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Chousal JN, Sohni A, Vitting-Seerup K, Cho K, Kim M, Tan K, Porse B, Wilkinson MF, Cook-Andersen H. Progression of the pluripotent epiblast depends upon the NMD factor UPF2. Development 2022; 149:dev200764. [PMID: 36255229 PMCID: PMC9687065 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200764] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) is a highly conserved RNA turnover pathway that degrades RNAs harboring in-frame stop codons in specific contexts. Loss of NMD factors leads to embryonic lethality in organisms spanning the phylogenetic scale, but the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we report that the core NMD factor, UPF2, is required for expansion of epiblast cells within the inner cell mass of mice in vivo. We identify NMD target mRNAs in mouse blastocysts - both canonical and alternatively processed mRNAs - including those encoding cell cycle arrest and apoptosis factors, raising the possibility that NMD is essential for embryonic cell proliferation and survival. In support, the inner cell mass of Upf2-null blastocysts rapidly regresses with outgrowth and is incompetent for embryonic stem cell derivation in vitro. In addition, we uncovered concordant temporal- and lineage-specific regulation of NMD factors and mRNA targets, indicative of a shift in NMD magnitude during peri-implantation development. Together, our results reveal developmental and molecular functions of the NMD pathway in the early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N. Chousal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Abhishek Sohni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kristoffer Vitting-Seerup
- The Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology and Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kyucheol Cho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Matthew Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kun Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Bo Porse
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, DanStem, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miles F. Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Heidi Cook-Andersen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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2
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Acuña F, Barbeito CG, Portiansky EL, Ranea G, Miglino MA, Flamini MA. Spontaneous embryonic death in plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus - Rodentia), a species with unique reproductive characteristics. Theriogenology 2022; 185:88-96. [PMID: 35395589 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous embryonic death is a conserved reproductive event in Eutherians. The macro and microscopic characteristics of this type of death are similar between the different taxa. However, in the hystricomorphic rodent plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus) is exceptional in terms of massiveness (80% embryonic resorption). In this species, of the 10-12 implantation sites (IS) (half in each uterine horn), only the caudal embryos will survive, resorbing the cranial and intermediate IS. We hypothesize that uterine structural variations in L. maximus restrict growth and promote embryo death, with the consequent loss of placental homeostasis in the cranial and middle IS. In this study, different studies (ultrasonography, macroscopy and microscopy) were carried out to analyze different aspects of the intermediate gestation of L. maximus (46 days postcoitus). Ultrasonographic studies revealed that the cranial and middle IS (IS-1, IS-2, and IS-3) had no recognizable embryonic and placental structures as compared to the caudal implantation sites (IS-4). Macroscopically, the areas corresponding to the embryos in the cranial and middle IS were occupied by a necrotic black semi-fluid mass. Moreover, the placenta in these IS was undifferentiated. However, in the caudal IS both the embryo and its placenta were distinguishable. Using histological and immunohistochemical techniques, it was observed that the placentas of IS-1, IS-2 and IS-3 were disorganized and showed hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltration containing neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells and foreign body giant cells, apoptotic trophoblast, and a layer of collagen fibers and fibroblasts that circumscribed each of these IS. In contrast, the placenta of the caudal IS showed an organized maternal-embryonic interface. The characteristics observed in IS in resorption of viscachas in intermediate gestation show that, regardless of gestation time, embryonic death has a similar macro and microscopic morphological pattern among eutherians with invasive placentation. However, the massiveness and sectorization of embryonic death in the plains viscacha make the species a unique model for the study of this reproductive event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Acuña
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT-La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Claudio Gustavo Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT-La Plata, Argentina
| | - Enrique Leo Portiansky
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CCT-La Plata, Argentina; Laboratorio de Análisis de Imágenes, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Guadalupe Ranea
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - María Angélica Miglino
- Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de San Pablo, San Pablo, Brazil
| | - Mirta Alicia Flamini
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
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3
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Wang Z, Meng N, Wang Y, Zhou T, Li M, Wang S, Chen S, Zheng H, Kong S, Wang H, Yan W. Ablation of the miR-465 Cluster Causes a Skewed Sex Ratio in Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:893854. [PMID: 35677715 PMCID: PMC9167928 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.893854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The X-linked miR-465 cluster is highly expressed in the testis, sperm, newborn ovary, and blastocysts as well as in 8-16 cell embryos. However, the physiological role of the miR-465 cluster is still largely unknown. This study aims to dissect the role of the miR-465 cluster in murine development. Despite abundant expression in the testis, ablation of the miR-465 miRNA cluster using CRISPR-Cas9 did not cause infertility. Instead, a skewed sex ratio biased toward males (60% males) was observed among miR-465 KO mice. Further analyses revealed that the female conceptuses selectively degenerated as early as embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5). Small RNA deep sequencing, qPCR, and in situ hybridization analyses revealed that the miRNAs encoded by the miR-465 cluster were mainly localized to the extraembryonic tissue/developing placenta. RNA-seq analyses identified altered mRNA transcriptome characterized by the dysregulation of numerous critical placental genes, e.g., Alkbh1, in the KO conceptuses at E7.5. Taken together, this study showed that the miR-465 cluster is required for normal female placental development, and ablation of the miR-465 cluster leads to a skewed sex ratio with more males (~60%) due to selective degeneration and resorption of the female conceptuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Nan Meng
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Musheng Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Shawn Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Huili Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Wei Yan,
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4
