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Bloise N, Giannaccari M, Guagliano G, Peluso E, Restivo E, Strada S, Volpini C, Petrini P, Visai L. Growing Role of 3D In Vitro Cell Cultures in the Study of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms: Short Focus on Breast Cancer, Endometriosis, Liver and Infectious Diseases. Cells 2024; 13:1054. [PMID: 38920683 PMCID: PMC11201503 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121054] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the development of three-dimensional (3D) models has increased exponentially, facilitating the unravelling of fundamental and essential cellular mechanisms by which cells communicate with each other, assemble into tissues and organs and respond to biochemical and biophysical stimuli under both physiological and pathological conditions. This section presents a concise overview of the most recent updates on the significant contribution of different types of 3D cell cultures including spheroids, organoids and organ-on-chip and bio-printed tissues in advancing our understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms. The case studies presented include the 3D cultures of breast cancer (BC), endometriosis, the liver microenvironment and infections. In BC, the establishment of 3D culture models has permitted the visualization of the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the delivery of exosomes, as well as the significance of the physical properties of the extracellular matrix in promoting cell proliferation and invasion. This approach has also become a valuable tool in gaining insight into general and specific mechanisms of drug resistance. Given the considerable heterogeneity of endometriosis, 3D models offer a more accurate representation of the in vivo microenvironment, thereby facilitating the identification and translation of novel targeted therapeutic strategies. The advantages provided by 3D models of the hepatic environment, in conjunction with the high throughput characterizing various platforms, have enabled the elucidation of complex molecular mechanisms underlying various threatening hepatic diseases. A limited number of 3D models for gut and skin infections have been developed. However, a more profound comprehension of the spatial and temporal interactions between microbes, the host and their environment may facilitate the advancement of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo disease models. Additionally, it may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches in diverse research fields. The interested reader will also find concluding remarks on the challenges and prospects of using 3D cell cultures for discovering cellular and molecular mechanisms in the research areas covered in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Bloise
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), Unità di Ricerca (UdR) INSTM, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.); (E.P.); (E.R.); (S.S.); (C.V.)
- UOR6 Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Occupational Medicine and Specialty Medicine, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Operative Unit (OU) of University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marialaura Giannaccari
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), Unità di Ricerca (UdR) INSTM, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.); (E.P.); (E.R.); (S.S.); (C.V.)
| | - Giuseppe Guagliano
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.G.); (P.P.)
| | - Emanuela Peluso
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), Unità di Ricerca (UdR) INSTM, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.); (E.P.); (E.R.); (S.S.); (C.V.)
| | - Elisa Restivo
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), Unità di Ricerca (UdR) INSTM, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.); (E.P.); (E.R.); (S.S.); (C.V.)
| | - Silvia Strada
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), Unità di Ricerca (UdR) INSTM, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.); (E.P.); (E.R.); (S.S.); (C.V.)
- UOR6 Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Occupational Medicine and Specialty Medicine, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Volpini
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), Unità di Ricerca (UdR) INSTM, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.); (E.P.); (E.R.); (S.S.); (C.V.)
- UOR6 Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Occupational Medicine and Specialty Medicine, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Petrini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, P.zza L. Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.G.); (P.P.)
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Operative Unit (OU) of Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Livia Visai
- Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), Unità di Ricerca (UdR) INSTM, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.); (E.P.); (E.R.); (S.S.); (C.V.)
- UOR6 Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Occupational Medicine and Specialty Medicine, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 4, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Operative Unit (OU) of University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Anthis AHC, Kilchenmann S, Murdeu M, LeValley PJ, Wolf M, Meyer C, Cipolato O, Tibbitt MW, Rosendorf J, Liska V, Rduch T, Herrmann IK. Reversible Mechanical Contraception and Endometriosis Treatment Using Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2310301. [PMID: 38298130 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Female sterilization via fallopian tube ligation is a common procedure; However, after the operation, over 10% of women seek re-fertilization, which is frequently unsuccessful. In addition, there is evidence that fallopian tubes contribute to the spread of endometriotic tissue as they serve as channels for proinflammatory media entering the abdominal cavity via retrograde menstruation. Here, stimuli-degradable hydrogel implants are presented for the functional, biocompatible, and reversible occlusion of fallopian tubes. The hydrogel implants, designed with customized swelling properties, mechanically occlude fallopian tubes in a high-performance manner with burst pressures reaching 255-558 mmHg, exceeding normal abdominal pressures (95 mmHg). Their damage-free removal can be achieved within 30 min using near-visible UV light or a glutathione solution, employing a method akin to standard fallopian tube perfusion diagnostics. Ultrasound-guided implant placement is demonstrated using a clinical hysteroscope in a human-scale uterus model and biocompatibility in a porcine in vivo model. Importantly, the prevention of live sperm as well as endometrial cell passage through blocked fallopian tubes is demonstrated. Overall, a multifunctional system is presented that constitutes a possible means of on-demand, reversible contraception along with the first-ever mechanical approach to abdominal endometriosis prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre H C Anthis
- Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
- Particles Biology Interactions Laboratory, Department of Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
- Ingenuity Laboratory, University Hospital Balgrist, Forchstrasse 340, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Kilchenmann
- Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Manon Murdeu
- Particles Biology Interactions Laboratory, Department of Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
| | - Paige J LeValley
- Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
- Particles Biology Interactions Laboratory, Department of Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
| | - Morris Wolf
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Meyer
- Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
- Particles Biology Interactions Laboratory, Department of Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
| | - Oscar Cipolato
- Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
- Particles Biology Interactions Laboratory, Department of Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
| | - Mark W Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Jachym Rosendorf
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 923/80, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Liska
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 923/80, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Pilsen, 32300, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Rduch
- Particles Biology Interactions Laboratory, Department of Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Frauenklinik), Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen (KSSG), Rorschacherstrasse 95, St. Gallen, 9007, Switzerland
| | - Inge K Herrmann
- Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering (IEPE), Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT), ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
- Particles Biology Interactions Laboratory, Department of Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen, 9014, Switzerland
- Ingenuity Laboratory, University Hospital Balgrist, Forchstrasse 340, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, Zurich, 8006, Switzerland
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Ellis K, Wood R. The Comparative Invasiveness of Endometriotic Cell Lines to Breast and Endometrial Cancer Cell Lines. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1003. [PMID: 37371583 DOI: 10.3390/biom13061003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an invasive condition that affects 10% of women (and people assigned as female at birth) worldwide. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relative invasiveness of three available endometriotic cell lines (EEC12Z, iEc-ESCs, tHESCs) to cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, SW1353 and EM-E6/E7/TERT) and assess whether the relative invasiveness was consistent across different invasion assays. All cell lines were subjected to transwell, spheroid drop, and spheroid-gel invasion assays, and stained for vimentin, cytokeratin, E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin to assess changes in expression. In all assays, endometriotic cell lines showed comparable invasiveness to the cancer cell lines used in this study, with no significant differences in invasiveness identified. EEC12Z cells that had invaded within the assay periods showed declines in E-Cadherin expression compared to cells that had not invaded within the assay period, without significant changes in N-Cadherin expression, which may support the hypothesis that an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is an influence on the invasiveness shown by this peritoneal endometriosis cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Ellis
