by implantation failure or abnormal trophoblast secretion due to aberrant gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqing Pan
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fuquan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aochen Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dayu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minglian Zhou
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Chao Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lisha Tang
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Huaiyun Tang
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Mao Q, Ye Q, Xu Y, Jiang J, Fan Y, Zhuang L, Liu G, Wang T, Zhang Z, Feng T, Kong S, Lu J, Zhang H, Wang H, Lin CP. Murine trophoblast organoids as a model for trophoblast development and CRISPR-Cas9 screening. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2992-3008.e7. [PMID: 38056451 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The placenta becomes one of the most diversified organs during placental mammal radiation. The main in vitro model for studying mouse trophoblast development is the 2D differentiation model of trophoblast stem cells, which is highly skewed to certain lineages and thus hampers systematic screens. Here, we established culture conditions for the establishment, maintenance, and differentiation of murine trophoblast organoids. Murine trophoblast organoids under the maintenance condition contain stem cell-like populations, whereas differentiated organoids possess various trophoblasts resembling placental ones in vivo. Ablation of Nubpl or Gcm1 in trophoblast organoids recapitulated their deficiency phenotypes in vivo, suggesting that those organoids are valid in vitro models for trophoblast development. Importantly, we performed an efficient CRISPR-Cas9 screening in mouse trophoblast organoids using a focused sgRNA (single guide RNA) library targeting G protein-coupled receptors. Together, our results establish an organoid model to investigate mouse trophoblast development and a practicable approach to performing forward screening in trophoblast lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Mao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qinying Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yiwen Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jingwei Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yunhao Fan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lili Zhuang
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Guohui Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tengfei Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhenwu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Teng Feng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Haopeng Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Chao-Po Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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12
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Zheng X, Ma W, Wang Y, Wu C, Wang J, Ma Z, Wei Y, Cui C, Zhang S, Guan W, Chen F. Heat Stress-Induced Fetal Intrauterine Growth Restriction Is Associated with Elevated LPS Levels Along the Maternal Intestine-Placenta-Fetus Axis in Pregnant Mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:19592-19609. [PMID: 38018895 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The exacerbation of the greenhouse effect has made heat stress (HS) an important risk factor for the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The experiment aims to uncover the effects of maternal HS on IUGR and its mechanisms. The results showed that HS leads to decreased maternal and fetal birth weights, accompanied by increased serum oxidative stress and cortisol levels. Moreover, HS inflicted significant damage to both the intestinal and placental barriers, altering maternal gut microbiota and increasing intestinal LPS levels. As a result, LPS levels increased in maternal serum, placenta, and fetus. Furthermore, HS damaged the intestinal structure, intensifying inflammation and disrupting the redox balance. The placenta exposed to HS exhibited changes in the placental structure along with disrupted angiogenesis and decreased levels of nutritional transporters. Additionally, the leakage of LPS triggered placental JNK and ERK phosphorylation, ultimately inducing severe placental inflammation and oxidative stress. This study suggests that LPS translocation from the maternal intestine to the fetus, due to a disrupted gut microbiota balance and compromised intestinal and placental barrier integrity, may be the primary cause of HS-induced IUGR. Furthermore, increased LPS leakage leads to placental inflammation, redox imbalance, and impaired nutrient transport, further restricting fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zheng
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wen Ma
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Caichi Wu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ziwei Ma
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yulong Wei
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chang Cui
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Pig Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture in Lingnan, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
| | - Wutai Guan
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Pig Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture in Lingnan, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
| | - Fang Chen
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Pig Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture in Lingnan, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
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13
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Marinello WP, Gillera SEA, Han Y, Richardson JR, St Armour G, Horman BM, Patisaul HB. Gestational exposure to FireMaster® 550 (FM 550) disrupts the placenta-brain axis in a socially monogamous rodent species, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 576:112041. [PMID: 37562579 PMCID: PMC10795011 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Gestational flame retardant (FR) exposure has been linked to heightened risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Historically, toxicologists have relied on traditional, inbred rodent models, yet those do not always best model human vulnerability or biological systems, especially social systems. Here we used prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a monogamous and bi-parental rodent, leveraged for decades to decipher the underpinnings of social behaviors, to examine the impact of fetal FR exposure on gene targets in the mid-gestational placenta and fetal brain. We previously established gestational exposure to the commercial mixture Firemaster 550 (FM 550) impairs sociality, particularly in males. FM 550 exposure disrupted placental monoamine production, particularly serotonin, and genes required for axon guidance and cellular respiration in the fetal brains. Effects were dose and sex specific. These data provide insights on the mechanisms by which FRs impair neurodevelopment and later in life social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Marinello
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | | | - Yoonhee Han
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Jason R Richardson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Genevieve St Armour
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Brian M Horman
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA; Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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14
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Kaneko-Ishino T, Ishino F. Retrovirus-Derived RTL/SIRH: Their Diverse Roles in the Current Eutherian Developmental System and Contribution to Eutherian Evolution. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1436. [PMID: 37892118 PMCID: PMC10604271 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Eutherians have 11 retrotransposon Gag-like (RTL)/sushi-ichi retrotransposon homolog (SIRH) genes presumably derived from a certain retrovirus. Accumulating evidence indicates that the RTL/SIRH genes play a variety of roles in the current mammalian developmental system, such as in the placenta, brain, and innate immune system, in a eutherian-specific manner. It has been shown that the functional role of Paternally Expressed 10 (PEG10) in placental formation is unique to the therian mammals, as are the eutherian-specific roles of PEG10 and PEG11/RTL1 in maintaining the fetal capillary network and the endocrine regulation of RTL7/SIRH7 (aka Leucine Zipper Down-Regulated in Cancer 1 (LDOCK1)) in the placenta. In the brain, PEG11/RTL1 is expressed in the corticospinal tract and hippocampal commissure, mammalian-specific structures, and in the corpus callosum, a eutherian-specific structure. Unexpectedly, at least three RTL/SIRH genes, RTL5/SIRH8, RTL6/SIRH3, and RTL9/SIRH10, play important roles in combating a variety of pathogens, namely viruses, bacteria, and fungi, respectively, suggesting that the innate immunity system of the brain in eutherians has been enhanced by the emergence of these new components. In this review, we will summarize the function of 10 out of the 11 RTL/SIRH genes and discuss their roles in eutherian development and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Kaneko-Ishino
- Faculty of Nursing, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Fumitoshi Ishino
- Center for Experimental Animals, Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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15
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Lawless L, Qin Y, Xie L, Zhang K. Trophoblast Differentiation: Mechanisms and Implications for Pregnancy Complications. Nutrients 2023; 15:3564. [PMID: 37630754 PMCID: PMC10459728 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental development is a tightly controlled event, in which cell expansion from the trophectoderm occurs in a spatiotemporal manner. Proper trophoblast differentiation is crucial to the vitality of this gestational organ. Obstructions to its development can lead to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth, posing severe health risks to both the mother and offspring. Currently, the only known treatment strategy for these complications is delivery, making it an important area of research. The aim of this review was to summarize the known information on the development and mechanistic regulation of trophoblast differentiation and highlight the similarities in these processes between the human and mouse placenta. Additionally, the known biomarkers for each cell type were compiled to aid in the analysis of sequencing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Lawless
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yushu Qin
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Linglin Xie
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ke Zhang
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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16
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Kannan A, Beal JR, Neff AM, Bagchi MK, Bagchi IC. Runx1 regulates critical factors that control uterine angiogenesis and trophoblast differentiation during placental development. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad215. [PMID: 37416873 PMCID: PMC10321400 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
During early pregnancy in humans and rodents, uterine stromal cells undergo a remarkable differentiation to form the decidua, a transient maternal tissue that supports the growing fetus. It is important to understand the key decidual pathways that orchestrate the proper development of the placenta, a key structure at the maternal-fetal interface. We discovered that ablation of expression of the transcription factor Runx1 in decidual stromal cells in a conditional Runx1-null mouse model (Runx1d/d) causes fetal lethality during placentation. Further phenotypic analysis revealed that uteri of pregnant Runx1d/d mice exhibited severely compromised decidual angiogenesis and a lack of trophoblast differentiation and migration, resulting in impaired spiral artery remodeling. Gene expression profiling using uteri from Runx1d/d and control mice revealed that Runx1 directly controls the decidual expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (also known as GJA1), which was previously shown to be essential for decidual angiogenesis. Our study also revealed that Runx1 controls the expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 2 and IGF-binding protein 4 (IGFBP4) during early pregnancy. While Runx1 deficiency drastically reduced the production of IGF2 by the decidual cells, we observed concurrent elevated expression of the IGFBP4, which regulates the bioavailability of IGFs, thereby controlling trophoblast differentiation. We posit that dysregulated expression of GJA1, IGF2, and IGFBP4 in Runx1d/d decidua contributes to the observed defects in uterine angiogenesis, trophoblast differentiation, and vascular remodeling. This study therefore provides unique insights into key maternal pathways that control the early phases of maternal-fetal interactions within a critical window during placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athilakshmi Kannan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 S Lincoln, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Jacob R Beal