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Tomoda K, Kime C. Synthetic embryology: Early mammalian embryo modeling systems from cell cultures. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:116-126. [PMID: 33540477 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the fields of embryology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, and cell reprogramming, have intersected with synthetic embryo systems (SESs) from cultured cells. Among such SESs, several approaches have engaged early-embryo-like cells, cells with atypical potency, or assembled traditional in vitro stem cell populations with synergy, to advance life discovery systems that may yield emergent knowledge and biotechnical advance. Such models center on the competent generation of blastocyst-like and post-implantation embryo-like forms. Our group, and several others have recently pioneered unique SES strategies covering a broad spectrum of key early embryo-like developmental stages and features to seed an emerging SES field. Herein, we provide a comprehensive perspective of synthetic embryology and the powerful promise that excites us.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiichiro Tomoda
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto, Japan.,Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan
| | - Cody Kime
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
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5
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Acuña F, Barbeito CG, Portiansky EL, Miglino MA, Flamini MA. Prenatal development in Lagostomus maximus (Rodentia, Chinchillidae): A unique case among eutherian mammals of physiological embryonic death. J Morphol 2021; 282:720-732. [PMID: 33638264 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic death followed by resorption is a conserved process in mammals. Among the polyovular species, Lagostomus maximus (plains viscacha) constitutes a model of early and physiological embryonic death, since out of a total of 10-12 implants, 8-10 are resorbed during early/intermediate gestation, surviving are only the most caudal implantations of each uterine horn. This regular reproductive event is unique to this species, but many characteristics of the implantations during the early gestation of L. maximus, when embryonic death processes begin are unknown. The aim of the present work was to analyze the implantation sites of this species using morphological, morphometric, histochemical, lectinhistochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques to infer the possible causes of this event. Macroscopically, the length and width of the implantation sites significantly increased in a craniocaudal direction. Histochemically, the implantation sites did not differ in the expression of glycoconjugates and glycosidic residues. Furthermore, no variations were observed in cell renewal, hormone receptor expression, and decidualization. Both the glandular and vascular areas of the implantation sites significantly increased in the craniocaudal axis. Some necrotic cells and an inflammatory response with a predominance of lymphocytes and fibrin were observed in the cranial and middle but not in the caudal implantation sites. We conclude that signs of embryonic death and resorption are already observed in the early gestation of L. maximus. Our results reaffirm the hypothesis that postulates the key potential role of uterine glands and blood vessels in the gestation of the species, with emphasis on embryonic death. This pattern of embryonic death in L. maximus makes this species an unconventional mammalian model, which adds to the peculiarities of polyovulation (200-800 oocytes/estrus) and hemochorial placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Acuña
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEYC, FCV-UNLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT - La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio G Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEYC, FCV-UNLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT - La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Enrique L Portiansky
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT - La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Análisis de Imágenes, Cátedra de Patología General, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (LAI, FCV-UNLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Miglino
- Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de San Pablo, San Pablo, Brazil
| | - Mirta A Flamini
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada, Cátedra de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (LHYEDEYC, FCV-UNLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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6
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Use of a portable ultrasound machine to determine pregnancy and uterine litter size for wild Gunnison’s prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni). MAMMAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-020-00530-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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7
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Giacomeli R, Guerra Teixeira FE, Carvalho FB, Pacheco CO, Martins Parisotto AJ, Funguetto Ribeiro AC, Gomes de Gomes M, Haas SE. Curcumin-loaded poly(ϵ-caprolactone) lipid-core nanocapsules: Evaluation of fetal and maternal toxicity. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 144:111625. [PMID: 32738367 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine fetal and maternal toxicity of curcumin (CURC) loaded lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) prepared with poly(ϵ-caprolactone) as a polymer, administered during the organogenesis period. Free CURC and CURC loaded-LNC (C-LNC) (2 mg/kg), blank LNC (B-LNC) and saline (CONTROL) were administered per oral route from the 7° to 13° gestational day (GD). Dams were evaluated daily for body weight gain, clinical signs, water and food intake. On 20° GD, dams were euthanized, organs were weighed and blood was collected for biochemical determinations. Fetal biometrics and external morphological anomalies were assessed. Also, were performed histopathological analysis of placenta and measurement of cytokines levels in placental and fetal liver tissues. All groups did not cause changes in dams during the pregnancy. Furthermore, treatments did not cause external morphological changes and delayed fetal development. Still, for histopathological analysis of placental tissue, treatments did not cause alterations in evaluated parameters. For cytokines levels, CURC and C-LNC caused a decrease in placental levels of TNF-α. Therefore, we have demonstrated that C-LNC did not cause toxicological effects (mother and fetus), in the same manner as pattern bioactive compound, proving to be a promising nutraceutical delivery system for maternal supplementation with CURC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Giacomeli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, 97500-970, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Barbosa Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Pampa, UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, 97500-970, Brazil
| | - Camila Oliveira Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Pampa, UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, 97500-970, Brazil
| | - Alcides José Martins Parisotto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Pampa, UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, 97500-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Funguetto Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Pampa, UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, 97500-970, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes de Gomes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Pampa, UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, 97500-970, Brazil
| | - Sandra Elisa Haas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, 97500-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Pampa, UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, 97500-970, Brazil.