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- Endometriosis New Zealand, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Rachael Wood
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- The Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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Minami T, Tsuzuki Y, Tanaka Y, Kitawaki J, Mori T. The Tpl2-MEK pathway plays a critical role in spheroid-cultured endometriotic stromal cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13689. [PMID: 36762515 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13689] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Endometriosis is a proliferative disease characterized by cytokine-induced inflammation. The objective of this study was to assess cell growth and PGE2 production induced by TNF-α in endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) in spheroid cell culture and to identify the signaling pathway involved with a view to finding new therapeutic targets for endometriosis. METHOD OF STUDY Tissue samples were collected from patients with and without endometriosis. ESCs were isolated from ovarian endometrioma (OE). Gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR and DNA microarray analysis, the proliferative effect on ESCs by WST-8 assay, and PGE2 production by ELISA. Protein phosphorylation was detected using western blotting. RESULTS COX-2, aromatase and VEGFA mRNA expression and PGE2 production were significantly elevated in spheroid cell cultures compared to monolayer cell cultures. TNF-α receptor (TNFR) 1 and TNFR2 mRNA was also significantly increased. TNF-α promoted the proliferation and PGE2 production of ESCs in spheroid cell cultures significantly more than in monolayer cell cultures. TNF-α increased the expression of several genes related to the pathophysiology of endometriosis in spheroid ESCs. DNA microarray analysis revealed that the Tpl2 gene, which codes for a MAPK upstream of MEK, was upregulated in OE and endometrium with endometriosis compared to normal endometrium. TNF-α increased the phosphorylation and expression of Tpl2 and MEK, and Tpl2 and MEK inhibitors inhibited TNF-α-induced proliferation and PGE2 production in spheroid ESCs. CONCLUSION The Tpl2-MEK signaling pathway may play a critical role in the cell growth and PGE2 production induced by TNF-α in spheroid ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Minami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yota Tsuzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukiko Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jo Kitawaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taisuke Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Abstract
Each month during a woman's reproductive years, the endometrium undergoes vast changes to prepare for a potential pregnancy. Diseases of the endometrium arise for numerous reasons, many of which remain unknown. These endometrial diseases, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial cancer and Asherman syndrome, affect many women, with an overall lack of efficient or permanent treatment solutions. The challenge lies in understanding the complexity of the endometrium and the extensive changes, orchestrated by ovarian hormones, that occur in multiple cell types over the period of the menstrual cycle. Appropriate model systems that closely mimic the architecture and function of the endometrium and its diseases are needed. The emergence of organoid technology using human cells is enabling a revolution in modelling the endometrium in vitro. The goal of this Review is to provide a focused reference for new models to study the diseases of the endometrium. We provide perspectives on the power of new and emerging models, from organoids to microfluidics, which have opened up a new frontier for studying endometrial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina R Murphy
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hannes Campo
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J Julie Kim
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Chaichian S, Mehdizadeh Kashi A, Tehermanesh K, Pirhajati Mahabadi V, Minaeian S, Eslahi N. Effect of PLGA Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of miRNA 503 on The Apoptosis of Ovarian Endometriosis Cells. CELL JOURNAL 2022; 24:697-704. [PMID: 36377220 PMCID: PMC9663963 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2022.557554.1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE One of the challenges in gene therapy is the transfer of the gene to the target cell. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression after transcription by binding directly to the messenger and play a vital role in cell behaviors and the pathogenesis of some diseases. This study was aimed at developing poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)- based nanoparticles (NPs) for gene delivery to endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, endometriosis cells were isolated from women with severe endometriosis (DIE) and digested by the enzymatic method (40 μg/ml DNAase I and 300 μg/ml collagenase type 3). PLGA-based NPs were synthesized and characterized. The size of sole PLGA NPs and PLGA/miRNA were 60 ± 4 nm and 70 ± 5.1 nm respectively. Poly lactic-co-glycolic-based NPs were used as vector carriers for miRNA 503 transfection in endometriosis cells. The cells were divided into the five groups of control and four doses (25, 50, 75, and 100 μm) of miRNA 503/PLGA at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Viability and apoptosis were evaluated by the MTT assay and Annexin Kits. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS The results show that the size of PLGA/miRNA complex with dynamic light scattering (DLS) was 70 ± 5.1 nm and zeta potential values of the PLGA/PEI/miRNA complexes were 27.9 mV. Based on the MTT assay results, the optimal dose of miRNA 503/PLGA was 75 μm, at which the viability of ECSCs was 52.6% ± 1.2 (P≤0.001), and the optimal time was 48 hours. The apoptotic rates of ECSCs treated with PLGA/miRNA503 (34.75 ± 4.9%) were significantly higher than those of ECSCs treated with PLGA alone (3.35 ± 2.58%, P≤0.01). CONCLUSION Cell death increased with increasing the concentration of miRNA; thus, it can be suggested as a treatment for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Chaichian
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Kobra Tehermanesh
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sara Minaeian
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Eslahi
- Air Pollution Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,P.O.Box: 354-14665Air Pollution Research CenterIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Modeling Endometrium Biology and Disease. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071048. [PMID: 35887546 PMCID: PMC9316888 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium, lining the uterine lumen, is highly essential for human reproduction. Its exceptional remodeling plasticity, including the transformation process to welcome and nest the embryo, is not well understood. Lack of representative and reliable study models allowing the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying endometrium development and biology to be deciphered is an important hurdle to progress in the field. Recently, powerful organoid models have been developed that not only recapitulate endometrial biology such as the menstrual cycle, but also faithfully reproduce diseases of the endometrium such as endometriosis. Moreover, single-cell profiling endeavors of the endometrium in health and disease, and of derived organoids, start to provide deeper insight into cellular complexity and expression specificities, and in resulting tissue processes. This granular portrayal will not only help in understanding endometrium biology and disease, but also in pinning down the tissue’s stem cells, at present not yet conclusively defined. Here, we provide a general overview of endometrium development and biology, and the efforts of modeling both the healthy tissue, as well as its key diseased form of endometriosis. The future of modeling and deciphering this key tissue, hidden inside the womb, looks bright.
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Gołąbek-Grenda A, Olejnik A. In vitro modeling of endometriosis and endometriotic microenvironment - Challenges and recent advances. Cell Signal 2022; 97:110375. [PMID: 35690293 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic condition with high prevalence in reproductive age women, defined as the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the pelvic peritoneum. The ectopic endometrial lesions exist in a unique microenvironment created by the interaction of epithelial, stromal, endothelial, glandular, and immune cell components, dominated by inflammatory, angiogenic, and endocrine signals. Current research is directed at understanding the complex microenvironment of the lesions and its relationship with different endometriosis stages, phenotypes, and disease symptoms and at the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic concepts that minimalize the undesirable side effects of current medical management. Recreating pathophysiological cellular and molecular mechanisms and identifying clinically relevant metrics to assess drug efficacy is a great challenge for the experimental disease models. This review summarizes the complete range of available in vitro experimental systems used in endometriotic studies, which reflect the multifactorial nature of the endometriotic lesion. The article discusses the simplistic in vitro models such as primary endometrial cells and endometriotic cell lines to heterogeneous 2D co-cultures, and recently more common, 3D systems based on self-organization and controlled assembly, both in microfluidic or bioprinting methodologies. Basic research models allow studying fundamental pathological mechanisms by which menstrual endometrium adheres, invades, and establishes lesions in ectopic sites. The advanced endometriosis experimental models address the critical challenges and unsolved problems and provide an approach to drug screening and medicine discovery by mimicking the complicated behaviors of the endometriotic lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Gołąbek-Grenda
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 48 Wojska Polskiego St., 60-627 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Olejnik
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 48 Wojska Polskiego St., 60-627 Poznan, Poland.