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 407 S Goodwin, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Alison M Neff
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 407 S Goodwin, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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17
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Singh VP, Hassan H, Deng F, Tsuchiya D, McKinney S, Ferro K, Gerton JL. Myc promotes polyploidy in murine trophoblast cells and suppresses senescence. Development 2023; 150:dev201581. [PMID: 37278344 PMCID: PMC10309589 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is essential for reproductive success. The murine placenta includes polyploid giant cells that are crucial for its function. Polyploidy occurs broadly in nature but its regulators and significance in the placenta are unknown. We have discovered that many murine placental cell types are polyploid and have identified factors that license polyploidy using single-cell RNA sequencing. Myc is a key regulator of polyploidy and placental development, and is required for multiple rounds of DNA replication, likely via endocycles, in trophoblast giant cells. Furthermore, MYC supports the expression of DNA replication and nucleotide biosynthesis genes along with ribosomal RNA. Increased DNA damage and senescence occur in trophoblast giant cells without Myc, accompanied by senescence in the neighboring maternal decidua. These data reveal Myc is essential for polyploidy to support normal placental development, thereby preventing premature senescence. Our study, combined with available literature, suggests that Myc is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of polyploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Huzaifa Hassan
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Fengyan Deng
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Sean McKinney
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Kevin Ferro
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Gerton
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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18
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Lackner A, Müller M, Gamperl M, Stoeva D, Langmann O, Papuchova H, Roitinger E, Dürnberger G, Imre R, Mechtler K, Latos PA. The Fgf/Erf/NCoR1/2 repressive axis controls trophoblast cell fate. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2559. [PMID: 37137875 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38101-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental development relies on coordinated cell fate decisions governed by signalling inputs. However, little is known about how signalling cues are transformed into repressive mechanisms triggering lineage-specific transcriptional signatures. Here, we demonstrate that upon inhibition of the Fgf/Erk pathway in mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), the Ets2 repressor factor (Erf) interacts with the Nuclear Receptor Co-Repressor Complex 1 and 2 (NCoR1/2) and recruits it to key trophoblast genes. Genetic ablation of Erf or Tbl1x (a component of the NCoR1/2 complex) abrogates the Erf/NCoR1/2 interaction. This leads to mis-expression of Erf/NCoR1/2 target genes, resulting in a TSC differentiation defect. Mechanistically, Erf regulates expression of these genes by recruiting the NCoR1/2 complex and decommissioning their H3K27ac-dependent enhancers. Our findings uncover how the Fgf/Erf/NCoR1/2 repressive axis governs cell fate and placental development, providing a paradigm for Fgf-mediated transcriptional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lackner
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Müller
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdalena Gamperl
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Delyana Stoeva
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Olivia Langmann
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Henrieta Papuchova
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Richard Imre
- Institute of Molecular Pathology, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Mechtler
- Institute of Molecular Pathology, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paulina A Latos
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
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19
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Weigert R, Hetzel S, Bailly N, Haggerty C, Ilik IA, Yung PYK, Navarro C, Bolondi A, Kumar AS, Anania C, Brändl B, Meierhofer D, Lupiáñez DG, Müller FJ, Aktas T, Elsässer SJ, Kretzmer H, Smith ZD, Meissner A. Dynamic antagonism between key repressive pathways maintains the placental epigenome. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:579-591. [PMID: 37024684 PMCID: PMC10104784 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
DNA and Histone 3 Lysine 27 methylation typically function as repressive modifications and operate within distinct genomic compartments. In mammals, the majority of the genome is kept in a DNA methylated state, whereas the Polycomb repressive complexes regulate the unmethylated CpG-rich promoters of developmental genes. In contrast to this general framework, the extra-embryonic lineages display non-canonical, globally intermediate DNA methylation levels, including disruption of local Polycomb domains. Here, to better understand this unusual landscape's molecular properties, we genetically and chemically perturbed major epigenetic pathways in mouse trophoblast stem cells. We find that the extra-embryonic epigenome reflects ongoing and dynamic de novo methyltransferase recruitment, which is continuously antagonized by Polycomb to maintain intermediate, locally disordered methylation. Despite its disorganized molecular appearance, our data point to a highly controlled equilibrium between counteracting repressors within extra-embryonic cells, one that can seemingly persist indefinitely without bistable features typically seen for embryonic forms of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raha Weigert
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara Hetzel
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Bailly
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chuck Haggerty
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ibrahim A Ilik
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Yuk Kwong Yung
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carmen Navarro
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adriano Bolondi
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abhishek Sampath Kumar
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chiara Anania
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Björn Brändl
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Zentrum für Integrative Psychiatrie gGmbH, Kiel, Germany
| | - David Meierhofer
- Mass Spectrometry Joint Facilities Scientific Service, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Darío G Lupiáñez
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Müller
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Zentrum für Integrative Psychiatrie gGmbH, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tugce Aktas
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon J Elsässer
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helene Kretzmer
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zachary D Smith
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Alexander Meissner
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, US.
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20
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Kannan A, Beal JR, Neff AM, Bagchi MK, Bagchi IC. Runx1 regulates critical factors that control uterine angiogenesis and trophoblast differentiation during placental development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.21.532831. [PMID: 36993295 PMCID: PMC10055213 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.21.532831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED During early pregnancy in humans and rodents, uterine stromal cells undergo a remarkable differentiation to form the decidua, a transient maternal tissue that supports the growing fetus. It is important to understand the key decidual pathways that orchestrate the proper development of the placenta, a key structure at the maternal-fetal interface. We discovered that ablation of expression of the transcription factor Runx1 in decidual stromal cells in a conditional Runx1 -null mouse model ( Runx1 d/d ) causes fetal lethality during placentation. Further phenotypic analysis revealed that uteri of pregnant Runx1 d/d mice exhibited severely compromised decidual angiogenesis, and a lack of trophoblast differentiation and migration, resulting in impaired spiral artery remodeling. Gene expression profiling using uteri from Runx1 d/d and control mice revealed that Runx1 directly controls the decidual expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (also known as GJA1), which was previously shown to be essential for decidual angiogenesis. Our study also revealed a critical role of Runx1 in controlling insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling at the maternal-fetal interface. While Runx1-deficiency drastically reduced the production of IGF2 by the decidual cells, we observed concurrent elevated expression of the IGF-binding protein 4 (IGFBP4), which regulates the bioavailability of IGFs thereby controlling trophoblast differentiation. We posit that dysregulated expression of GJA1, IGF2, and IGFBP4 in Runx1 d/d decidua contributes to the observed defects in uterine angiogenesis, trophoblast differentiation, and vascular remodeling. This study therefore provides unique insights into key maternal pathways that control the early phases of maternal-fetal interactions within a critical window during placental development. SIGNIFICANCE A clear understanding of the maternal pathways that ensure coordination of uterine differentiation and angiogenesis with embryonic growth during the critical early stages of placenta formation still eludes us. The present study reveals that the transcription factor Runx1 controls a set of molecular, cellular, and integrative mechanisms that mediate maternal adaptive responses controlling uterine angiogenesis, trophoblast differentiation, and resultant uterine vascular remodeling, which are essential steps during placenta development.
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21
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A differentiation roadmap of murine placentation at single-cell resolution. Cell Discov 2023; 9:30. [PMID: 36928215 PMCID: PMC10020559 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00513-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is one of the most important yet least understood organs. Due to the limitations of conventional research approaches, we are still far from a comprehensive understanding of mouse placentation, especially regarding the differentiation of trophoblast lineages at the early developmental stage. To decipher cell compositions and developmental processes, we systematically profile the single-cell transcriptomes of trophoblast cells from extraembryonic tissues (embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5) and E8.5) and placentae (E9.5-E14.5) at one-day intervals. We identify distinct trophoblast cell types during mouse placentation, including unreported progenitor cells and intermediate precursor cells. An updated differentiation roadmap of mouse trophoblast lineages is presented following systematic transcriptome analyses. Based on transcriptomic regulatory network inference, we specify transcription factors responsible for the regulation of dynamic developmental processes during lineage diversification. We map lineage differentiation trajectories and find that sinusoid trophoblast giant cells arise from the subpopulation of ectoplacental cone cells. We provide a comprehensive single-cell data resource to shed light on future mechanistic studies of the gene regulatory networks governing hemochorial placentation.