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8
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Key J, Harter PN, Sen NE, Gradhand E, Auburger G, Gispert S. Mid-Gestation lethality of Atxn2l-Ablated Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5124. [PMID: 32698485 PMCID: PMC7404131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Depletion of yeast/fly Ataxin-2 rescues TDP-43 overexpression toxicity. In mouse models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis via TDP-43 overexpression, depletion of its ortholog ATXN2 mitigated motor neuron degeneration and extended lifespan from 25 days to >300 days. There is another ortholog in mammals, named ATXN2L (Ataxin-2-like), which is almost uncharacterized but also functions in RNA surveillance at stress granules. We generated mice with Crispr/Cas9-mediated deletion of Atxn2l exons 5-8, studying homozygotes prenatally and heterozygotes during aging. Our novel findings indicate that ATXN2L absence triggers mid-gestational embryonic lethality, affecting female animals more strongly. Weight and development stages of homozygous mutants were reduced. Placenta phenotypes were not apparent, but brain histology showed lamination defects and apoptosis. Aged heterozygotes showed no locomotor deficits or weight loss over 12 months. Null mutants in vivo displayed compensatory efforts to maximize Atxn2l expression, which were prevented upon nutrient abundance in vitro. Mouse embryonal fibroblast cells revealed more multinucleated giant cells upon ATXN2L deficiency. In addition, in human neural cells, transcript levels of ATXN2L were induced upon starvation and glucose and amino acids exposure, but this induction was partially prevented by serum or low cholesterol administration. Neither ATXN2L depletion triggered dysregulation of ATXN2, nor a converse effect was observed. Overall, this essential role of ATXN2L for embryogenesis raises questions about its role in neurodegenerative diseases and neuroprotective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Key
- Exp. Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (J.K.); (N.-E.S.)
- Faculty of Biosciences, Goethe-University, Altenhöferallee 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Patrick N. Harter
- Institute of Neurology (Edinger-Institute), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Heinrich-Hoffmann-Strasse 7, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Nesli-Ece Sen
- Exp. Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (J.K.); (N.-E.S.)
- Faculty of Biosciences, Goethe-University, Altenhöferallee 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute for Pathology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai-7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Georg Auburger
- Exp. Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (J.K.); (N.-E.S.)
| | - Suzana Gispert
- Exp. Neurology, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (J.K.); (N.-E.S.)
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9
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Jaeger AS, Weiler AM, Moriarty RV, Rybarczyk S, O'Connor SL, O'Connor DH, Seelig DM, Fritsch MK, Friedrich TC, Aliota MT. Spondweni virus causes fetal harm in Ifnar1 -/- mice and is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Virology 2020; 547:35-46. [PMID: 32560903 PMCID: PMC7246013 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Spondweni virus (SPONV) is the most closely related known flavivirus to Zika virus (ZIKV). Its pathogenic potential and vector specificity have not been well defined. SPONV has been found predominantly in Africa, but was recently detected in a pool of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in Haiti. Here we show that SPONV can cause significant fetal harm, including demise, comparable to ZIKV, in a mouse model of vertical transmission. Following maternal inoculation, we detected infectious SPONV in placentas and fetuses, along with significant fetal and placental histopathology, together suggesting vertical transmission. To test vector competence, we exposed Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to SPONV-infected bloodmeals. Aedes aegypti could efficiently transmit SPONV, whereas Culex quinquefasciatus could not. Our results suggest that SPONV has the same features that made ZIKV a public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Jaeger
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, United States
| | - Andrea M Weiler
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Ryan V Moriarty
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Sierra Rybarczyk
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Shelby L O'Connor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - David H O'Connor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Davis M Seelig
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, United States
| | - Michael K Fritsch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Thomas C Friedrich
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Matthew T Aliota
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, United States.