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Guleken Z, Bulut H, Bulut B, Paja W, Parlinska-Wojtan M, Depciuch J. Correlation between endometriomas volume and Raman spectra. Attempting to use Raman spectroscopy in the diagnosis of endometrioma. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 274:121119. [PMID: 35305519 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The formation of the uterus lining, i.e. the endometrium, outside the uterus (ex. in the abdominal cavity,ovaries,or anywhere in the body) is called endometriosis. The presence of endometrial tissue present in the ovaries, thickens after menstruation, leading to menstrual-like bleeding and to the formation of chocolate cyst (Endometrioma) because of the accumulation of old, brown blood in the ovary. It is still unknown, what triggers the development ofendometrioma. However,it leads to excessive bleeding during menstrual periods or abnormal bleeding between periods and infertility. Endometriosis is often first diagnosed in those who seek medical attention for infertility. Therefore, new markers of endometrioma as well as new methods of its diagnosis are sought. In this study we used Raman spectra of serum collected from 50 healthy women and 50 women suffering from endometriosis. The obtained Raman data were used in multivariateanalysis to determine the Raman range, which can be used for endometriomadiagnostics. Partial Least Square (PLS), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Component Analysis (HCA) showed, that it is possible to distinguish between the serum collected from healthy and un-healthy women using the Raman range between 800 cm-1 and 1800 cm-1 and between 2956 cm-1 and 2840 cm-1, while the first range corresponds to the fingerprint region and the second one to lipids vibrations. Consequently, the Pearson correlation test showeda significantpositive correlation betweenvaluesoflipidintensity in Raman spectra and volume of endometriomas. Summarizing, Raman spectroscopy can be a helpful tool in endometrioma diagnosis and the lipid vibrations are candidates for being a spectroscopic marker of the disease being studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zozan Guleken
- Uskudar University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Huri Bulut
- Istinye University of Faculty of Medicine, Department Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berk Bulut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty of Medicine Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Wiesław Paja
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Rzeszów, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Depciuch
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Science, Krakow 31-342, Poland.
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Kim HG, Lim YS, Hwang S, Kim HY, Moon Y, Song YJ, Na YJ, Yoon S. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Triggers Proliferation, Migration, Stemness, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Endometrial and Endometriotic Epithelial Cells via the Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073938. [PMID: 35409294 PMCID: PMC8999884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a frequently used plasticizer that may be linked to the development of endometriosis, a common gynecological disorder with a profound impact on quality of life. Despite its prevalence, vital access to treatment has often been hampered by a lack of understanding of its pathogenesis as well as reliable disease models. Recently, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been suggested to have a significant role in endometriosis pathophysiology. In this study, we found that DEHP treatment enhanced proliferation, migration, and inflammatory responses, along with EMT and stemness induction in human endometrial and endometriotic cells. The selective transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor type 1/2 inhibitor LY2109761 reversed the DEHP-induced cell proliferation and migration enhancement as well as the increased expression of crucial molecules involved in inflammation, EMT, and stemness, indicating that DEHP-triggered phenomena occur via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Our study clearly defines the role of DEHP in the etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis and establishes an efficient disease model for endometriosis using a biomimetic 3D cell culture technique. Altogether, our data provide novel etiological and mechanistic insights into the role of DEHP in endometriosis pathogenesis, opening avenues for developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwi Gon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (H.G.K.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.-J.N.)
| | - Ye Seon Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (Y.S.L.); (S.H.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
| | - Seonyeong Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (Y.S.L.); (S.H.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
| | - Hye-Yoon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (Y.S.L.); (S.H.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
| | - Yuseok Moon
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
- Department of Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea
| | - Yong Jung Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (H.G.K.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.-J.N.)
| | - Yong-Jin Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (H.G.K.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.-J.N.)
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; (Y.S.L.); (S.H.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
- Correspondence:
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Impact of Musashi-1 and Musashi-2 Double Knockdown on Notch Signaling and the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052851. [PMID: 35269992 PMCID: PMC8911246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The stem cell marker and RNA-binding protein Musashi-1 is overexpressed in endometriosis. Musashi-1-siRNA knockdown in Ishikawa cells altered the expression of stem cell related genes, such as OCT-4. To investigate the role of both human Musashi homologues (MSI-1 and MSI-2) in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, immortalized endometriotic 12-Z cells and primary endometriotic stroma cells were treated with Musashi-1- and Musashi-2-siRNA. Subsequently, the impact on cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell necrosis, spheroid formation, stem cell phenotype and the Notch signaling pathway was studied in vitro. Using the ENDOMET Turku Endometriosis database, the gene expression of stem cell markers and Notch signaling pathway constituents were analyzed according to localization of the endometriosis lesions. The database analysis demonstrated that expression of Musashi and Notch pathway-related genes are dysregulated in patients with endometriosis. Musashi-1/2-double-knockdown increased apoptosis and necrosis and reduced stem cell gene expression, cell proliferation, and the formation of spheroids. Musashi silencing increased the expression of the anti-proliferation mediator p21. Our findings suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting the Musashi–Notch axis. We conclude that the Musashi genes have an impact on Notch signaling and the pathogenesis of endometriosis through the downregulation of proliferation, stemness characteristics and the upregulation of apoptosis, necrosis and of the cell cycle regulator p21.
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Simón-Gracia L, Kiisholts K, Petrikaitė V, Tobi A, Saare M, Lingasamy P, Peters M, Salumets A, Teesalu T. Homing Peptide-Based Targeting of Tenascin-C and Fibronectin in Endometriosis. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:3257. [PMID: 34947606 PMCID: PMC8708492 DOI: 10.3390/nano11123257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for endometriosis are limited. Although endometriosis is a benign condition, some of its traits, such as increased cell invasion, migration, tissue inflammation, and angiogenesis are similar to cancer. Here we explored the application of homing peptides for precision delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic compounds to endometriotic lesions. First, we audited a panel of peptide phages for the binding to the cultured immortalized endometriotic epithelial 12Z and eutopic stromal HESC cell lines. The bacteriophages displaying PL1 peptide that engages with angiogenic extracellular matrix overexpressed in solid tumors showed the strongest binding to both cell lines. The receptors of PL1 peptide, tenascin C domain C (TNC-C) and fibronectin Extra Domain-B (Fn-EDB), were expressed in both cells. Silver nanoparticles functionalized with synthetic PL1 peptide showed specific internalization in 12Z and HESC cells. Treatment with PL1-nanoparticles loaded with the potent antimitotic drug monomethyl auristatin E decreased the viability of endometriotic cells in 2D and 3D cultures. Finally, PL1-nanoparticless bound to the cryosections of clinical peritoneal endometriotic lesions in the areas positive for TNC-C and Fn-EDB immunoreactivities and not to sections of normal endometrium. Our findings suggest potential applications for PL1-guided nanoparticles in precision diagnosis and therapy of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Simón-Gracia
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Department of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.S.-G.); (A.T.); (P.L.)
| | - Kristina Kiisholts
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.S.); (M.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Vilma Petrikaitė
- Laboratory of Drug Target Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, 10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Allan Tobi
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Department of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.S.-G.); (A.T.); (P.L.)
| | - Merli Saare
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.S.); (M.P.); (A.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Prakash Lingasamy
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Department of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.S.-G.); (A.T.); (P.L.)
| | - Maire Peters
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.S.); (M.P.); (A.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.K.); (M.S.); (M.P.); (A.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Department of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (L.S.-G.); (A.T.); (P.L.)