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22
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Kuraku S, Kaiya H, Tanaka T, Hyodo S. Evolution of Vertebrate Hormones and Their Receptors: Insights from Non-Osteichthyan Genomes. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2023; 11:163-182. [PMID: 36400012 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-050922-071351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Homeostatic control and reproductive functions of humans are regulated at the molecular levels largely by peptide hormones secreted from endocrine and/or neuroendocrine cells in the central nervous system and peripheral organs. Homologs of those hormones and their receptors function similarly in many vertebrate species distantly related to humans, but the evolutionary history of the endocrine system involving those factors has been obscured by the scarcity of genome DNA sequence information of some taxa that potentially contain their orthologs. Focusing on non-osteichthyan vertebrates, namely jawless and cartilaginous fishes, this article illustrates how investigating genome sequence information assists our understanding of the diversification of vertebrate gene repertoires in four broad themes: (a) the presence or absence of genes, (b) multiplication and maintenance of paralogs, (c) differential fates of duplicated paralogs, and (d) the evolutionary timing of gene origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehiro Kuraku
- Molecular Life History Laboratory, Department of Genomics and Evolutionary Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan; .,Department of Genetics, Sokendai (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Japan.,Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kaiya
- Grandsoul Research Institute of Immunology, Inc., Uda, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Susumu Hyodo
- Laboratory of Physiology, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
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23
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Rusidzé M, Gargaros A, Fébrissy C, Dubucs C, Weyl A, Ousselin J, Aziza J, Arnal JF, Lenfant F. Estrogen Actions in Placental Vascular Morphogenesis and Spiral Artery Remodeling: A Comparative View between Humans and Mice. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040620. [PMID: 36831287 PMCID: PMC9954071 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens, mainly 17β-estradiol (E2), play a critical role in reproductive organogenesis, ovulation, and fertility via estrogen receptors. E2 is also a well-known regulator of utero-placental vascular development and blood-flow dynamics throughout gestation. Mouse and human placentas possess strikingly different morphological configurations that confer important reproductive advantages. However, the functional interplay between fetal and maternal vasculature remains similar in both species. In this review, we briefly describe the structural and functional characteristics, as well as the development, of mouse and human placentas. In addition, we summarize the current knowledge regarding estrogen actions during utero-placental vascular morphogenesis, which includes uterine angiogenesis, the control of trophoblast behavior, spiral artery remodeling, and hemodynamic adaptation throughout pregnancy, in both mice and humans. Finally, the estrogens that are present in abnormal placentation are also mentioned. Overall, this review highlights the importance of the actions of estrogens in the physiology and pathophysiology of placental vascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Rusidzé
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Adrien Gargaros
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Chanaëlle Fébrissy
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Charlotte Dubucs
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Ariane Weyl
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Jessie Ousselin
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Jacqueline Aziza
- Department of Pathology, Cancer University Institute of Toulouse Oncopole-IUCT, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-François Arnal
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Lenfant
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), INSERM U1297, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU, 31432 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence:
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24
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Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Characterization of placental endocrine function and fetal brain development in a mouse model of small for gestational age. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1116770. [PMID: 36843585 PMCID: PMC9950515 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1116770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditions such as small for gestational age (SGA), which is defined as birthweight less than 10th percentile for gestational age can predispose to neurodevelopmental abnormalities compared to babies with normal birthweight. Fetal growth and birthweight depend on placental function, as this organ transports substrates to the developing fetus and it acts as a source of endocrine factors, including steroids and prolactins that are required for fetal development and pregnancy maintenance. To advance our knowledge on the aetiology of fetal growth disorders, the vast majority of the research has been focused on studying the transport function of the placenta, leaving practically unexplored the contribution of placental hormones in the regulation of fetal growth. Here, using mice and natural variability in fetal growth within the litter, we compared fetuses that fell on or below the 10th percentile (classified as SGA) with those that had adequate weight for their gestational age (AGA). In particular, we compared placental endocrine metabolism and hormone production, as well as fetal brain weight and expression of developmental, growth and metabolic genes between SGA and AGA fetuses. We found that compared to AGA fetuses, SGA fetuses had lower placental efficiency and reduced capacity for placental production of hormones (e.g. steroidogenic gene Cyp17a1, prolactin Prl3a1, and pregnancy-specific glycoproteins Psg21). Brain weight was reduced in SGA fetuses, although this was proportional to the reduction in overall fetal size. The expression of glucose transporter 3 (Slc2a3) was reduced despite the abundance of AKT, FOXO and ERK proteins were similar. Developmental (Sv2b and Gabrg1) and microglia genes (Ier3), as well as the pregnancy-specific glycoprotein receptor (Cd9) were lower in the brain of SGA versus AGA fetuses. In this mouse model of SGA, our results therefore demonstrate that placental endocrine dysfunction is associated with changes in fetal growth and fetal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research – Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research – Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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25
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YOMOGITA H, ITO H, HASHIMOTO K, KUDO A, FUKUSHIMA T, ENDO T, HIRATE Y, AKIMOTO Y, KOMADA M, KANAI Y, MIYASAKA N, KANAI-AZUMA M. A possible function of Nik-related kinase in the labyrinth layer of delayed delivery mouse placentas. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:32-40. [PMID: 36567126 PMCID: PMC9939280 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2022-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In mice and humans, Nik-related protein kinase (Nrk) is an X-linked gene that encodes a serine/threonine kinase belonging to GCK group 4. Nrk knockout (Nrk KO) mice exhibit delayed delivery, possibly due to defective communication between the Nrk KO conceptus and its mother. However, the mechanism of delayed labor remains largely unknown. Here, we found that in pregnant mothers with the Nrk KO conceptus, the serum progesterone (P4) and placental lactogen (PL-2) concentrations in late pregnancy were higher than those in the wild type. Moreover, we demonstrated that Nrk is expressed in trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) and syncytiotrophoblast-2 (SynT-2) in the labyrinth layer of the mouse placenta. In the human placenta, NRK is also expressed in Syn-T in villi. Both human Syn-T and mouse TGCs of the labyrinth layer are present within fetal tissues that are in direct contact with the maternal blood. The labyrinth layer of the Nrk KO conceptus was gigantic, with enlarged cytoplasm and Golgi bodies in the TGCs. To investigate the function of Nrk in the labyrinth layer, a differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis was performed. The DEG analysis revealed that labor-promoting factors, such as prostaglandins, were decreased, and pregnancy-maintaining factors, such as the prolactin family and P4 receptor, were increased. These findings suggest that the Nrk KO mice exhibit delayed delivery owing to high P4 concentrations caused by the hypersecretion of pregnancy-maintaining factors, such as PL-2, from the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi YOMOGITA
- Department of Perinatal and Women’s Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan,Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hikaru ITO
- Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan,Research Facility Center for Science and Technology, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kento HASHIMOTO
- Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Akihiko KUDO
- Department of Microscopic Anatomy, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
| | - Toshiaki FUKUSHIMA
- Cell Biology Center, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Tsutomu ENDO
- Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu HIRATE
- Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro AKIMOTO
- Department of Microscopic Anatomy, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
| | - Masayuki KOMADA
- Cell Biology Center, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira KANAI
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Naoyuki MIYASAKA
- Department of Perinatal and Women’s Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Masami KANAI-AZUMA
- Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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26
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Rusidzé M, Faure MC, Sicard P, Raymond-Letron I, Giton F, Vessieres E, Prevot V, Henrion D, Arnal JF, Cornil CA, Lenfant F. Loss of function of the maternal membrane oestrogen receptor ERα alters expansion of trophoblast cells and impacts mouse fertility. Development 2022; 149:dev200683. [PMID: 36239412 PMCID: PMC9720743 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2024]
Abstract
The binding of 17β-oestradiol to oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) plays a crucial role in the control of reproduction, acting through both nuclear and membrane-initiated signalling. To study the physiological role of membrane ERα in the reproductive system, we used the C451A-ERα mouse model with selective loss of function of membrane ERα. Despite C451A-ERα mice being described as sterile, daily weighing and ultrasound imaging revealed that homozygous females do become pregnant, allowing the investigation of the role of ERα during pregnancy for the first time. All neonatal deaths of the mutant offspring mice resulted from delayed parturition associated with failure in pre-term progesterone withdrawal. Moreover, pregnant C451A-ERα females exhibited partial intrauterine embryo arrest at about E9.5. The observed embryonic lethality resulted from altered expansion of Tpbpa-positive spiral artery-associated trophoblast giant cells into the utero-placental unit, which is associated with an imbalance in expression of angiogenic factors. Together, these processes control the trophoblast-mediated spiral arterial remodelling. Hence, loss of membrane ERα within maternal tissues clearly alters the activity of invasive trophoblast cells during placentogenesis. This previously unreported function of membrane ERα could open new avenues towards a better understanding of human pregnancy-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Rusidzé
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC) Equipe 4, Inserm U1297-UPS, CHU, Toulouse 31432, France
| | | | - Pierre Sicard
- IPAM, BioCampus Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Isabelle Raymond-Letron
- Institut Restore, Université de Toulouse, CNRS U-5070, EFS, ENVT, Inserm U1031, Toulouse 31076, France
| | - Frank Giton
- APHP H.Mondor - IMRB - INSERM U955, Créteil 94010, France
| | - Emilie Vessieres
- Angers University, MITOVASC, CarMe team, CNRS UMR 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers 49055, France
| | - Vincent Prevot