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10
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Firman RC. Exposure to high male density causes maternal stress and female-biased sex ratios in a mammal. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192909. [PMID: 32370673 PMCID: PMC7282911 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A shift from the traditional perspective that maternal stress is invariably costly has instigated recent interest into its adaptive role in offspring sex allocation. Stress generated by social instability has been linked to offspring sex ratio biases that favour the production of female offspring, which converges with the theoretical prediction that mothers in the poor condition are better off investing in daughters rather than sons. However, previous research has failed to disentangle two different processes: the passive consequence of maternal stress on sex-specific mortality and the adaptive effect of maternal stress at the time of conception. Here, I show that exposure to high male density social conditions leads to elevated stress hormone levels and female-biased in utero offspring sex ratios in house mice (Mus musculus domesticus), and identify that sex-specific offspring production-not sex-specific mortality-is the mechanism accounting for these sex ratio skews. This outcome reflects the optimal fitness scenario for mothers in a male-dominated environment: the production of daughters, who are guaranteed high mate availability, minimizes male-male competition for their sons. Overall, this study supports the idea that maternal stress has the potential to be adaptive and advances our understanding of how exposure to different social conditions can influence sex allocation in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée C. Firman
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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11
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Drews B, Landaverde LF, Kühl A, Drews U. Spontaneous embryo resorption in the mouse is triggered by embryonic apoptosis followed by rapid removal via maternal sterile purulent inflammation. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 20:1. [PMID: 31918653 PMCID: PMC6953269 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background In normal mammalian development a high percentage of implantations is lost by spontaneous resorption. This is a major problem in assisted reproduction and blastocyst transfer. Which embryo will be resorbed is unpredictable. Resorption is very fast, so that with conventional methods only final haemorrhagic stages are encountered. Here we describe the histology and immunohistochemistry of 23 spontaneous embryo resorptions between days 7 and 13 of murine development, which were identified by high-resolution ultrasound (US) in a previous study. Results In the early resorptions detected at day 7, the embryo proper was replaced by maternal haemorrhage and a suppurate focus of maternal neutrophils. In the decidua maternal macrophages transformed to foam cells and formed a second focus of tissue dissolution. In the late resorptions detected at day 9, the embryo underwent apoptosis without involvement of maternal cells. The apoptotic embryonic cells expressed caspase 3 and embryonic blood cells developed a macrophage like phenotype. Subsequently, the wall of the embryonic vesicle ruptured and the apoptotic embryo was aborted into the uterine lumen. Abortion was initiated by degeneration of the embryonic lacunar trophoblast and dissolution of the maternal decidua capsularis via sterile inflammation and accompanied by maternal haemorrhage, invasion of the apoptotic embryo by maternal neutrophils, and contraction rings of the uterine muscle layers. Conclusions We conclude that spontaneous resorption starts with endogenous apoptosis of the embryo without maternal contribution. After break down of the foetal-maternal border, the apoptotic embryo is invaded by maternal neutrophils, aborted into the uterine lumen, and rapidly resorbed. We assume that the innate maternal unspecific inflammation is elicited by disintegrating apoptotic embryonic cells. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Drews
- Group Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Departement Environmental System Science, Swiss Federal Institue of Technology (ETH),, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Luis Flores Landaverde
- Group Reproduction Management, Institute of Zoo- and Wildlife Medicine (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Kühl
- Core Unit Immunopathology (ipath), Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Drews
- Institute of Anatomy, Prof. em., University of Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany
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12
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Kime C, Kiyonari H, Ohtsuka S, Kohbayashi E, Asahi M, Yamanaka S, Takahashi M, Tomoda K. Induced 2C Expression and Implantation-Competent Blastocyst-like Cysts from Primed Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 13:485-498. [PMID: 31402336 PMCID: PMC6739768 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Soon after fertilization, the few totipotent cells of mammalian embryos diverge to form a structure called the blastocyst (BC). Although numerous cell types, including germ cells and extended-pluripotency stem cells, have been developed from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in vitro, generating functional BCs only from PSCs remains elusive. Here, we describe induced self-organizing 3D BC-like cysts (iBLCs) generated from mouse PSC culture. Resembling natural BCs, iBLCs have a blastocoel-like cavity and were formed with outer cells expressing trophectoderm lineage markers and with inner cells expressing pluripotency markers. iBLCs transplanted to pseudopregnant mice uteruses implanted, induced decidualization, and exhibited growth and development before resorption, demonstrating that iBLCs are implantation competent. iBLC precursor intermediates required the transcription factor Prdm14 and concomitantly activated the totipotency-related cleavage-stage MERVL reporter and 2C genes. Thus, our system may contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underpinning totipotency, embryogenesis, and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Kime
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Lab of Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ohtsuka
- Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Eiko Kohbayashi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
| | - Michio Asahi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
| | - Shinya Yamanaka
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Lab of Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kiichiro Tomoda
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
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13