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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Zhao X, Li X, Liu P, Li P, Xu X, Chen Y, Cheng Y, Zhu D, Fu X. 17β-estradiol promotes angiogenesis through non-genomic activation of Smad1 signaling in endometriosis. Vascul Pharmacol 2021; 142:106932. [PMID: 34763099 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2021.106932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) plays a key role in endometriosis through regulation of angiogenesis. Smad1 has been reported to be up-regulated in patients with endometriosis. However, the role of Smad1 in E2-mediated angiogenesis during the development of endometriosis remains to be determined. This study aimed to explore the role of Smad1 in E2-mediated angiogenesis during endometriosis and its underlying mechanisms. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were performed to examine the expression of p-Smad1 in ectopic and control endometrium. Western blotting was used to examine activation of Smad1 signaling in NMECs, EMECs and HUVECs. Tube formation assay was performed to examine the effect of E2 on angiogenesis. Cell proliferation and migration was determined using in real-time by xCELLigence RTCA DP instrument. We found that the expression of p-Smad1 was significantly up-regulated in ectopic endometrium and ectopic intima microvascular endothelial cells. E2 non-genomically stimulated phosphorylation of Smad1 in HUVECs. c-Src and p44/42 MAPK(ERK1/2) signaling pathways are required for E2's induction on Smad1 phosphorylation. Moreover, caveolae is involved in E2-induced Smad1 phosphorylation in vascular endothelial cells. E2 promoted tube formation of vascular endothelial cells through c-Src/ERK1/2/Smad1 signaling pathway. Knockdown of Smad1 expression attenuated E2-induced proliferation and migration of HUVECs. In conclusion, E2 promotes proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs through c-Src/ERK1/2/Smad1 signaling pathway. Our data shed new lights on the mechanisms through which E2 contributes to endometriosis, and may provide novel strategies to treat endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Zhao
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510630, China
| | - Xiaosa Li
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, PR China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511518, PR China
| | - Pei Liu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510630, China
| | - Ping Li
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, PR China
| | - Xingyan Xu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, PR China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, PR China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Municipal First People's Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510180, PR China.
| | - Dongxing Zhu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, PR China.
| | - Xiaodong Fu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, PR China.
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Stejskalová A, Vankelecom H, Sourouni M, Ho MY, Götte M, Almquist BD. In vitro modelling of the physiological and diseased female reproductive system. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:288-312. [PMID: 33915315 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The maladies affecting the female reproductive tract (FRT) range from infections to endometriosis to carcinomas. In vitro models of the FRT play an increasingly important role in both basic and translational research, since the anatomy and physiology of the FRT of humans and other primates differ significantly from most of the commonly used animal models, including rodents. Using organoid culture to study the FRT has overcome the longstanding hurdle of maintaining epithelial phenotype in culture. Both ECM-derived and engineered materials have proved critical for maintaining a physiological phenotype of FRT cells in vitro by providing the requisite 3D environment, ligands, and architecture. Advanced materials have also enabled the systematic study of factors contributing to the invasive metastatic processes. Meanwhile, microphysiological devices make it possible to incorporate physical signals such as flow and cyclic exposure to hormones. Going forward, advanced materials compatible with hormones and optimised to support FRT-derived cells' long-term growth, will play a key role in addressing the diverse array of FRT pathologies and lead to impactful new treatments that support the improvement of women's health. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The female reproductive system is a crucial component of the female anatomy. In addition to enabling reproduction, it has wide ranging influence on tissues throughout the body via endocrine signalling. This intrinsic role in regulating normal female biology makes it susceptible to a variety of female-specific diseases. However, the complexity and human-specific features of the reproductive system make it challenging to study. This has spurred the development of human-relevant in vitro models for helping to decipher the complex issues that can affect the reproductive system, including endometriosis, infection, and cancer. In this Review, we cover the current state of in vitro models for studying the female reproductive system, and the key role biomaterials play in enabling their development.
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Mc Cormack B, Maenhoudt N, Fincke V, Stejskalova A, Greve B, Kiesel L, Meresman GF, Vankelecom H, Götte M, Barañao RI. The ellagic acid metabolites urolithin A and B differentially affect growth, adhesion, motility, and invasion of endometriotic cells in vitro. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1501-1519. [PMID: 33748857 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the effects of plant-derived antioxidant compounds urolithin A (UA) and B (UB) on the growth and pathogenetic properties of an in vitro endometriosis model? SUMMARY ANSWER Both urolithins showed inhibitory effects on cell behavior related to the development of endometriosis by differentially affecting growth, adhesion, motility, and invasion of endometriotic cells in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Endometriosis is one of the most common benign gynecological diseases in women of reproductive age and is defined by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. As current pharmacological therapies are associated with side effects interfering with fertility, we aimed at finding alternative therapeutics using natural compounds that can be administered for prolonged periods with a favorable side effects profile. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In vitro cultures of primary endometriotic stromal cells from 6 patients subjected to laparoscopy for benign pathologies with histologically confirmed endometriosis; and immortalized endometrial stromal (St-T1b) and endometriotic epithelial cells (12Z) were utilized to assess the effects of UA and UB on endometriotic cell properties. Results were validated in three-dimensional (3D) in vitro co-culture spheroids of 12Z and primary endometriotic stroma cells of one patient, and organoids from 3 independent donors with endometriosis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The effects on cell growth were measured by non-radioactive colorimetric assay to measure cellular metabolic activity as an indicator of cell viability (MTT assay) and flow cytometric cell cycle assay on primary cultures, St-T1b, and 12Z. Apoptosis analyses, the impact on in vitro adhesion, migration, and invasion were evaluated in the cell lines. Moreover, Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays were performed on primary cultures, St- T1b and 12Z to evaluate a plausible mechanistic contribution by factors related to proteolysis (matrix metalloproteinase 2, 3 and 9 -MMP2, MMP3, MMP9-, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases -TIMP-1-), cytoskeletal regulators (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 -RAC1-, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 -ROCK2-), and cell adhesion molecules (Syndecan 1 -SDC1-, Integrin alpha V-ITGAV-). Finally, the urolithins effects were evaluated on spheroids and organoids by formation, viability, and drug screen assays. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE 40 µM UA and 20 µM UB produced a significant decrease in cell proliferation in the primary endometriotic cell cultures (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) and in the St-T1b cell line (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In St-T1b, UA exhibited a mean half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 39.88 µM, while UB exhibited a mean IC50 of 79.92 µM. Both 40 µM UA and 20 µM UB produced an increase in cells in the S phase of the cell cycle (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The same concentration of UA also increased the percentage of apoptotic ST-t1b cells (P < 0.05), while both urolithins decreased cell migration after 24 h (P < 0.001 both). Only the addition of 5 µM UB decreased the number of St-T1b adherent cells. TIMP-1 expression was upregulated in response to treating the cells with 40 µM UA (P < 0.05). Regarding the 12Z endometriotic cell line, only 40 µM UA decreased proliferation (P < 0.01); while both 40 µM UA and 20 µM UB produced an increase in cells in the G2/M phase (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In this cell line, UA exhibited a mean IC50 of 40.46 µM, while UB exhibited a mean IC50 of 54.79 µM. UB decreased cell migration (P < 0.05), and decreased the number of adherent cells (P < 0.05). Both 40 µM UA and 20 µM UB significantly decreased the cellular invasion of these cells; and several genes were altered when treating the cells with 40 µM UA and 10 µM UB. The expression of MMP2 was downregulated by UA (P < 0.001), and expression of MMP3 (UA P < 0.001 and UB P < 0.05) and MMP9 (P < 0.05, both) were downregulated by both urolithins. Moreover, UA significantly downregulated ROCK2 (P < 0.05), whereas UB treatment was associated with RAC1 downregulation (P < 0.05). Finally, the matrix adhesion receptors and signaling (co)receptors SDC1 and ITGAV were downregulated upon treatment with either UA or UB (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively in both cases). Regarding the effects of urolithins on 3D models, we have seen that they significantly decrease the viability of endometriosis spheroids (80 µM UA and UB: P < 0.05 both) as well as affecting their area (40 µM UA: P < 0.05, and 80 µM UA: P < 0.01) and integrity (40 µM UA and UB: P < 0.05, 80 µM UA and UB: P < 0.01). On the other hand, UA and UB significantly inhibited organoid development/outgrowth (40 and 80 µM UA: P < 0.0001 both; 40 µM UB: P < ns-0.05-0.001, and 80 µM UB: P < 0.01-0.001-0.001), and all organoid lines show urolithins sensitivity resulting in decreasing viability (UA exhibited a mean IC50 of 33.93 µM, while UB exhibited a mean IC50 of 52.60 µM). LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was performed on in vitro endometriosis models. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These in vitro results provide new insights into the pathogenetic pathways affected by these compounds and mark their use as a potential new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded EU MSCA-RISE-2015 project MOMENDO (691058). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mc Cormack