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, FHU 1000 Days for Health, Lille 59000, France
| | - Daniel Henrion
- Angers University, MITOVASC, CarMe team, CNRS UMR 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers 49055, France
| | | | | | - Françoise Lenfant
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC) Equipe 4, Inserm U1297-UPS, CHU, Toulouse 31432, France
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27
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Castle AR, Wohlgemuth S, Arce L, Westaway D. Investigating CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive for production of disease-preventing prion gene alleles. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269342. [PMID: 35671288 PMCID: PMC9173614 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that includes chronic wasting disease, which affects cervids and is highly transmissible. Given that chronic wasting disease prevalence exceeds 30% in some endemic areas of North America, and that eventual transmission to other mammalian species, potentially including humans, cannot be ruled out, novel control strategies beyond population management via hunting and/or culling must be investigated. Prion diseases depend upon post-translational conversion of the cellular prion protein, encoded by the Prnp gene, into a disease-associated conformation; ablation of cellular prion protein expression, which is generally well-tolerated, eliminates prion disease susceptibility entirely. Inspired by demonstrations of gene drive in caged mosquito species, we aimed to test whether a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene drive mechanism could, in principle, promote the spread of a null Prnp allele among mammalian populations. First, we showed that transient co-expression of Cas9 and Prnp-directed guide RNAs in RK13 cells generates indels within the Prnp open-reading frame, indicating that repair of Cas9-induced double-strand breaks by non-homologous end-joining had taken place. Second, we integrated a ~1.2 kb donor DNA sequence into the Prnp open-reading frame in N2a cells by homology-directed repair following Cas9-induced cleavages and confirmed that integration occurred precisely in most cases. Third, we demonstrated that electroporation of Cas9/guide RNA ribonucleoprotein complexes into fertilised mouse oocytes resulted in pups with a variety of disruptions to the Prnp open reading frame, with a new coisogenic line of Prnp-null mice obtained as part of this work. However, a technical challenge in obtaining expression of Cas9 in the male germline prevented implementation of a complete gene drive mechanism in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R. Castle
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Serene Wohlgemuth
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Luis Arce
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - David Westaway
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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28
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Tao S, Zhang X, Tian F, Pan B, Peng R, Wang Y, Xia M, Yang M, Hu J, Kan H, Xu Y, Li W. Maternal exposure to ambient PM 2.5 causes fetal growth restriction via the inhibition of spiral artery remodeling in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 237:113512. [PMID: 35429798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal exposure to ambient fine particulate matters (PM2.5) is associated with low birth weight (LBW) in offspring, but the underlying biological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. As the bridge that connects mother and fetus, the placenta plays a crucial role in fetal development by providing the fetus with nutrients and oxygen. However, whether PM2.5 exposure would impact the placental development and the related mechanisms are unclear. RESULTS In the present study, female C57Bl/6j mice were exposed to filtered air (FA) or concentrated ambient PM2.5 (CAP) during pregestational and gestational periods, and the fetal development and placental structure were investigated. Our results showed that maternal exposure to CAP induced fetal growth restriction (FGR) and LBW. The placenta from CAP-exposed mice exhibited abnormal development including significant decrease of surface area, smaller junctional zone and impaired spiral artery remodeling. Meanwhile, CAP exposure altered trophoblast lineage differentiation and disrupted the balance between angiogenic and angiostatic factors in placenta. In addition, the inflammatory cytokines levels in lung, placenta and serum were significantly increased after ambient PM2.5 exposure. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that maternal exposure to PM2.5 disrupts normal structure and spiral artery remodeling of placenta and further induces FGR and LBW. This effect may be caused by the placental inflammation response subsequent to the pulmonary and systemic inflammation induced by ambient PM2.5 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Tao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Fang Tian
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Renzhen Peng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Minjie Xia
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Mingjun Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jingying Hu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Haidong Kan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yanyi Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weihua Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Sung DC, Chen X, Chen M, Yang J, Schultz S, Babu A, Xu Y, Gao S, Keller TCS, Mericko-Ishizuka P, Lee M, Yang Y, Scallan JP, Kahn ML. VE-cadherin enables trophoblast endovascular invasion and spiral artery remodeling during placental development. eLife 2022; 11:e77241. [PMID: 35486098 PMCID: PMC9106330 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During formation of the mammalian placenta, trophoblasts invade the maternal decidua and remodel spiral arteries to bring maternal blood into the placenta. This process, known as endovascular invasion, is thought to involve the adoption of functional characteristics of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) by trophoblasts. The genetic and molecular basis of endovascular invasion remains poorly defined, however, and whether trophoblasts utilize specialized endothelial proteins in an analogous manner to create vascular channels remains untested. Vascular endothelial (VE-)cadherin is a homotypic adhesion protein that is expressed selectively by ECs in which it enables formation of tight vessels and regulation of EC junctions. VE-cadherin is also expressed in invasive trophoblasts and is a prime candidate for a molecular mechanism of endovascular invasion by those cells. Here, we show that VE-cadherin is required for trophoblast migration and endovascular invasion into the maternal decidua in the mouse. VE-cadherin deficiency results in loss of spiral artery remodeling that leads to decreased flow of maternal blood into the placenta, fetal growth restriction, and death. These studies identify a non-endothelial role for VE-cadherin in trophoblasts during placental development and suggest that endothelial proteins may play functionally unique roles in trophoblasts that do not simply mimic those in ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek C Sung
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Mei Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Jisheng Yang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Susan Schultz
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Apoorva Babu
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Yitian Xu
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Siqi Gao
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - TC Stevenson Keller
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Patricia Mericko-Ishizuka
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Michelle Lee
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South FloridaTampaUnited States
| | - Joshua P Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South FloridaTampaUnited States
| | - Mark L Kahn
- Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
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Li R, Wang TY, Xu X, Emery OM, Yi M, Wu SP, DeMayo FJ. Spatial transcriptomic profiles of mouse uterine microenvironments at pregnancy day 7.5†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:529-545. [PMID: 35357464 PMCID: PMC9382390 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine dysfunctions lead to fertility disorders and pregnancy complications. Normal uterine functions at pregnancy depend on crosstalk among multiple cell types in uterine microenvironments. Here, we performed the spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-seq assays to determine local gene expression profiles at the embryo implantation site of the mouse uterus on pregnancy day 7.5 (D7.5). The spatial transcriptomic annotation identified 11 domains of distinct gene signatures, including a mesometrial myometrium, an anti-mesometrial myometrium, a mesometrial decidua enriched with natural killer cells, a vascular sinus zone for maternal vessel remodeling, a fetal-maternal interface, a primary decidual zone, a transition decidual zone, a secondary decidual zone, undifferentiated stroma, uterine glands, and the embryo. The scRNA-Seq identified 12 types of cells in the D7.5 uterus including three types of stromal fibroblasts with differentiated and undifferentiated markers, one cluster of epithelium including luminal and glandular epithelium, mesothelium, endothelia, pericytes, myelomonocytic cell, natural killer cells, and lymphocyte B. These single-cell RNA signatures were then utilized to deconvolute the cell-type compositions of each individual uterine microenvironment. Functional annotation assays on spatial transcriptomic data revealed uterine microenvironments with distinguished metabolic preferences, immune responses, and various cellular behaviors that are regulated by region-specific endocrine and paracrine signals. Global interactome among regions is also projected based on the spatial transcriptomic data. This study provides high-resolution transcriptome profiles with locality information at the embryo implantation site to facilitate further investigations on molecular mechanisms for normal pregnancy progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tian-yuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics Supportive Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Olivia M Emery
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - MyeongJin Yi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Correspondence: Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T. W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. Tel: +9842873987; E-mail:
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Reed JM, Spinelli P, Falcone S, He M, Goeke CM, Susiarjo M. Evaluating the Effects of BPA and TBBPA Exposure on Pregnancy Loss and Maternal-Fetal Immune Cells in Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:37010. [PMID: 35343813 PMCID: PMC8959013 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been linked to miscarriages and pregnancy complications in humans. In contrast, the potential reproductive toxicity of BPA analogs, including tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), is understudied. Furthermore, although environmental exposure has been linked to altered immune mediators, the effects of BPA and TBBPA on maternal-fetal immune tolerance during pregnancy have not been studied. The present study investigated whether exposure resulted in higher rates of pregnancy loss in mice, lower number of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and lower indoleamine 2,3 deoxygenase 1 (Ido1) expression, which provided evidence for mechanisms related to immune tolerance in pregnancy. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the effects of BPA and TBBPA exposure on pregnancy loss in mice and to study the percentage and number of Tregs and Ido1 expression and DNA methylation. METHODS Analysis of fetal resorption and quantification of maternal and fetal immune cells by flow cytometry were performed in allogeneic and syngeneic pregnancies. Ido1 mRNA and protein expression, and DNA methylation in placentas from control and BPA- and TBBPA-exposed mice were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and bisulfite sequencing analyses. RESULTS BPA and TBBPA exposure resulted in higher rates of hemorrhaging in early allogeneic, but not syngeneic, conceptuses. In allogeneic pregnancies, BPA and TBBPA exposure was associated with higher fetal resorption rates and lower maternal Treg number. Importantly, these differences were associated with lower IDO1 protein expression in trophoblast giant cells and higher mean percentage Ido1 DNA methylation in embryonic day 9.5 placentas from BPA- and TBBPA-exposed mice. DISCUSSION BPA- and TBBPA-induced pregnancy loss in mice was associated with perturbed IDO1-dependent maternal immune tolerance. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10640.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine M. Reed