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De Clercq K, Persoons E, Napso T, Luyten C, Parac-Vogt TN, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Kerckhofs G, Vriens J. High-resolution contrast-enhanced microCT reveals the true three-dimensional morphology of the murine placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:13927-13936. [PMID: 31249139 PMCID: PMC6683600 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902688116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of the mouse genome identified many genes that are essential for embryogenesis. Remarkably, the prevalence of concomitant placental defects in embryonic lethal mutants is highly underestimated and indicates the importance of detailed placental analysis when phenotyping new individual gene knockouts. Here we introduce high-resolution contrast-enhanced microfocus computed tomography (CE-CT) as a nondestructive, high-throughput technique to evaluate the 3D placental morphology. Using a contrast agent, zirconium-substituted Keggin polyoxometalate (Zr-POM), the soft tissue of the placenta (i.e., different layers and cell types and its vasculature) was imaged with a resolution of 3.5 µm voxel size. This approach allowed us to visualize and study early and late stages of placental development. Moreover, CE-CT provides a method to precisely quantify placental parameters (i.e., volumes, volume fraction, ratio of different placental layers, and volumes of specific cell populations) that are crucial for statistical comparison studies. The CE-CT assessment of the 3D morphology of the placentas was validated (i) by comparison with standard histological studies; (ii) by evaluating placentas from 2 different mouse strains, 129S6 and C57BL/6J mice; and (iii) by confirming the placental phenotype of mice lacking phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-p110α. Finally, the Zr-POM-based CE-CT allowed for inspection of the vasculature structure in the entire placenta, as well as detecting placental defects in pathologies characterized by embryonic resorption and placental fusion. Taken together, Zr-POM-based CE-CT offers a quantitative 3D methodology to investigate placental development or pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien De Clercq
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Centre for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eleonora Persoons
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Centre for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tina Napso
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Luyten
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tatjana N Parac-Vogt
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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14
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Jaeger AS, Murrieta RA, Goren LR, Crooks CM, Moriarty RV, Weiler AM, Rybarczyk S, Semler MR, Huffman C, Mejia A, Simmons HA, Fritsch M, Osorio JE, Eickhoff JC, O’Connor SL, Ebel GD, Friedrich TC, Aliota MT. Zika viruses of African and Asian lineages cause fetal harm in a mouse model of vertical transmission. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007343. [PMID: 30995223 PMCID: PMC6488094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was first linked to birth defects during the American outbreak in 2015/2016. It has been proposed that mutations unique to the Asian/American-genotype explain, at least in part, the ability of Asian/American ZIKV to cause congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Recent studies identified mutations in ZIKV infecting humans that arose coincident with the outbreak in French Polynesia and were stably maintained during subsequent spread to the Americas. Here we show that African ZIKV can infect and harm fetuses and that the S139N substitution that has been associated with the American outbreak is not essential for fetal harm. Our findings, in a vertical transmission mouse model, suggest that ZIKV will remain a threat to pregnant women for the foreseeable future, including in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. Additional research is needed to better understand the risks associated with ZIKV infection during pregnancy, both in areas where the virus is newly endemic and where it has been circulating for decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S. Jaeger
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Reyes A. Murrieta
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University; Ft. Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Lea R. Goren
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Chelsea M. Crooks
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Ryan V. Moriarty
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Andrea M. Weiler
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Sierra Rybarczyk
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Semler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Christopher Huffman
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Andres Mejia
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Heather A. Simmons
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Michael Fritsch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Jorge E. Osorio
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Jens C. Eickhoff
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Shelby L. O’Connor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Gregory D. Ebel
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University; Ft. Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Thomas C. Friedrich
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Matthew T. Aliota
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; St. Paul, MN, United States of America
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15
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Moreau JLM, Kesteven S, Martin EMMA, Lau KS, Yam MX, O'Reilly VC, Del Monte-Nieto G, Baldini A, Feneley MP, Moon AM, Harvey RP, Sparrow DB, Chapman G, Dunwoodie SL. Gene-environment interaction impacts on heart development and embryo survival. Development 2019; 146:146/4/dev172957. [PMID: 30787001 DOI: 10.1242/dev.172957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. In recent years, research has focussed on identifying the genetic causes of CHD. However, only a minority of CHD cases can be attributed to single gene mutations. In addition, studies have identified different environmental stressors that promote CHD, but the additive effect of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors is poorly understood. In this context, we have investigated the effects of short-term gestational hypoxia on mouse embryos genetically predisposed to heart defects. Exposure of mouse embryos heterozygous for Tbx1 or Fgfr1/Fgfr2 to hypoxia in utero increased the incidence and severity of heart defects while Nkx2-5+/- embryos died within 2 days of hypoxic exposure. We identified the molecular consequences of the interaction between Nkx2-5 and short-term gestational hypoxia, which suggest that reduced Nkx2-5 expression and a prolonged hypoxia-inducible factor 1α response together precipitate embryo death. Our study provides insight into the causes of embryo loss and variable penetrance of monogenic CHD, and raises the possibility that cases of foetal death and CHD in humans could be caused by similar gene-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie L M Moreau
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Scott Kesteven
- Cardiac Physiology and Transplantation Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Ella M M A Martin
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Kin S Lau
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Michelle X Yam