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N Maenhoudt
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - V Fincke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - A Stejskalova
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - B Greve
- Department of Radiotherapy-Radiooncology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - L Kiesel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - G F Meresman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - H Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Cluster, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Götte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - R I Barañao
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Abstract
Endometriosis is a prevalent chronic disease that affects approximately 6% to 10% of reproductive-aged women. Although numerous researchers have endeavored to explore the etiology of endometriosis over a century, its etiology still remains an enigma. The exploration of pathophysiologic mechanism and novel therapy for endometriosis depends on ideal endometriotic models. In the previous decade, various endometriotic models have been established; therefore, we made a conclusion for available information on these models. This review summarized the common experimental models used in endometriotic studies, including their origins, characteristics, applications, and limitations. Endometriotic models played an important role in studying etiologies and novel treatments of endometriosis during the last decades. Among them, animal models and endometriotic cell lines were viewed as most common studying tools to explore the intrinsic entities of endometriosis. In addition, endometrial organoid also emerged and was regarded as an ideal studying tool for endometriosis research. Different research models collectively complement each other to advance the endometriosis research. The successful establishment of endometrial organoids means that organoids are expected to become an ideal model for studying endometriosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yue Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Romano A, Xanthoulea S, Giacomini E, Delvoux B, Alleva E, Vigano P. Endometriotic cell culture contamination and authenticity: a source of bias in in vitro research? Hum Reprod 2021; 35:364-376. [PMID: 32106286 PMCID: PMC7048714 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the primary cell cultures and cell lines used in endometriosis research of sufficient quality? SUMMARY ANSWER Primary cells used in endometriosis research lack purity and phenotypic characterisation, and cell lines are not genotypically authenticated. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The poor reproducibility of in vitro research and the lack of authenticity of the cell lines used represent reasons of concern in the field of reproductive biology and endometriosis research. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In the present study, past in vitro research in the field of endometriosis was systematically reviewed to determine whether the appropriate quality controls were considered. In addition, we explored the performance of Paired Box 2 (Pax2) as an endometrium specific marker in endometrial and endometriotic primary cell cultures; we also characterised the most diffused endometriosis cell lines with respect to important markers including the short tandem repeat (STR) profile. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Literature review part: almost 300 published protocols describing the isolation and creation of primary cell cultures from endometriosis were reviewed. Wet-lab part: primary cells isolated from 13 endometriosis patients were analysed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and FACS for the expression of Pax2. Cell lines Z11 and Z12, the most diffused endometriosis cell lines, were characterised with respect to the expression of Pax2, steroid hormone receptors and STR profile. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE From the literature review work, we underscored the lack of sufficient cell purity and phenotypic characterisation of primary cell cultures, which present high risk of contaminations from surrounding non-endometriotic tissues. Past work based on the use of cell lines was reviewed as well, and it emerged that cell line authentication was never performed. In an effort to address these weaknesses for future research, we present data on the performance of Pax2, a suitable marker to exclude ovarian (and other non-endometrial) cell contaminations from primary cell cultures; STR profiles of cell lines Z11 and Z12 were analysed and indicated that the cells were authentic. These profiles are now available for authentication purposes to researchers wishing to perform experiments with these cells. A quality control pipeline to assure sufficient quality of in vitro research in the field of reproductive biology and endometriosis is proposed. We encourage scientists, research institutes, journal reviewers, editors and funding bodies to raise awareness of the problem and adopt appropriate policies to solve it in the future. LARGE-SCALE DATA STR profiles of cell lines Z11 and Z12 are deposited at the Cellosaurus database—web.expasy.org. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There may be additional markers suitable to assess cell quality. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Future in vitro research in endometriosis and the reliability of outcomes can be improved by using the recommendations presented in this study. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was partly financed by the ‘Stichting Fertility Foundation’ (The Netherlands). The authors declare no existing conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Non-applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Romano
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Xanthoulea
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giacomini
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Bert Delvoux
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eugenia Alleva
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Paola Vigano
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
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Stejskalová A, Fincke V, Nowak M, Schmidt Y, Borrmann K, von Wahlde MK, Schäfer SD, Kiesel L, Greve B, Götte M. Collagen I triggers directional migration, invasion and matrix remodeling of stroma cells in a 3D spheroid model of endometriosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4115. [PMID: 33603041 PMCID: PMC7892880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83645-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a painful gynecological condition characterized by ectopic growth of endometrial cells. Little is known about its pathogenesis, which is partially due to a lack of suitable experimental models. Here, we use endometrial stromal (St-T1b), primary endometriotic stromal, epithelial endometriotic (12Z) and co-culture (1:1 St-T1b:12Z) spheroids to mimic the architecture of endometrium, and either collagen I or Matrigel to model ectopic locations. Stromal spheroids, but not single cells, assumed coordinated directional migration followed by matrix remodeling of collagen I on day 5 or 7, resembling ectopic lesions. While generally a higher area fold increase of spheroids occurred on collagen I compared to Matrigel, directional migration was not observed in co-culture or in 12Z cells. The fold increase in area on collagen I was significantly reduced by MMP inhibition in stromal but not 12Z cells. Inhibiting ROCK signalling responsible for actomyosin contraction increased the fold increase of area and metabolic activity compared to untreated controls on Matrigel. The number of protrusions emanating from 12Z spheroids on Matrigel was decreased by microRNA miR-200b and increased by miR-145. This study demonstrates that spheroid assay is a promising pre-clinical tool that can be used to evaluate small molecule drugs and microRNA-based therapeutics for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stejskalová
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Victoria Fincke
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Melissa Nowak
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, D11, 48149 Münster, Germany ,grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Present Address: Institut für Molekulare Medizin III, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yvonne Schmidt
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Katrin Borrmann
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Radiotherapy-Radiooncology, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Marie-Kristin von Wahlde
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sebastian D. Schäfer
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kiesel
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Burkhard Greve
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Radiotherapy-Radiooncology, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Götte
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, D11, 48149 Münster, Germany
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19