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Philip Spinelli
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sierra Falcone
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Calla M. Goeke
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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Sandovici I, Georgopoulou A, Pérez-García V, Hufnagel A, López-Tello J, Lam BYH, Schiefer SN, Gaudreau C, Santos F, Hoelle K, Yeo GSH, Burling K, Reiterer M, Fowden AL, Burton GJ, Branco CM, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Constância M. The imprinted Igf2-Igf2r axis is critical for matching placental microvasculature expansion to fetal growth. Dev Cell 2022; 57:63-79.e8. [PMID: 34963058 PMCID: PMC8751640 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In all eutherian mammals, growth of the fetus is dependent upon a functional placenta, but whether and how the latter adapts to putative fetal signals is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate, through fetal, endothelial, hematopoietic, and trophoblast-specific genetic manipulations in the mouse, that endothelial and fetus-derived IGF2 is required for the continuous expansion of the feto-placental microvasculature in late pregnancy. The angiocrine effects of IGF2 on placental microvasculature expansion are mediated, in part, through IGF2R and angiopoietin-Tie2/TEK signaling. Additionally, IGF2 exerts IGF2R-ERK1/2-dependent pro-proliferative and angiogenic effects on primary feto-placental endothelial cells ex vivo. Endothelial and fetus-derived IGF2 also plays an important role in trophoblast morphogenesis, acting through Gcm1 and Synb. Thus, our study reveals a direct role for the imprinted Igf2-Igf2r axis on matching placental development to fetal growth and establishes the principle that hormone-like signals from the fetus play important roles in controlling placental microvasculature and trophoblast morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionel Sandovici
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Aikaterini Georgopoulou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Vicente Pérez-García
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonia Hufnagel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
| | - Jorge López-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Brian Y H Lam
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Samira N Schiefer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
| | - Chelsea Gaudreau
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Fátima Santos
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Katharina Hoelle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
| | - Giles S H Yeo
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Keith Burling
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Moritz Reiterer
- Physiological Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Center for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Abigail L Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Graham J Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Cristina M Branco
- Physiological Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Center for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Miguel Constância
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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Lim J, Ramesh A, Shioda T, Leon Parada K, Luderer U. Sex Differences in Embryonic Gonad Transcriptomes and Benzo[a]pyrene Metabolite Levels After Transplacental Exposure. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqab228. [PMID: 34734245 PMCID: PMC8633617 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are generated during incomplete combustion of organic materials. Prior research has demonstrated that BaP is a prenatal ovarian toxicant and carcinogen. However, the metabolic pathways active in the embryo and its developing gonads and the mechanisms by which prenatal exposure to BaP predisposes to ovarian tumors later in life remain to be fully elucidated. To address these data gaps, we orally dosed pregnant female mice with BaP from embryonic day (E) 6.5 to E11.5 (0, 0.2, or 2 mg/kg/day) for metabolite measurement or E9.5 to E11.5 (0 or 3.33 mg/kg/day) for embryonic gonad RNA sequencing. Embryos were harvested at E13.5 for both experiments. The sum of BaP metabolite concentrations increased significantly with dose in the embryos and placentas, and concentrations were significantly higher in female than male embryos and in embryos than placentas. RNA sequencing revealed that enzymes involved in metabolic activation of BaP are expressed at moderate to high levels in embryonic gonads and that greater transcriptomic changes occurred in the ovaries in response to BaP than in the testes. We identified 490 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with false discovery rate P-values < 0.05 when comparing BaP-exposed to control ovaries but no statistically significant DEGs between BaP-exposed and control testes. Genes related to monocyte/macrophage recruitment and activity, prolactin family genes, and several keratin genes were among the most upregulated genes in the BaP-exposed ovaries. Results show that developing ovaries are more sensitive than testes to prenatal BaP exposure, which may be related to higher concentrations of BaP metabolites in female embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhwan Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aramandla Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Massachusetts General Center for Cancer Research and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen Leon Parada
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ulrike Luderer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Aykroyd BRL, Tunster SJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Loss of imprinting of the Igf2-H19 ICR1 enhances placental endocrine capacity via sex-specific alterations in signalling pathways in the mouse. Development 2022; 149:dev199811. [PMID: 34982814 PMCID: PMC8783045 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Imprinting control region (ICR1) controls the expression of the Igf2 and H19 genes in a parent-of-origin specific manner. Appropriate expression of the Igf2-H19 locus is fundamental for normal fetal development, yet the importance of ICR1 in the placental production of hormones that promote maternal nutrient allocation to the fetus is unknown. To address this, we used a novel mouse model to selectively delete ICR1 in the endocrine junctional zone (Jz) of the mouse placenta (Jz-ΔICR1). The Jz-ΔICR1 mice exhibit increased Igf2 and decreased H19 expression specifically in the Jz. This was accompanied by an expansion of Jz endocrine cell types due to enhanced rates of proliferation and increased expression of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 23 in the placenta of both fetal sexes. However, changes in the endocrine phenotype of the placenta were related to sexually-dimorphic alterations to the abundance of Igf2 receptors and downstream signalling pathways (Pi3k-Akt and Mapk). There was no effect of Jz-ΔICR1 on the expression of targets of the H19-embedded miR-675 or on fetal weight. Our results demonstrate that ICR1 controls placental endocrine capacity via sex-dependent changes in signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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John RM. In support of the placental programming hypothesis: Placental endocrine insufficiency programs atypical behaviour in mothers and their offspring. Exp Physiol 2021; 107:398-404. [PMID: 35037321 PMCID: PMC9306940 DOI: 10.1113/ep089916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
New Findings What is the topic of this review? More than half of all pregnancies in the UK are exposed to adversity linked to increased problems in pregnancy for mothers and adverse outcomes for their children, but we do not know the mechanism(s) underpinning these relationships. What advances does it highlight? Studies in mice prove that placental endocrine insufficiency driven by genetic manipulation of imprinted genes in the offspring can concurrently drive fetal growth restriction, alterations in maternal caregiving and aberrant behaviour in wild‐type offspring exposed to an adverse environment. This suggests that placental endocrine insufficiency might contribute to the co‐morbidity of low birth weight, maternal depression and neurodevelopmental disorders observed in human populations.
Abstract Prenatal adversity, which is estimated to impact more than half of all pregnancies in the UK, compromises fetal growth and increases the chances of stillbirth, prematurity and infant mortality. Beyond these immediate and highly visible problems, infants that survive carry the invisible burden of increased risk of some of the most common and pervasive diseases that impact human populations. In utero exposure to depression and anxiety is one adversity that has been linked to these poorer outcomes, suggesting that maternal mood disorders drive the outcomes. However, recent studies in animal models suggest that both the maternal mood disorders and the detrimental outcomes for children could be the result of the same underlying placental pathology. In these studies, genetically wild‐type rodent mothers exposed to placental endocrine insufficiency engaged in less pup‐focused behaviours and less self‐care. Genetically wild‐type rodent offspring raised in this abnormal environment exhibited increased anxiety‐like behaviours, with male offspring additionally exhibiting deficits in cognition and atypical social behaviour, with some evidence of depressive‐like symptoms. This work establishes experimentally that placental endocrine insufficiency alone is sufficient to drive atypical behaviour in both mothers and their offspring. Although there are some data to suggest that this phenomenon is relevant to human pregnancy, considerably more work is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind M John
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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36
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Roberts H, Woodman AG, Baines KJ, Jeyarajah MJ, Bourque SL, Renaud SJ. Maternal Iron Deficiency Alters Trophoblast Differentiation and Placental Development in Rat Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6396887. [PMID: 34647996 PMCID: PMC8559528 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Iron deficiency, which occurs when iron demands chronically exceed intake, is prevalent in pregnant women. Iron deficiency during pregnancy poses major risks for the baby, including fetal growth restriction and long-term health complications. The placenta serves as the interface between a pregnant mother and her baby, and it ensures adequate nutrient provisions for the fetus. Thus, maternal iron deficiency may impact fetal growth and development by altering placental function. We used a rat model of diet-induced iron deficiency to investigate changes in placental growth and development. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a low-iron or iron-replete diet starting 2 weeks before mating. Compared with controls, both maternal and fetal hemoglobin were reduced in dams fed low-iron diets. Iron deficiency decreased fetal liver and body weight, but not brain, heart, or kidney weight. Placental weight was increased in iron deficiency, due primarily to expansion of the placental junctional zone. The stimulatory effect of iron deficiency on junctional zone development was recapitulated in vitro, as exposure of rat trophoblast stem cells to the iron chelator deferoxamine increased differentiation toward junctional zone trophoblast subtypes. Gene expression analysis revealed 464 transcripts changed at least 1.5-fold (P < 0.05) in placentas from iron-deficient dams, including altered expression of genes associated with oxygen transport and lipoprotein metabolism. Expression of genes associated with iron homeostasis was unchanged despite differences in levels of their encoded proteins. Our findings reveal robust changes in placentation during maternal iron deficiency, which could contribute to the increased risk of fetal distress in these pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Roberts
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Andrew G Woodman
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
| | - Kelly J Baines
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Stephane L Bourque
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E1, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, N6C2V5, Canada
- Correspondence: Stephen J. Renaud, PhD, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario, Canada N6A5C1.