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Victoria C O'Reilly
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Gonzalo Del Monte-Nieto
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Antonio Baldini
- Dept. of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University Federico II, Naples, and Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michael P Feneley
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,Cardiac Physiology and Transplantation Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,Cardiology Department, St. Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Anne M Moon
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA 17822, USA
| | - Richard P Harvey
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2033, Australia
| | - Duncan B Sparrow
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Gavin Chapman
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Sally L Dunwoodie
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010, Australia .,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2010, Australia.,School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2033, Australia
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16
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Gabrielson K, Maronpot R, Monette S, Mlynarczyk C, Ramot Y, Nyska A, Sysa-Shah P. In Vivo Imaging With Confirmation by Histopathology for Increased Rigor and Reproducibility in Translational Research: A Review of Examples, Options, and Resources. ILAR J 2018; 59:80-98. [PMID: 30541081 PMCID: PMC6645176 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ily010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical noninvasive imaging can be an indispensable tool for studying animal models of disease. In vivo imaging to assess anatomical, functional, and molecular features requires verification by a comparison to the macroscopic and microscopic morphological features, since all noninvasive in vivo imaging methods have much lower resolution than standard histopathology. Comprehensive pathological evaluation of the animal model is underutilized; yet, many institutions have veterinary or human pathologists with necessary comparative pathology expertise. By performing a rigorous comparison to gross or histopathology for image interpretation, these trained individuals can assist scientists with the development of the animal model, experimental design, and evaluation of the in vivo imaging data. These imaging and pathology corroboration studies undoubtedly increase scientific rigor and reproducibility in descriptive and hypothesis-driven research. A review of case examples including ultrasound, nuclear, optical, and MRI is provided to illustrate how a wide range of imaging modalities data can be confirmed by gross or microscopic pathology. This image confirmation and authentication will improve characterization of the model and may contribute to decreasing costs and number of animals used and to more rapid translation from preclinical animal model to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Gabrielson
- Departments of Molecular and Comparative Pathology and Pathology School of Medicine, Environmental Health Engineering Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Sébastien Monette
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The Rockefeller University, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Coraline Mlynarczyk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology and the Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yuval Ramot
- Department of Dermatology, Hadassah—Hebrew University Medical Center, Kiryat Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abraham Nyska
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel and Toxicologic Pathology, Timrat, Israel
| | - Polina Sysa-Shah
- Department of Radiology, Miller Research Building Molecular Imaging Service Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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17
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Zhang B, Chen Z, Han J, Li M, Nayak NR, Fan X. Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30247484 DOI: 10.3791/58219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
No effective treatments currently exist for placenta-associated pregnancy complications, and developing strategies for the targeted delivery of drugs to the placenta while minimizing fetal and maternal side effects remains challenging. Targeted nanoparticle carriers provide new opportunities to treat placental disorders. We recently demonstrated that a synthetic placental chondroitin sulfate A binding peptide (plCSA-BP) could be used to guide nanoparticles to deliver drugs to the placenta. In this protocol, we describe in detail a system for assessing the efficiency of drug delivery to the placenta by plCSA-BP that employs three separate methods used in combination: in vivo imaging, high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using in vivo imaging, plCSA-BP-guided nanoparticles were visualized in the placentas of live animals, while HFUS and HPLC demonstrated that plCSA-BP-conjugated nanoparticles efficiently and specifically delivered methotrexate to the placenta. Thus, a combination of these methods can be used as an effective tool for the targeted delivery of drugs to the placenta and development of new treatment strategies for several pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Zhilong Chen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University
| | - Jinyu Han
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process and Technology for High-efficiency Conversion, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Heilongjiang University
| | - Mengxia Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Nihar R Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine
| | - Xiujun Fan
- Laboratory for Reproductive Health, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences;
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18
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Peavey MC, Reynolds CL, Szwarc MM, Gibbons WE, Valdes CT, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP. A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29155779 DOI: 10.3791/56207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) is a common method to non-invasively monitor the real-time development of the human fetus in utero. The mouse is routinely used as an in vivo model to study embryo implantation and pregnancy progression. Unfortunately, such murine studies require pregnancy interruption to enable follow-up phenotypic analysis. To address this issue, we used three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of HFUS imaging data for early detection and characterization of murine embryo implantation sites and their individual developmental progression in utero. Combining HFUS imaging with 3-D reconstruction and modeling, we were able to accurately quantify embryo implantation site number as well as monitor developmental progression in pregnant C57BL6J/129S mice from 5.5 days post coitus (d.p.c.) through to 9.5 d.p.c. with the use of a transducer. Measurements included: number, location, and volume of implantation sites as well as inter-implantation site spacing; embryo viability was assessed by cardiac activity monitoring. In the immediate post-implantation period (5.5 to 8.5 d.p.c.), 3-D reconstruction of the gravid uterus in both mesh and solid overlay format enabled visual representation of the developing pregnancies within each uterine horn. As genetically engineered mice continue to be used to characterize female reproductive phenotypes derived from uterine dysfunction, this method offers a new approach to detect, quantify, and characterize early implantation events in vivo. This novel use of 3-D HFUS imaging demonstrates the ability to successfully detect, visualize, and characterize embryo-implantation sites during early murine pregnancy in a non-invasive manner. The technology offers a significant improvement over current methods, which rely on the interruption of pregnancies for gross tissue and histopathologic characterization. Here we use a video and text format to describe how to successfully perform ultrasounds of early murine pregnancy to generate reliable and reproducible data with reconstruction of the uterine form in mesh and solid 3-D images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Peavey