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Shin HY, Yang W, Chay DB, Lee EJ, Chung JY, Kim HS, Kim JH. Tetraspanin 1 promotes endometriosis leading to ovarian clear cell carcinoma. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:987-1004. [PMID: 33331115 PMCID: PMC8024726 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) reportedly develops from endometriosis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its malignant progression to OCCC remains elusive. This study aimed to identify an essential gene in the malignant transformation of endometriosis to OCCC. We performed RNA sequencing in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues of endometriosis (n = 9), atypical endometriosis (AtyEm) (n = 18), adjacent endometriosis to OCCC (AdjEm) (n = 7), and OCCC (n = 17). We found that tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1) mRNA level was significantly increased by 2.4‐ (DESeq2) and 3.4‐fold (edgeR) in AtyEm and by 80.7‐ (DESeq2) and 101‐fold (edgeR) in OCCC relative to endometriosis. We confirmed that TSPAN1 protein level was similarly overexpressed in OCCC tissues and cell lines. In immortalized endometriosis cell lines, TSPAN1 overexpression enhanced cell growth and invasion. Mechanistically, TSPAN1 triggered AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, promoting endometriosis and cell growth. Upregulated levels of TSPAN1 are considered an early event in the development of high‐risk endometriosis that could progress to ovarian cancer. Our study suggests the potential of TSPAN1 as a screening candidate for high‐risk endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Yeon Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wookyeom Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Doo Byung Chay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahmyook Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon-Yong Chung
- Experimental Pathology Lab., Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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20
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Wendel JRH, Wang X, Smith LJ, Hawkins SM. Three-Dimensional Biofabrication Models of Endometriosis and the Endometriotic Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110525. [PMID: 33233463 PMCID: PMC7700676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterine cavity, leading to pelvic pain, infertility, and increased risk of ovarian cancer. The present study describes the optimization and characterization of cellular spheroids as building blocks for Kenzan scaffold-free method biofabrication and proof-of-concept models of endometriosis and the endometriotic microenvironment. The spheroid building blocks must be of a specific diameter (~500 μm), compact, round, and smooth to withstand Kenzan biofabrication. Under optimized spheroid conditions for biofabrication, the endometriotic epithelial-like cell line, 12Z, expressed high levels of estrogen-related genes and secreted high amounts of endometriotic inflammatory factors that were independent of TNFα stimulation. Heterotypic spheroids, composed of 12Z and T-HESC, an immortalized endometrial stromal cell line, self-assembled into a biologically relevant pattern, consisting of epithelial cells on the outside of the spheroids and stromal cells in the core. 12Z spheroids were biofabricated into large three-dimensional constructs alone, with HEYA8 spheroids, or as heterotypic spheroids with T-HESC. These three-dimensional biofabricated constructs containing multiple monotypic or heterotypic spheroids represent the first scaffold-free biofabricated in vitro models of endometriosis and the endometriotic microenvironment. These efficient and innovative models will allow us to study the complex interactions of multiple cell types within a biologically relevant microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian R. H. Wendel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (J.R.H.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (J.R.H.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Lester J. Smith
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- 3D Bioprinting Core, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Shannon M. Hawkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (J.R.H.W.); (X.W.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-317-274-8225
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21
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Malvezzi H, Marengo EB, Podgaec S, Piccinato CDA. Endometriosis: current challenges in modeling a multifactorial disease of unknown etiology. J Transl Med 2020; 18:311. [PMID: 32787880 PMCID: PMC7425005 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory hormone-dependent condition associated with pelvic pain and infertility, characterized by the growth of ectopic endometrium outside the uterus. Given its still unknown etiology, treatments usually aim at diminishing pain and/or achieving pregnancy. Despite some progress in defining mode-of-action for drug development, the lack of reliable animal models indicates that novel approaches are required. The difficulties inherent to modeling endometriosis are related to its multifactorial nature, a condition that hinders the recreation of its pathology and the identification of clinically relevant metrics to assess drug efficacy. In this review, we report and comment endometriosis models and how they have led to new therapies. We envision a roadmap for endometriosis research, integrating Artificial Intelligence, three-dimensional cultures and organ-on-chip models as ways to achieve better understanding of physiopathological features and better tailored effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Malvezzi
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP 05652-900 Brazil
| | - Eliana Blini Marengo
- Instituto Butanta- EstabilidadeBiotech Quality Control, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Sérgio Podgaec
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP 05652-900 Brazil
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22
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Abstract
Endometriosis is one of the most common benign gynecological diseases in women of reproductive age worldwide. In past decades, a number of in-vitro models have been used to investigate the pathology and therapeutic methods for the treatment of endometriosis. The current review summarized the majority of currently available in-vitro models, which utilize a variety of cell or tissues types, including endometriotic cell lines, primary endometrial stromal cells, endometrial stem cells, endometrial explants, peritoneal explants and immune cells. These cells or tissues are cultured individually, co-cultured in 2D or 3D systems with various matrices or cultured in chicken chorioallantotic membranes and amniotic membranes culture systems. These models are able to represent one or more aspects of the process of endometriosis. These models are helpful and can be used to investigate the development of endometriosis and the underlying mechanisms of this disorder in detail, and help investigators select appropriate models for their experiments. Recently, the new concept of endometriosis as a fibrotic condition will lead research to investigate the differentiation of myofibroblasts and the development of fibrosis in endometriotic lesions, which will increase the development of novel models that can be used to investigate endometriotic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Fan
- The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
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23
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Montes DE, Braz CU, Ribeiro AMF, Cavani L, Barbero MMD, Albuquerque LG, Curi RA, Oliveira HN. Selection signatures in candidate genes and QTL for reproductive traits in Nellore heifers. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 207:1-8. [PMID: 31266598 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The identification of selection signature genes may help to detect genomic regions that underwent artificial selection and contributed to phenotypic diversity. The aim of this study, therefore, was to detect selection signatures in candidate genes and quantitative trait locus (QTL) for reproductive traits in a Nellore population being selected for sexual precocity. A total of 2035 Nellore heifers, sourced from breeding programs focused on sexual precocity, were used. Candidate genes and some specific QTL related to reproductive traits were chosen based on published literature and Animal QTL databases, respectively, for investigation whether these regions were affected by selection. Selection signature DNA sequences were detected in the selected regions using the extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH) and relative extended haplotype homozygosity (REHH) methods. From 22,241 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the candidate genes and QTL, 17,312 SNPs generated 2756 haplotype blocks. A total of 7518 EHH tests were analyzed using haplotypes with a frequency of more than 25%, for which there were 39 tests that were significant for REHH (P<0.01). Selection signature DNA sequences were detected that contained several QTLs for important reproductive traits in cattle, suggesting that reproductive traits may have been affected by selection for sexual precocity in this population. Forty-six genes were located in the selection signature regions, whereas 24 genes participated in important biological processes or pathways that may underlie sexual precocity. These results indicate there are possible molecular mechanisms related to sexual precocity in the Nellore breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donicer E Montes
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Campus (Jaboticabal), Department of Animal Science, Brazil; Universidad de Sucre, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Departamento de Zootecnia, Sincelejo, Colombia
| | - Camila U Braz
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Campus (Jaboticabal), Department of Animal Science, Brazil
| | - André M F Ribeiro
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Campus (Jaboticabal), Department of Animal Science, Brazil
| | - Lígia Cavani
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Campus (Jaboticabal), Department of Animal Science, Brazil
| | - Marina M D Barbero
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Campus (Jaboticabal), Department of Animal Science, Brazil
| | - Lucia G Albuquerque
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Campus (Jaboticabal), Department of Animal Science, Brazil
| | - Rogério A Curi
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Campus (Botucatu), Department of Animal Improvement and Nutrition, Brazil
| | - Henrique N Oliveira
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Campus (Jaboticabal), Department of Animal Science, Brazil.