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Cannabinoid and planar cell polarity signaling converges to direct placentation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2108201118. [PMID: 34521753 PMCID: PMC8463896 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108201118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Directed trophoblast migration toward the maternal mesometrial pole is critical for placentation and pregnancy success. Trophoblasts replace maternal arterial endothelial cells to increase blood supply to the placenta. Inferior trophoblast invasion results in pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, and preterm delivery. The maternal chemotactic factors that direct trophoblast migration and the mechanism by which trophoblasts respond to these factors are not clearly understood. Here, we show that invasive trophoblasts deficient in Vangl2, a core planar cell polarity (PCP) component, fail to invade in maternal decidua, and this deficiency results in middle-gestational fetal demise. Previously, we have shown that tightly regulated endocannabinoids via G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptor CB1 are critical to the invasion of trophoblasts called spiral artery trophoblast giant cells (SpA-TGCs). We find that CB1 directly interacts with VANGL2. Trophoblast stem cells devoid of Cnr1 and/or Vangl2 show compromised cell migration. To study roles of VANGL2 and CB1 in trophoblast invasion in vivo, we conditionally deleted Cnr1 (coding CB1) and Vangl2 in progenitors of SpA-TGCs using trophoblast-specific protein alpha (Tpbpa)-Cre. We observed that signaling mediated by VANGL2 and CB1 restrains trophoblasts from random migration by keeping small GTPases quiescent. Our results show that organized PCP in trophoblasts is indispensable for their directed movement and that CB1 exerts its function by direct interaction with membrane proteins other than its canonical G protein-coupled receptor role.
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Uterine Notch2 facilitates pregnancy recognition and corpus luteum maintenance via upregulating decidual Prl8a2. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009786. [PMID: 34460816 PMCID: PMC8432799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal recognition of pregnancy is a necessary prerequisite for gestation maintenance through prolonging the corpus luteum lifespan and ensuring progesterone production. In addition to pituitary prolactin and placental lactogens, decidual derived prolactin family members have been presumed to possess luteotropic effect. However, there was a lack of convincing evidence to support this hypothesis. Here, we unveiled an essential role of uterine Notch2 in pregnancy recognition and corpus luteum maintenance. Uterine-specific deletion of Notch2 did not affect female fertility. Nevertheless, the expression of decidual Prl8a2, a member of the prolactin family, was downregulated due to Notch2 ablation. Subsequently, we interrupted pituitary prolactin function to determine the luteotropic role of the decidua by employing the lipopolysaccharide-induced prolactin resistance model, or blocking the prolactin signaling by prolactin receptor-Fc fusion protein, or repressing pituitary prolactin release by dopamine receptor agonist bromocriptine, and found that Notch2-deficient females were more sensitive to these stresses and ended up in pregnancy loss resulting from abnormal corpus luteum function and insufficient serum progesterone level. Overexpression of Prl8a2 in Notch2 knockout mice rescued lipopolysaccharide-induced abortion, highlighting its luteotropic function. Further investigation adopting Rbpj knockout and DNMAML overexpression mouse models along with chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase analysis confirmed that Prl8a2 was regulated by the canonical Notch signaling. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that decidual prolactin members, under the control of uterine Notch signaling, assisted pituitary prolactin to sustain corpus luteum function and serum progesterone level during post-implantation phase, which was conducive to pregnancy recognition and maintenance. Progesterone secreted from the corpus luteum in the ovary is indispensable to pregnancy maintenance in both rodents and humans. Therefore, prolonged corpus luteum lifespan and sustainable progesterone production is a prerequisite for a successful pregnancy. In rodents, in addition to pituitary prolactin and placental lactogens, decidual derived factors have been presumed to possess luteotropic effects during the post-implantation stage. In this study, utilizing a mouse model with uterine specific deletion of Notch2, which displayed decreased level of decidual prolactin member Prl8a2, combined with multiple approaches to interrupt the pituitary prolactin signal, we demonstrated that decidual derived Prl8a2 assisted pituitary prolactin to sustain corpus luteum function and serum progesterone level during post-implantation phase, which was conducive to pregnancy recognition and maintenance. In addition, the expression of decidual Prl8a2 was under the direct control of the canonical Notch pathway. Together, we herein provide convincing evidence that decidual produced Prl8a2, modulated by uterine canonical Notch signaling, exhibits luteotropic functions and contributes to pregnancy maintenance.
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Lee J, Garcia V, Nambiar SM, Jiang H, Dai G. Activation of Proneuronal Transcription Factor Ascl1 in Maternal Liver Ensures a Healthy Pregnancy. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:35-55. [PMID: 34438112 PMCID: PMC8600092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Maternal liver shows robust adaptations to pregnancy to accommodate the metabolic needs of the developing and growing placenta and fetus by largely unknown mechanisms. We found that Ascl1, a gene encoding a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor essential for neuronal development, is highly activated in maternal hepatocytes during the second half of gestation in mice. METHODS To investigate whether and how Ascl1 plays a pregnancy-dependent role, we deleted the Ascl1 gene specifically in maternal hepatocytes from midgestation until term. RESULTS As a result, we identified multiple Ascl1-dependent phenotypes. Maternal livers lacking Ascl1 showed aberrant hepatocyte structure, increased hepatocyte proliferation, enlarged hepatocyte size, reduced albumin production, and increased release of liver enzymes, indicating maternal liver dysfunction. Simultaneously, maternal pancreas and spleen and the placenta showed marked overgrowth; and the maternal ceca microbiome showed alterations in relative abundance of several bacterial subpopulations. Moreover, litters born from maternal hepatic Ascl1-deficient dams experienced abnormal postnatal growth after weaning, implying an adverse pregnancy outcome. Mechanistically, we found that maternal hepatocytes deficient for Ascl1 showed robust activation of insulin-like growth factor 2 expression, which may contribute to the Ascl1-dependent phenotypes widespread in maternal and uteroplacental compartments. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we show that maternal liver, via activating Ascl1 expression, modulates the adaptations of maternal organs and the growth of the placenta to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Our studies show that Ascl1 is a novel and critical regulator of the physiology of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonyong Lee
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Veronica Garcia
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Shashank M Nambiar
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Huaizhou Jiang
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Guoli Dai
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Morimoto H, Ueno M, Tanabe H, Kono T, Ogawa H. Progesterone depletion results in Lamin B1 loss and induction of cell death in mouse trophoblast giant cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254674. [PMID: 34260661 PMCID: PMC8279370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast giant cells (TGCs), a mouse trophoblast subtype, have large amounts of cytoplasm and high ploidy levels via endocycles. The diverse functions and gene expression profiles of TGCs have been studied well, but their nuclear structures remain unknown. In this study, we focus on Lamin B1, a nuclear lamina, and clarify its expression dynamics, regulation and roles in TGC functions. TGCs that differentiated from trophoblast stem cells were used. From days 0 to 9 after differentiation, the number of TGCs gradually increased, but the amount of LMNB1 peaked at day 3 and then slightly decreased. An immunostaining experiment showed that LMNB1-depleted TGCs increased after day 6 of differentiation. These LMNB1-depleted TGCs diffused peripheral localization of the heterochromatin marker H3K9me2 in the nuclei. However, LMINB1-knock down was not affected TGCs specific gene expression. We found that the death of TGCs also increased after day 6 of differentiation. Moreover, Lamin B1 loss and the cell death in TGCs were protected by 10-6 M progesterone. Our results conclude that progesterone protects against Lamin B1 loss and prolongs the life and function of TGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromu Morimoto
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Misuzu Ueno
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Tanabe
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems Science, School of Advanced Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kono
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Ogawa
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
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Nakano T, Aochi H, Hirasaki M, Takenaka Y, Fujita K, Tamura M, Soma H, Kamezawa H, Koizumi T, Shibuya H, Inomata R, Okuda A, Murakoshi T, Shimada A, Inoue I. Effects of Pparγ1 deletion on late-stage murine embryogenesis and cells that undergo endocycle. Dev Biol 2021; 478:222-235. [PMID: 34246625 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ1, a nuclear receptor, is abundant in the murine placenta during the late stage of pregnancy (E15-E16), although its functional roles remain unclear. PPARγ1 is encoded by two splicing isoforms, namely Pparγ1canonical and Pparγ1sv, and its embryonic loss leads to early (E10) embryonic lethality. Thus, we generated knockout (KO) mice that carried only one of the isoforms to obtain a milder phenotype. Pparγ1sv-KO mice were viable and fertile, whereas Pparγ1canonical-KO mice failed to recover around the weaning age. Pparγ1canonical-KO embryos developed normally up to 15.5 dpc, followed by growth delays after that. The junctional zone of Pparγ1canonical-KO placentas severely infiltrated the labyrinth, and maternal blood sinuses were dilated. In the wild-type, PPARγ1 was highly expressed in sinusoidal trophoblast giant cells (S-TGCs), peaking at 15.5 dpc. Pparγ1canonical-KO abolished PPARγ1 expression in S-TGCs. Notably, the S-TGCs had unusually enlarged nuclei and often occupied maternal vascular spaces, disturbing the organization of the fine labyrinth structure. Gene expression analyses of Pparγ1canonical-KO placentas indicated enhanced S-phase cell cycle signatures. EdU-positive S-TGCs in Pparγ1canonical-KO placentas were greater in number than those in wild-type placentas, suggesting that the cells continued to endoreplicate in the mutant placentas. These results indicate that PPARγ1, a known cell cycle arrest mediator, is involved in the transition of TGCs undergoing endocycling to the terminal differentiation stage in the placentas. Therefore, PPARγ1 deficiency, induced through genetic manipulation, leads to placental insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanari Nakano