- Devision of Repreoductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine
| | | | | | - William E Gibbons
- Devision of Repreoductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Cecilia T Valdes
- Devision of Repreoductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences;
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine;
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19
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Gorvin CM, Rogers A, Stewart M, Paudyal A, Hough TA, Teboul L, Wells S, Brown SD, Cox RD, Thakker RV. N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-Induced Adaptor Protein 2 Sigma Subunit 1 ( Ap2s1) Mutations Establish Ap2s1 Loss-of-Function Mice. JBMR Plus 2017; 1:3-15. [PMID: 29479578 PMCID: PMC5824975 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The adaptor protein‐2 sigma subunit (AP2σ), encoded by AP2S1, forms a heterotetrameric complex, with AP2α, AP2β, and AP2μ subunits, that is pivotal for clathrin‐mediated endocytosis, and AP2σ loss‐of‐function mutations impair internalization of the calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR), a G‐protein–coupled receptor, and cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type‐3 (FHH3). Mice with AP2σ mutations that would facilitate investigations of the in vivo role of AP2σ, are not available, and we therefore embarked on establishing such mice. We screened >10,000 mice treated with the mutagen N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) for Ap2s1 mutations and identified 5 Ap2s1 variants, comprising 2 missense (Tyr20Asn and Ile123Asn) and 3 intronic base substitutions, one of which altered the invariant donor splice site dinucleotide gt to gc. Three‐dimensional modeling and cellular expression of the missense Ap2s1 variants did not reveal them to alter AP2σ structure or CaSR‐mediated signaling, but investigation of the donor splice site variant revealed it to result in an in‐frame deletion of 17 evolutionarily conserved amino acids (del17) that formed part of the AP2σ α1‐helix, α1‐β3 loop, and β3 strand. Heterozygous mutant mice (Ap2s1+/del17) were therefore established, and these had AP2σ haplosufficiency but were viable with normal appearance and growth. Ap2s1+/del17 mice, when compared with Ap2s1+/+ mice, also had normal plasma concentrations of calcium, phosphate, magnesium, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, and alkaline phosphatase activity; normal urinary fractional excretion of calcium, phosphate, sodium, and potassium; and normal plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2) concentrations. However, homozygous Ap2s1del17/del17 mice were non‐viable and died between embryonic days 3.5 and 9.5 (E3.5–9.5), thereby indicating that AP2σ likely has important roles at the embryonic patterning stages and organogenesis of the heart, thyroid, liver, gut, lungs, pancreas, and neural systems. Thus, our studies have established a mutant mouse model that is haplosufficient for AP2σ. © 2017 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Gorvin
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela Rogers
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Michelle Stewart
- Mary Lyon Centre and Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Anju Paudyal
- Mary Lyon Centre and Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Tertius A Hough
- Mary Lyon Centre and Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Lydia Teboul
- Mary Lyon Centre and Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Sara Wells
- Mary Lyon Centre and Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Steve Dm Brown
- Mary Lyon Centre and Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Roger D Cox
- Mary Lyon Centre and Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Rajesh V Thakker
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
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20
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Sweeney S, Adamcakova-Dodd A, Thorne PS, Assouline JG. Biocompatibility of Multi-Imaging Engineered Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: In Vitro and Adult and Fetal In Vivo Studies. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2017; 13:544-558. [PMID: 31118876 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2017.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite potentially serious adverse effects of engineered nanoparticles on maternal health and fetal development, little is known about their transport across the placenta. Human and animal studies are primarily limited to ex vivo approaches; the lack of a real-time, minimally invasive tool to study transplacental transport is clear. We have developed functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) for use in magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and fluorescent imaging. This material is designed as a model for, or a carrier of, environmental toxicants, allowing for in vivo evaluation. To establish a baseline of biocompatibility, we present data describing MSN tolerance using in vitro and in vivo models. In cultured cells, MSN were tolerated to a dose of 125 µg/mL with minimal effect on viability and doubling time. For the 42 day duration of the study, none of the mice exhibited behaviors usually indicative of distress (lethargy, anemia, loss of appetite, etc.). In gravid mice, the body and organ weights of MSN-exposed dams were equivalent to those of control dams. Embryos exposed to MSN during early gestation were underweight by a small degree, while embryos exposed during late gestation were of a slightly larger weight. The rate of spontaneous fetal resorptions were equivalent in exposed and control mice. Maternal livers and sera were screened for a complement of cytokines/chemokines and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Only granulocyte-colony stimulating factor was elevated in mice exposed to MSN during late gestation, while ROS/RNS levels were elevated in mice exposed during early/mid gestation. These findings may usher future experiments investigating environmental toxicants using real-time assessment of transport across the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Sweeney
- NanoMedTrix Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, 229 Engineering Research Facility, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Andrea Adamcakova-Dodd