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24
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Wendel JRH, Wang X, Hawkins SM. The Endometriotic Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10080261. [PMID: 30087267 PMCID: PMC6115869 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10080261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with endometriosis are at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, specifically ovarian endometrioid, low-grade serous, and clear-cell adenocarcinoma. An important clinical caveat to the association of endometriosis with ovarian cancer is the improved prognosis for women with endometriosis at time of ovarian cancer staging. Whether endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers develop from the molecular transformation of endometriosis or develop because of the endometriotic tumor microenvironment remain unknown. Additionally, how the presence of endometriosis improves prognosis is also undefined, but likely relies on the endometriotic microenvironment. The unique tumor microenvironment of endometriosis is composed of epithelial, stromal, and immune cells, which adapt to survive in hypoxic conditions with high levels of iron, estrogen, and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Understanding the unique molecular features of the endometriotic tumor microenvironment may lead to impactful precision therapies and/or modalities for prevention. A challenge to this important study is the rarity of well-characterized clinical samples and the limited model systems. In this review, we will describe the unique molecular features of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers, the endometriotic tumor microenvironment, and available model systems for endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers. Continued research on these unique ovarian cancers may lead to improved prevention and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian R Hufgard Wendel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Xiyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Shannon M Hawkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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25
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Cheng Z, Zhang D, Gong B, Wang P, Liu F. CD163 as a novel target gene of STAT3 is a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:87244-87262. [PMID: 29152078 PMCID: PMC5675630 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CD163 is a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily, and has been widely used to identify M2 type macrophage. However, the expression of CD163 in gastric cancer and its regulatory mechanism are still unclear. Here we show that CD163 is elevated in gastric cancer tissues. High expression of CD163 is a potential indicator to evaluate the status of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and cancer associated fibroblasts (Cafs). Besides, more CD163 positive macrophages and CD163 expressing gastric cancer cells are associated with tumor invasion and poor prognosis. Knocking-down CD163 in cancer cells could inhibit tumor growth in vivo. We also find various immune molecules which are correlated with CD163 in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines have positive staining in the cancer cells of clinical sample. Finally, we confirm CD163 is a novel target gene of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) in gastric cancer. Our data indicate that CD163 may be a potential poor prognostic marker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenguo Cheng
- National Center for The International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Danhua Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Baocheng Gong
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Pengliang Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Funan Liu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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26
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Lakshminarasimhan R, Andreu-Vieyra C, Lawrenson K, Duymich CE, Gayther SA, Liang G, Jones PA. Down-regulation of ARID1A is sufficient to initiate neoplastic transformation along with epigenetic reprogramming in non-tumorigenic endometriotic cells. Cancer Lett 2017; 401:11-19. [PMID: 28483516 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The chromatin remodeler AT-Rich Interactive Domain 1A (ARID1A) is frequently mutated in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) and endometriosis precursor lesions. Here, we show that knocking down ARID1A in an immortalized endometriosis cell line is sufficient to induce phenotypic changes indicative of neoplastic transformation as evidenced by higher efficiency of anchorage-independent growth, increased propensity to adhere to collagen, and greater capacity to invade basement membrane extract in vitro. ARID1A knockdown is associated with expression dysregulation of 99 target genes, and many of these expression changes are also observed in primary OCCC tissues. Further, pathway analysis indicates these genes fall within networks highly relevant to tumorigenesis including integrin and paxillin pathways. We demonstrate that the down-regulation of ARID1A does not markedly alter global chromatin accessibility or DNA methylation but unexpectedly, we find strong increases in the active H3K27ac mark in promoter regions and decreases of H3K27ac at potential enhancers. Taken together, these data provide evidence that ARID1A mutation can be an early stage event in the oncogenic transformation of endometriosis cells giving rise to OCCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjani Lakshminarasimhan
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Claudia Andreu-Vieyra
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Women's Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Suite 290W, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher E Duymich
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Simon A Gayther
- Women's Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Suite 290W, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gangning Liang
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Peter A Jones
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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27
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Baljuls A, Dobrzyński M, Rauch J, Rauch N, Kolch W. Stabilization of C-RAF:KSR1 complex by DiRas3 reduces availability of C-RAF for dimerization with B-RAF. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1451-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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28
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Brüggmann D, Elizabeth-Martinez A, Klingelhöfer D, Quarcoo D, Jaque JM, Groneberg DA. Endometriosis and its global research architecture: an in-depth density-equalizing mapping analysis. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2016; 16:64. [PMID: 27653503 PMCID: PMC5031306 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-016-0336-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases. It is still a chameleon in many aspects and urges intense research activities in the fields of diagnosis, therapy and prevention. Despite the need to foster research in this area, no in-depth analysis of the global architecture of endometriosis research exists yet. Methods We here used the NewQIS platform to conduct a density equalizing mapping study, using the Web of Science as database with endometriosis related entries between 1900 and 2009. Density equalizing maps of global endometriosis research encompassing country-specific publication activities, and semi-qualitative indices such as country specific citations, citation rates, h-Indices were created. Results In total, 11,056 entries related to endometriosis were found. The USA was leading the field with 3705 publications followed by the United Kingdom (952) and Japan (846). Concerning overall citations and country-specific h-Indices, the USA again was the leading nation with 74,592 citations and a modified h-Index of 103, followed by the UK with 15,175 citations (h-Index 57). Regarding the citation rate, Sweden and Belgium were at top positions with rates of 22.46 and 22.26, respectively. Concerning collaborative studies, there was a steep increase in numbers present; analysis of the chronological evolution indicated a strong increase in international collaborations in the past 10 years. Conclusions This study is the first analysis that illustrates the global endometriosis research architecture. It shows that endometriosis research is constantly gaining importance but also underlines the need for further efforts and investments to foster research and ultimately improve endometriosis management on a global scale. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12905-016-0336-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dörthe Brüggmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Ave, IRD 509, Los Angeles, 90089-9300, CA, USA. .,Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Alexandra Elizabeth-Martinez
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Doris Klingelhöfer
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - David Quarcoo
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jenny M Jaque
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Ave, IRD 509, Los Angeles, 90089-9300, CA, USA
| | - David A Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
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29
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Manek R, Pakzamir E, Mhawech-Fauceglia P, Pejovic T, Sowter H, Gayther SA, Lawrenson K. Targeting Src in endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Oncogenesis 2016; 5:e251. [PMID: 27526105 PMCID: PMC5007828 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2016.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The SRC proto-oncogene is commonly overexpressed or activated during cancer development. Src family kinase inhibitors are approved for the treatment of certain leukemias, and are in clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors. Src signaling is activated in endometriosis, a precursor of clear cell and endometrioid subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancers (OCs). We examined the expression of phosphorylated Src (Src-pY416) in 381 primary OC tissues. Thirty-six percent of OCs expressed Src-pY416. Src-pY416 expression was most common in endometriosis-associated OCs (EAOCs) (P=0.011), particularly in clear cell OCs where 58.5% of cases expressed Src-pY416. Src-pY416 expression was associated with shorter overall survival (log rank P=0.002). In vitro inhibition of Src signaling using 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(dimethylethyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) resulted in reduced anchorage-independent and -dependent growth, and in three-dimensional cell culture models PP2 disrupted aggregate formation in Src-pY416-positive but not in Src-pY416-negative cell lines. These data suggest that targeting active Src signaling could be a novel therapeutic opportunity for EAOCs, and support the further pre-clinical investigation of Src family kinase inhibitors for treating OCs expressing Src-pY416.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Manek
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E Pakzamir
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - P Mhawech-Fauceglia
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - T Pejovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - H Sowter
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - S A Gayther