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Hidekazu Aochi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masataka Hirasaki
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takenaka
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan; Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Tamura
- Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Soma
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Kamezawa
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takahiro Koizumi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Shibuya
- Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Reiko Inomata
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akihiko Okuda
- Division of Developmental Biology, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takayuki Murakoshi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akira Shimada
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ikuo Inoue
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan.
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Napso T, Zhao X, Lligoña MI, Sandovici I, Kay RG, George AL, Gribble FM, Reimann F, Meek CL, Hamilton RS, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Placental secretome characterization identifies candidates for pregnancy complications. Commun Biol 2021; 4:701. [PMID: 34103657 PMCID: PMC8187406 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in maternal physiological adaptation during pregnancy lead to complications, including abnormal birthweight and gestational diabetes. Maternal adaptations are driven by placental hormones, although the full identity of these is lacking. This study unbiasedly characterized the secretory output of mouse placental endocrine cells and examined whether these data could identify placental hormones important for determining pregnancy outcome in humans. Secretome and cell peptidome analyses were performed on cultured primary trophoblast and fluorescence-activated sorted endocrine trophoblasts from mice and a placental secretome map was generated. Proteins secreted from the placenta were detectable in the circulation of mice and showed a higher relative abundance in pregnancy. Bioinformatic analyses showed that placental secretome proteins are involved in metabolic, immune and growth modulation, are largely expressed by human placenta and several are dysregulated in pregnancy complications. Moreover, proof-of-concept studies found that secreted placental proteins (sFLT1/MIF and ANGPT2/MIF ratios) were increased in women prior to diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Thus, placental secretome analysis could lead to the identification of new placental biomarkers of pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Napso
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marta Ibañez Lligoña
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ionel Sandovici
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Richard G Kay
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amy L George
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fiona M Gribble
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Frank Reimann
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Claire L Meek
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Russell S Hamilton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Shen H, Yang M, Li S, Zhang J, Peng B, Wang C, Chang Z, Ong J, Du P. Mouse totipotent stem cells captured and maintained through spliceosomal repression. Cell 2021; 184:2843-2859.e20. [PMID: 33991488 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since establishment of the first embryonic stem cells (ESCs), in vitro culture of totipotent cells functionally and molecularly comparable with in vivo blastomeres with embryonic and extraembryonic developmental potential has been a challenge. Here we report that spliceosomal repression in mouse ESCs drives a pluripotent-to-totipotent state transition. Using the splicing inhibitor pladienolide B, we achieve stable in vitro culture of totipotent ESCs comparable at molecular levels with 2- and 4-cell blastomeres, which we call totipotent blastomere-like cells (TBLCs). Mouse chimeric assays combined with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) demonstrate that TBLCs have a robust bidirectional developmental capability to generate multiple embryonic and extraembryonic cell lineages. Mechanically, spliceosomal repression causes widespread splicing inhibition of pluripotent genes, whereas totipotent genes, which contain few short introns, are efficiently spliced and transcriptionally activated. Our study provides a means for capturing and maintaining totipotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shiyu Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bing Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chunhui Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zai Chang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jennie Ong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peng Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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44
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Van Gronigen Case G, Storey KM, Parmeley LE, Schulz LC. Effects of maternal nutrient restriction during the periconceptional period on placental development in the mouse. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244971. [PMID: 33444393 PMCID: PMC7808591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal undernutrition has detrimental effects on fetal development and adult health. Total caloric restriction during early pregnancy followed by adequate nutrition for the remainder of gestation, is particularly linked to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks during adulthood. The placenta is responsible for transport of nutrients from the maternal to fetal circulation, and the efficiency with which it does so can be adjusted to the maternal nutrient supply. There is evidence that placental adaptations to nutrient restriction in early pregnancy may be retained even when adequate nutrition is restored later in pregnancy, leading to a potential mismatch between placental efficiency and maternal nutrient supplies. However, in the mouse, 50% caloric restriction from days 1.5-11.5 of gestation, while temporarily altering placental structure and gene expression, had no significant effect on day 18.5. The periconceptional period, during which oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preimplantation development occur may be especially critical in creating lasting impact on the placenta. Here, mice were subjected to 50% caloric restriction from 3 weeks prior to pregnancy through d11.5, and then placental structure, the expression of key nutrient transporters, and global DNA methylation levels were examined at gestation d18.5. Prior exposure to caloric restriction increased maternal blood space area, but decreased expression of the key System A amino acid transporter Slc38a4 at d18.5. Neither placental and fetal weights, nor placental DNA methylation levels were affected. Thus, total caloric restriction beginning in the periconceptional period does have a lasting impact on placental development in the mouse, but without changing placental efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerialisa Van Gronigen Case
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M. Storey
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Lauren E. Parmeley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Laura C. Schulz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
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Qiao L, Saget S, Lu C, Hay WW, Karsenty G, Shao J. Adiponectin Promotes Maternal β-Cell Expansion Through Placental Lactogen Expression. Diabetes 2021; 70:132-142. [PMID: 33087456 PMCID: PMC7881845 DOI: 10.2337/db20-0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hypoadiponectinemia is a risk factor of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Our previous study reported that adiponectin gene knockout mice (Adipoq -/- ) develop GDM due to insulin insufficiency. The main objective of this study was to elucidate the underlying mechanism through which adiponectin controls islet expansion during pregnancy. A significant reduction in β-cell proliferation rates, β-cell areas, and blood insulin concentrations was detected in Adipoq -/- mice at midpregnancy. Surprisingly, conditionally knocking down adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) or AdipoR2 genes in β-cells during pregnancy did not reduce β-cell proliferation rates or blood insulin concentrations. In vitro adiponectin treatment also failed to show any effect on β-cell proliferation of isolated pancreatic islets. It was reported that placental lactogen (PL) plays a crucial role in pregnancy-induced maternal β-cell proliferation. A significant decrease in phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5, a downstream molecule of PL signaling, was observed in islets from Adipoq -/- dams. The mRNA levels of mouse PL genes were robustly decreased in the placentas of Adipoq -/- dams. In contrast, adiponectin treatment increased PL expression in human placenta explants and JEG3 trophoblast cells. Most importantly, bovine PL injection restored β-cell proliferation and blood insulin concentrations in Adipoq -/- dams. Together, these results demonstrate that adiponectin plays a vital role in pregnancy-induced β-cell proliferation by promoting PL expression in trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Qiao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Sarah Saget
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Cindy Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - William W Hay
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Gerard Karsenty
- Department of Genetics and Development, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jianhua Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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Marsh B, Blelloch R. Single nuclei RNA-seq of mouse placental labyrinth development. eLife 2020; 9:e60266. [PMID: 33141023 PMCID: PMC7669270 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the interface between mother and fetus in all eutherian species. However, our understanding of this essential organ remains incomplete. A substantial challenge has been the syncytial cells of the placenta, which have made dissociation and independent evaluation of the different cell types of this organ difficult. Here, we address questions concerning the ontogeny, specification, and function of the cell types of a representative hemochorial placenta by performing single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) at multiple stages of mouse embryonic development focusing on the exchange interface, the labyrinth. Timepoints extended from progenitor-driven expansion through terminal differentiation. Analysis by snRNA-seq identified transcript profiles and inferred functions, cell trajectories, signaling interactions, and transcriptional drivers of all but the most highly polyploid cell types of the placenta. These data profile placental development at an unprecedented resolution, provide insights into differentiation and function across time, and provide a resource for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Marsh