- Environmental Health Sciences Research Center Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 170 Institute for Rural and Environmental Health, Coralville, IA 52241
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, S341A College of Public Health Building, 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Jose G Assouline
- NanoMedTrix, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, 227 Engineering Research Facility, Iowa City, IA 52242
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21
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Peavey MC, Reynolds CL, Szwarc MM, Gibbons WE, Valdes CT, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP. Three-Dimensional High-Frequency Ultrasonography for Early Detection and Characterization of Embryo Implantation Site Development in the Mouse. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169312. [PMID: 28046063 PMCID: PMC5207679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonography is a powerful tool to non-invasively monitor in real time the development of the human fetus in utero. Although genetically engineered mice have served as valuable in vivo models to study both embryo implantation and pregnancy progression, such studies usually require sacrifice of parous mice for subsequent phenotypic analysis. To address this issue, we used three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction in silico of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) imaging data for early detection and characterization of murine embryo implantation sites and their development in utero. With HFUS imaging followed by 3-D reconstruction, we were able to precisely quantify embryo implantation site number and embryonic developmental progression in pregnant C57BL6J/129S mice from as early as 5.5 days post coitus (d.p.c.) through to 9.5 d.p.c. using a VisualSonics Vevo 2100 (MS550S) transducer. In addition to measurements of implantation site number, location, volume and spacing, embryo viability via cardiac activity monitoring was also achieved. A total of 12 dams were imaged with HFUS with approximately 100 embryos examined per embryonic day. For the post-implantation period (5.5 to 8.5 d.p.c.), 3-D reconstruction of the gravid uterus in mesh or solid overlay format enabled visual representation in silico of implantation site location, number, spacing distances, and site volume within each uterine horn. Therefore, this short technical report describes the feasibility of using 3-D HFUS imaging for early detection and analysis of post-implantation events in the pregnant mouse with the ability to longitudinally monitor the development of these early pregnancy events in a non-invasive manner. As genetically engineered mice continue to be used to characterize female reproductive phenotypes, we believe this reliable and non-invasive method to detect, quantify, and characterize early implantation events will prove to be an invaluable investigative tool for the study of female infertility and subfertility phenotypes based on a defective uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C. Peavey
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Corey L. Reynolds
- Mouse Phenotyping Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria M. Szwarc
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - William E. Gibbons
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Cecilia T. Valdes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Francesco J. DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. United States of America
- * E-mail: (FJD); (JPL)
| | - John P. Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (FJD); (JPL)
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22
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Embryonic/fetal mortality and intrauterine growth restriction is not exclusive to the CBA/J sub-strain in the CBA × DBA model. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35138. [PMID: 27767070 PMCID: PMC5073309 DOI: 10.1038/srep35138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inbred strains of mice are powerful models for understanding human pregnancy complications. For example, the exclusive mating of CBA/J females to DBA/2J males increases fetal resorption to 20–35% with an associated decline in placentation and maintenance of maternal Th1 immunity. More recently other complications of pregnancy, IUGR and preeclampsia, have been reported in this model. The aim of this study was to qualify whether the CBA/CaH substrain female can substitute for CBA/J to evoke a phenotype of embryonic/fetal mortality and IUGR. (CBA/CaH × DBA/2J) F1 had significantly higher embryonic/fetal mortality mortality (p = 0.0063), smaller fetuses (p < 0.0001), and greater prevalence of IUGR (<10th percentile; 47% vs 10%) than (CBA/CaH × Balb/c) F1. Placentae from IUGR fetuses from all mating groups were significantly smaller (p < 0.0001) with evidence of thrombosis and fibrosis when compared to normal-weight fetuses ( > 10th percentile). In addition, placentae of “normal-weight” (CBA/CaH × DBA/2J) F1 were significantly smaller (p < 0.0006) with a greater proportion of labyrinth (p = 0.0128) and an 11-fold increase in F4/80 + macrophage infiltration (p < 0.0001) when compared to placentae of (CBA/CaH × Balb/c) F1. In conclusion, the embryonic/fetal mortality and IUGR phenotype is not exclusive to CBA/J female mouse, and CBA/CaH females can be substituted to provide a model for the assessment of novel therapeutics.
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23
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Pfau SJ, Amon A. A System to Study Aneuploidy In Vivo. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2016; 80:93-101. [PMID: 26936868 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2015.80.027193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aneuploidy, an imbalanced chromosome number, is associated with both cancer and developmental disorders such as Down syndrome (DS). To determine how aneuploidy affects cellular and organismal physiology, we have developed a system to evaluate aneuploid cell fitness in vivo. By transplanting hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into recipient mice after ablation of recipient hematopoiesis by lethal irradiation, we can directly compare the fitness of HSCs derived from a range of aneuploid mouse models with that of euploid HSCs. This experimental system can also be adapted to assess the interplay between aneuploidy and tumorigenesis. We hope that further characterization of aneuploid cells in vivo will provide insight both into the origins of hematopoietic phenotypes observed in DS individuals as well as the role of different types of aneuploid cells in the genesis of cancers of the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Pfau
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Angelika Amon
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
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24
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Tao Y, Liu D, Mo G, Wang H, Liu XJ. Peri-ovulatory putrescine supplementation reduces embryo resorption in older mice. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1867-75. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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