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - K Lawrenson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Coetzee SG, Shen HC, Hazelett DJ, Lawrenson K, Kuchenbaecker K, Tyrer J, Rhie SK, Levanon K, Karst A, Drapkin R, Ramus SJ, Couch FJ, Offit K, Chenevix-Trench G, Monteiro ANA, Antoniou A, Freedman M, Coetzee GA, Pharoah PDP, Noushmehr H, Gayther SA. Cell-type-specific enrichment of risk-associated regulatory elements at ovarian cancer susceptibility loci. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:3595-607. [PMID: 25804953 PMCID: PMC4459387 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the regulatory landscape of the human genome is a central question in complex trait genetics. Most single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with cancer risk lie in non-protein-coding regions, implicating regulatory DNA elements as functional targets of susceptibility variants. Here, we describe genome-wide annotation of regions of open chromatin and histone modification in fallopian tube and ovarian surface epithelial cells (FTSECs, OSECs), the debated cellular origins of high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs) and in endometriosis epithelial cells (EECs), the likely precursor of clear cell ovarian carcinomas (CCOCs). The regulatory architecture of these cell types was compared with normal human mammary epithelial cells and LNCaP prostate cancer cells. We observed similar positional patterns of global enhancer signatures across the three different ovarian cancer precursor cell types, and evidence of tissue-specific regulatory signatures compared to non-gynecological cell types. We found significant enrichment for risk-associated SNPs intersecting regulatory biofeatures at 17 known HGSOC susceptibility loci in FTSECs (P = 3.8 × 10(-30)), OSECs (P = 2.4 × 10(-23)) and HMECs (P = 6.7 × 10(-15)) but not for EECs (P = 0.45) or LNCaP cells (P = 0.88). Hierarchical clustering of risk SNPs conditioned on the six different cell types indicates FTSECs and OSECs are highly related (96% of samples using multi-scale bootstrapping) suggesting both cell types may be precursors of HGSOC. These data represent the first description of regulatory catalogues of normal precursor cells for different ovarian cancer subtypes, and provide unique insights into the tissue specific regulatory variation with respect to the likely functional targets of germline genetic susceptibility variants for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon G Coetzee
- Department of Genetics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto-SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil, Center for Cell Based Therapy, Rua Tenente Catão Roxo, 2501, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, CEP: 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Howard C Shen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine and
| | - Dennis J Hazelett
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine and, Department of Urology, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine and
| | - Karoline Kuchenbaecker
- Department of Oncology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan Tyrer
- Department of Oncology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge, UK
| | - Suhn K Rhie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine and, Department of Urology, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keren Levanon
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Alison Karst
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronny Drapkin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Susan J Ramus
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine and
| | - Fergus J Couch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kenneth Offit
- Clinical Genetics Service, Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Georgia Chenevix-Trench
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alvaro N A Monteiro
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, Division of Population Sciences, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Antonis Antoniou
- Department of Oncology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew Freedman
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA and
| | - Gerhard A Coetzee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine and, Department of Urology, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paul D P Pharoah
- Department of Oncology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge, UK
| | - Houtan Noushmehr
- Department of Genetics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto-SP CEP: 14049-900, Brazil, Center for Cell Based Therapy, Rua Tenente Catão Roxo, 2501, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, CEP: 14051-140, Brazil, Center for Integrative Systems Biology - CISBi, NAP/USP, Rua Catão Roxo, 2501, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP: 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Simon A Gayther
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine and,
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Das V, Bruzzese F, Konečný P, Iannelli F, Budillon A, Hajdúch M. Pathophysiologically relevant in vitro tumor models for drug screening. Drug Discov Today 2015; 20:848-55. [PMID: 25908576 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The alarming rate of failure of clinical trials is a major hurdle in cancer therapy that partly results from the inadequate use of in vitro tumor models for the screening of promising hits and leads in preclinical studies. 2D cultures of cancer cell lines that are primarily used for drug screening do not adequately recapitulate tumor microenvironment (TME) complexities compared with 3D cancer cell cultures and tumor-derived primary cell cultures. In this review, we focus on the potential use of in vitro tumor models that reproduce in vivo tumor complexities for effective drug selection in the preclinical stages of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viswanath Das
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; EATRIS Headquarters, Giovanni Migliaccio, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca Bruzzese
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori Fondazioni Giovanni Pascale - IRCCS, 80131 Naples, Italy; EATRIS Headquarters, Giovanni Migliaccio, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petr Konečný
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; EATRIS Headquarters, Giovanni Migliaccio, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Federica Iannelli
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori Fondazioni Giovanni Pascale - IRCCS, 80131 Naples, Italy; EATRIS Headquarters, Giovanni Migliaccio, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori Fondazioni Giovanni Pascale - IRCCS, 80131 Naples, Italy; EATRIS Headquarters, Giovanni Migliaccio, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marián Hajdúch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; EATRIS Headquarters, Giovanni Migliaccio, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Ichioka M, Mita S, Shimizu Y, Imada K, Kiyono T, Bono Y, Kyo S. Dienogest, a synthetic progestin, down-regulates expression of CYP19A1 and inflammatory and neuroangiogenesis factors through progesterone receptor isoforms A and B in endometriotic cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 147:103-10. [PMID: 25533385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Dienogest (DNG) is a selective progesterone receptor (PR) agonist and oral administration of DNG is used for the treatment of endometriosis. DNG is considered to act on PR to down-regulate pathophysiological factors associated with endometriosis. PR exists as two major isoforms, PR-A and PR-B, and their physiological functions are mostly distinct. It was suggested that PR isoform expression patterns are altered in endometriosis, but it is unknown whether the pharmacological effects of DNG are exerted through PR-A, PR-B or both. In the present study, we investigated the pharmacological effects of DNG through these PR isoforms on the expression of CYP19A1 which encodes aromatase and inflammatory and neuroangiogenesis factors associated with the pain and progression of endometriosis. We used immortalized human endometriotic epithelial cell lines that specifically express PR-A or PR-B in a spheroid cell culture system, and treated them with DNG. We evaluated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of CYP19A1, prostaglandin (PG)E2 synthase (cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and microsomal PGE2 synthase (mPGES)-1), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1) and neuroangiogenesis factors (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF)) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, PGE2 production was measured by enzyme immunoassay. We found that DNG down-regulated mRNA expression of CYP19A1, COX-2, mPGES-1, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, NGF and VEGF, and PGE2 production in human endometriotic epithelial cell lines that specifically express either PR-A or PR-B. These results demonstrate that DNG activates both PR-A and PR-B and down-regulates the expression of pathophysiological factors associated with pain and progression of endometriosis. Our results suggest that DNG exerts therapeutic efficacy against the pain and progression of endometriosis regardless of PR isoform expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Ichioka
- Development Research, Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 722, Jimba, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8524, Japan
| | - Shizuka Mita
- Development Research, Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 722, Jimba, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8524, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Shimizu
- Development Research, Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 722, Jimba, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8524, Japan
| | - Kazunori Imada
- Development Research, Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 722, Jimba, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8524, Japan
| | - Tohru Kiyono
- Division of Virology, National Cancer Research Institute, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yukiko Bono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Satoru Kyo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8641, Japan
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Lawrenson K, Lee N, Torres HAM, Lee JM, Brueggmann D, Rao PN, Noushmehr H, Gayther SA. Src as a novel therapeutic target for endometriosis. Gynecol Oncol 2014; 135:100-7. [PMID: 24972189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a common condition that is associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian carcinoma. Improved in vitro models of this disease are needed to better understand how endometriosis, a benign disease, can undergo neoplastic transformation, and for the development of novel treatment strategies to prevent this progression. METHODS We describe the generation and in vitro characterization of novel TERT immortalized ovarian endometriosis epithelial cell lines (EEC16-TERT). RESULTS Expression of TERT alone was sufficient to immortalize endometriosis epithelial cells. TERT immortalization induces an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and perturbation in the expression of genes involved in the development of ovarian cancer. EEC16-TERT was non-tumorigenic when xenografted into immunocompromised mice but grew in anchorage-independent growth assays in an epidermal growth factor and hydrocortisone dependent manner. Colony formation in agar was abolished by inhibition of Src, and the Src pathway was found to be activated in human endometriosis lesions. CONCLUSIONS This new in vitro model system mimics endometriosis and the early stages of neoplastic transformation in the development of endometriosis associated ovarian cancer. We demonstrate the potential clinical relevance of this model by identifying Src activation as a novel pathway in endometriosis that could be targeted therapeutically, perhaps as a novel strategy to manage endometriosis clinically, or to prevent the development of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Lawrenson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California/Keck School of Medicine, 1450 Biggy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Nathan Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California/Keck School of Medicine, 1450 Biggy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Hugo A M Torres
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Núcleo de Apoio à Pesquisa (NAP) denominado Centro de Biologia Sistêmica Integrada (CISBi), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janet M Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California/Keck School of Medicine, 1450 Biggy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Doerthe Brueggmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California/Keck School of Medicine, 1450 Biggy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - P Nagesh Rao
- Pathology and Lab Medicine, David Geffen University of California Los Angeles, 22-26 Rehab Cntr, 1000 Veteran Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.
| | - Houtan Noushmehr
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Núcleo de Apoio à Pesquisa (NAP) denominado Centro de Biologia Sistêmica Integrada (CISBi), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Simon A Gayther
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California/Keck School of Medicine, 1450 Biggy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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