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Department of Urology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Robert Blelloch
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Department of Urology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
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Cattini PA, Jin Y, Jarmasz JS, Noorjahan N, Bock ME. Obesity and regulation of human placental lactogen production in pregnancy. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12859. [PMID: 32500948 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12859] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The four genes coding for placental members of the human (h) growth hormone (GH) family include two that code independently for placental lactogen (PL), also known as chorionic somatomammotrophin hormone, one that codes for placental growth hormone (PGH) and a pseudogene for which RNA but no protein product is reported. These genes are expressed preferentially in the villus syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta in pregnancy. In higher primates, the placental members, including hPL and PGH, are the result of multiple duplication events of the GH gene. This contrasts with rodents and ruminants, where PLs result from duplication of the prolactin (PRL) gene. Thus, unlike their mouse counterparts, the hPL and PGH hormones bind both lactogenic and somatogenic receptors with varying affinity. Roles influenced by nutrient availability in both metabolic control in pregnancy and maternal behaviour are supported. However, the effect maternal obesity has on the activation of placental members of the hGH gene family, particularly the expression and function of those genes, is poorly understood. Evidence from partially humanised hGH/PL transgenic mice indicates that both the remote upstream hPL locus control region (LCR) and more gene-related regulatory regions are required for placental expression in vivo. Furthermore, a specific pattern of interactions between the LCR and hPL gene promoter regions is detected in term placenta chromatin from women with a normal body mass index (BMI) in the range 18.5-25 kg m-2 by chromosome conformation capture assay. This pattern is disrupted with maternal obesity (class II BMI > 35 kg m-2 ) and associated with a > 40% decrease in term hPL RNA levels, as well as serum hPL but not PRL levels, during pregnancy. The relative importance of the chromosomal architecture and predicted properties for transcription factor participation in terms of hPL production and response to obesity are considered, based on comparison with components required for efficient human pituitary GH gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Cattini
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jessica S Jarmasz
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Noshin Noorjahan
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Margaret E Bock
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Green MT, Martin RE, Kinkade JA, Schmidt RR, Bivens NJ, Tuteja G, Mao J, Rosenfeld CS. Maternal oxycodone treatment causes pathophysiological changes in the mouse placenta. Placenta 2020; 100:96-110. [PMID: 32891007 PMCID: PMC8112023 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women are increasingly being prescribed and abusing opioid drugs. As the primary communication organ between mother and conceptus, the placenta may be vulnerable to opioid effects but also holds the key to better understanding how these drugs affect long-term offspring health. We hypothesized that maternal treatment with oxycodone (OXY), the primary opioid at the center of the current crisis, deleteriously affects placental structure and gene expression patterns. METHODS Female mice were treated daily with 5 mg OXY/kg or saline solution (Control, CTL) for two weeks prior to breeding and until placenta were collected at embryonic age 12.5. A portion of the placenta was fixed for histology, and the remainder was frozen for RNA isolation followed by RNAseq. RESULTS Maternal OXY treatment reduced parietal trophoblast giant cell (pTGC) area and decreased the maternal blood vessel area within the labyrinth region. OXY exposure affected placental gene expression profiles in a sex dependent manner with female placenta showing up-regulation of many placental enriched genes, including Ceacam11, Ceacam14, Ceacam12, Ceacam13, Prl7b1, Prl2b1, Ctsq, and Tpbpa. In contrast, placenta of OXY exposed males had alteration of many ribosomal proteins. Weighted correlation network analysis revealed that in OXY female vs. CTL female comparison, select modules correlated with OXY-induced placental histological changes. Such associations were lacking in the male OXY vs. CTL male comparison. DISCUSSION Results suggest OXY exposure alters placental histology. In response to OXY exposure, female placenta responds by upregulating placental enriched transcripts that are either unchanged or downregulated in male placenta. Such changes may shield female offspring from developmental origins of health and disease-based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison T Green
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Rachel E Martin
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jessica A Kinkade
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Robert R Schmidt
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Nathan J Bivens
- DNA Core Facility, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Jiude Mao
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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Hammerle CM, Sandovici I, Brierley GV, Smith NM, Zimmer WE, Zvetkova I, Prosser HM, Sekita Y, Lam BYH, Ma M, Cooper WN, Vidal-Puig A, Ozanne SE, Medina-Gómez G, Constância M. Mesenchyme-derived IGF2 is a major paracrine regulator of pancreatic growth and function. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009069. [PMID: 33057429 PMCID: PMC7678979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic mechanisms that determine the size of the adult pancreas are poorly understood. Imprinted genes, which are expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, are known to have important roles in development, growth and metabolism. However, our knowledge regarding their roles in the control of pancreatic growth and function remains limited. Here we show that many imprinted genes are highly expressed in pancreatic mesenchyme-derived cells and explore the role of the paternally-expressed insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) gene in mesenchymal and epithelial pancreatic lineages using a newly developed conditional Igf2 mouse model. Mesenchyme-specific Igf2 deletion results in acinar and beta-cell hypoplasia, postnatal whole-body growth restriction and maternal glucose intolerance during pregnancy, suggesting that the mesenchyme is a developmental reservoir of IGF2 used for paracrine signalling. The unique actions of mesenchymal IGF2 are demonstrated by the absence of any discernible growth or functional phenotypes upon Igf2 deletion in the developing pancreatic epithelium. Additionally, increased IGF2 levels specifically in the mesenchyme, through conditional Igf2 loss-of-imprinting or Igf2r deletion, leads to pancreatic acinar overgrowth. Furthermore, ex-vivo exposure of primary acinar cells to exogenous IGF2 activates AKT, a key signalling node, and increases their number and amylase production. Based on these findings, we propose that mesenchymal Igf2, and perhaps other imprinted genes, are key developmental regulators of adult pancreas size and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze M. Hammerle
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ionel Sandovici
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma V. Brierley
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola M. Smith
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Warren E. Zimmer
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ilona Zvetkova
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Haydn M. Prosser
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Yoichi Sekita
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Y. H. Lam
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marcella Ma
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy N. Cooper
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Vidal-Puig
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E. Ozanne
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gema Medina-Gómez
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922-Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Constância
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Mouillet JF, Goff J, Sadovsky E, Sun H, Parks T, Chu T, Sadovsky Y. Transgenic expression of human C19MC miRNAs impacts placental morphogenesis. Placenta 2020; 101:208-214. [PMID: 33017713 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.09.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC) encodes a large family of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are abundantly expressed in the placenta of higher primates and also in certain cancers. In the placenta, miRNAs from this cluster account for nearly 40% of all miRNAs present in trophoblasts. However, the function of these miRNAs in the placenta remains poorly understood. Recent observations reveal a role for these miRNAs in cell migration, and suggest that they are involved in the development and function of the human placenta. Here, we examine the placenta in transgenic mice expressing the human C19MC miRNAs. METHODS We produced transgenic mice using pronuclear microinjection of a bacterial artificial chromosome plasmid carrying the entire human C19MC locus and derived a homozygous line using crossbreeding. We performed morphological characterization and profiled gene expression changes in the placentas of the transgenic mice. RESULTS C19MC transgenic mice delivered on time with no gross malformations. The placentas of transgenic mice expressed C19MC miRNAs and were larger than wild type placentas. Histologically, we found that the transgenic placenta exhibited projections of spongiotrophoblasts that penetrated deep into the labyrinth. Gene expression analysis revealed alterations in the expression of several genes involved in cell migration, with evidence of enhanced cell proliferation. DISCUSSION Mice that were humanized for transgenically overexpressed C19MC miRNAs exhibit enlarged placentas with aberrant delineation of cell layers. The observed phenotype and the related gene expression changes suggest disrupted migration of placental cell subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Francois Mouillet
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Julie Goff
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elena Sadovsky
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Huijie Sun
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tony Parks
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tianjiao Chu
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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