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Granger K, Fitch S, Shen M, Lloyd J, Bhurke A, Hancock J, Ye X, Arora R. Murine uterine gland branching is necessary for gland function in implantation. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae020. [PMID: 38788747 PMCID: PMC11176042 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae020] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine glands are branched, tubular structures whose secretions are essential for pregnancy success. It is known that pre-implantation glandular expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is crucial for embryo implantation; however, the contribution of uterine gland structure to gland secretions, such as LIF, is not known. Here, we use mice deficient in estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) signaling to uncover the role of ESR1 signaling in gland branching and the role of a branched structure in LIF secretion and embryo implantation. We observed that deletion of ESR1 in neonatal uterine epithelium, stroma, and muscle using the progesterone receptor PgrCre causes a block in uterine gland development at the gland bud stage. Embryonic epithelial deletion of ESR1 using a Müllerian duct Cre line, Pax2Cre, displays gland bud elongation but a failure in gland branching. Reduction of ESR1 in adult uterine epithelium using the lactoferrin-Cre (LtfCre) displays normally branched uterine glands. Unbranched glands from Pax2Cre Esr1flox/flox uteri fail to express glandular pre-implantation Lif, preventing implantation chamber formation and embryo alignment along the uterine mesometrial-antimesometrial axis. In contrast, branched glands from LtfCre Esr1flox/flox uteri display reduced expression of ESR1 and glandular Lif resulting in delayed implantation chamber formation and embryo-uterine axes alignment but mice deliver a normal number of pups. Finally, pre-pubertal unbranched glands in control mice express Lif in the luminal epithelium but fail to express Lif in the glandular epithelium, even in the presence of estrogen. These data strongly suggest that branched glands are necessary for pre-implantation glandular Lif expression for implantation success. Our study is the first to identify a relationship between the branched structure and secretory function of uterine glands and provides a framework for understanding how uterine gland structure-function contributes to pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Granger
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Sarah Fitch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - May Shen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jarrett Lloyd
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Aishwarya Bhurke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jonathan Hancock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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McGlade EA, Mao J, Stephens KK, Kelleher AM, Maddison LA, Bernhardt ML, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP, Winuthayanon W. Generation of Oviductal Glycoprotein 1 Cre Mouse Model for the Study of Secretory Epithelial Cells of the Oviduct. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae070. [PMID: 38916490 PMCID: PMC11210311 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The epithelial cell lining of the oviduct plays an important role in oocyte pickup, sperm migration, preimplantation embryo development, and embryo transport. The oviduct epithelial cell layer comprises ciliated and nonciliated secretory cells. The ciliary function has been shown to support gamete and embryo movement in the oviduct, yet secretory cell function has not been well characterized. Therefore, our goal was to generate a secretory cell-specific Cre recombinase mouse model to study the role of the oviductal secretory cells. A knock-in mouse model, Ovgp1Cre:eGFP, was created by expressing Cre from the endogenous Ovgp1 (oviductal glycoprotein 1) locus, with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as a reporter. EGFP signals were strongly detected in the secretory epithelial cells of the oviducts at estrus in adult Ovgp1Cre:eGFP mice. Signals were also detected in the ovarian stroma, uterine stroma, vaginal epithelial cells, epididymal epithelial cells, and elongated spermatids. To validate recombinase activity, progesterone receptor (PGR) expression was ablated using the Ovgp1Cre:eGFP; Pgrf/f mouse model. Surprisingly, the deletion was restricted to the epithelial cells of the uterotubal junction (UTJ) region of Ovgp1Cre:eGFP; Pgrf/f oviducts. Deletion of Pgr in the epithelial cells of the UTJ region had no effect on female fecundity. In summary, we found that eGFP signals were likely specific to secretory epithelial cells in all regions of the oviduct. However, due to a potential target-specific Cre activity, validation of appropriate recombination and expression of the gene(s) of interest is absolutely required to confirm efficient deletion when generating conditional knockout mice using the Ovgp1Cre:eGFP line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A McGlade
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jiude Mao
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kalli K Stephens
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Andrew M Kelleher
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Lisette A Maddison
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Miranda L Bernhardt
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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Wei D, Su Y, Leung PCK, Li Y, Chen ZJ. Roles of bone morphogenetic proteins in endometrial remodeling during the human menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:215-237. [PMID: 38037193 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad031] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the human menstrual cycle and pregnancy, the endometrium undergoes a series of dynamic remodeling processes to adapt to physiological changes. Insufficient endometrial remodeling, characterized by inadequate endometrial proliferation, decidualization and spiral artery remodeling, is associated with infertility, endometriosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia and miscarriage. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a subset of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, are multifunctional cytokines that regulate diverse cellular activities, such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix synthesis, are now understood as integral to multiple reproductive processes in women. Investigations using human biological samples have shown that BMPs are essential for regulating human endometrial remodeling processes, including endometrial proliferation and decidualization. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes our current knowledge on the known pathophysiological roles of BMPs and their underlying molecular mechanisms in regulating human endometrial proliferation and decidualization, with the goal of promoting the development of innovative strategies for diagnosing, treating and preventing infertility and adverse pregnancy complications associated with dysregulated human endometrial remodeling. SEARCH METHODS A literature search for original articles published up to June 2023 was conducted in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases, identifying studies on the roles of BMPs in endometrial remodeling during the human menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Articles identified were restricted to English language full-text papers. OUTCOMES BMP ligands and receptors and their transduction molecules are expressed in the endometrium and at the maternal-fetal interface. Along with emerging technologies such as tissue microarrays, 3D organoid cultures and advanced single-cell transcriptomics, and given the clinical availability of recombinant human proteins and ongoing pharmaceutical development, it is now clear that BMPs exert multiple roles in regulating human endometrial remodeling and that these biomolecules (and their receptors) can be targeted for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Moreover, dysregulation of these ligands, their receptors, or signaling determinants can impact endometrial remodeling, contributing to infertility or pregnancy-related complications (e.g. preeclampsia and miscarriage). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Although further clinical trials are needed, recent advancements in the development of recombinant BMP ligands, synthetic BMP inhibitors, receptor antagonists, BMP ligand sequestration tools, and gene therapies have underscored the BMPs as candidate diagnostic biomarkers and positioned the BMP signaling pathway as a promising therapeutic target for addressing infertility and pregnancy complications related to dysregulated human endometrial remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yaxin Su
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong, China
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Aikawa S, Hirota Y. Roles of lipid mediators in early pregnancy events. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12597. [PMID: 39010880 PMCID: PMC11247399 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Early pregnancy events, including embryo implantation, are critical for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and facilitating childbirth. Despite numerous signaling pathways implicated in establishing early pregnancy, a comprehensive understanding of implantation remains elusive. Methods This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research on lipids in the context of early pregnancy, with a particular focus on feto-maternal communications. Main Findings Embryo implantation entails direct interaction between uterine tissues and embryos. Introducing embryos triggers significant changes in uterine epithelial morphology and stromal differentiation, facilitating embryo implantation through communication with uterine tissue. Studies employing genetic models and chemical compounds targeting enzymes and receptors have elucidated the crucial roles of lipid mediators-prostaglandins, lysophosphatidic acid, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and cannabinoids-in early pregnancy events. Conclusion Given the high conservation of lipid synthases and receptors across species, lipid mediators likely play pivotal roles in rodents and humans. Further investigations into lipids hold promise for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
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Lu Y, Shao Y, Cui W, Jia Z, Zhang Q, Zhao Q, Chen Z, Yan J, Chu B, Yuan J. Excessive Lipid Peroxidation in Uterine Epithelium Causes Implantation Failure and Pregnancy Loss. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302887. [PMID: 38044324 PMCID: PMC10811501 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The uterine epithelium undergoes a dramatic spatiotemporal transformation to enter a receptive state, involving a complex interaction between ovarian hormones and signals from stromal and epithelial cells. Redox homeostasis is critical for cellular physiological steady state; emerging evidence reveals that excessive lipid peroxides derail redox homeostasis, causing various diseases. However, the role of redox homeostasis in early pregnancy remains largely unknown. It is found that uterine deletion of Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a key factor in repairing oxidative damage to lipids, confers defective implantation, leading to infertility. To further pinpoint Gpx4's role in different cell types, uterine epithelial-specific Gpx4 is deleted by a lactotransferrin (Ltf)-Cre driver; the resultant females are infertile, suggesting increased lipid peroxidation levels in uterine epithelium compromises receptivity and implantation. Lipid peroxidation inhibitor administration failed to rescue implantation due to carbonylation of major receptive-related proteins underlying high lipid reactive oxygen species. Intriguingly, superimposition of Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), an enzyme that promotes biosynthesis of phospholipid hydroperoxides, along with uterine epithelial GPX4 deletion, preserves reproductive capacity. This study reveals the pernicious impact of unbalanced redox signaling on embryo implantation and suggests the obliteration of lipid peroxides as a possible therapeutic approach to prevent implantation defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafang Lu
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Yuhan Shao
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
| | - Weiwei Cui
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Zhaoyu Jia
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
| | - Zi‐Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandong250021China
| | - Bo Chu
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Jia Yuan
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
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Maurya VK, Szwarc MM, Lonard DM, Kommagani R, Wu SP, O’Malley BW, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP. Steroid receptor coactivator-2 drives epithelial reprogramming that enables murine embryo implantation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23313. [PMID: 37962238 PMCID: PMC10655894 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301581r] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Although we have shown that steroid receptor coactivator-2 (SRC-2), a member of the p160/SRC family of transcriptional coregulators, is essential for decidualization of both human and murine endometrial stromal cells, SRC-2's role in the earlier stages of the implantation process have not been adequately addressed. Using a conditional SRC-2 knockout mouse (SRC-2d/d ) in timed natural pregnancy studies, we show that endometrial SRC-2 is required for embryo attachment and adherence to the luminal epithelium. Implantation failure is associated with the persistent expression of Mucin 1 and E-cadherin on the apical surface and basolateral adherens junctions of the SRC-2d/d luminal epithelium, respectively. These findings indicate that the SRC-2d/d luminal epithelium fails to exhibit a plasma membrane transformation (PMT) state known to be required for the development of uterine receptivity. Transcriptomics demonstrated that the expression of genes involved in steroid hormone control of uterine receptivity were significantly disrupted in the SRC-2d/d endometrium as well as genes that control epithelial tight junctional biology and the emergence of the epithelial mesenchymal transition state, with the latter sharing similar biological properties with PMT. Collectively, these findings uncover a new role for endometrial SRC-2 in the induction of the luminal epithelial PMT state, which is a prerequisite for the development of uterine receptivity and early pregnancy establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet K. Maurya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Coregulator Research
| | - Maria M. Szwarc
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Coregulator Research
| | - David M. Lonard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Coregulator Research
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - San Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bert W. O’Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Coregulator Research
| | - Francesco J. DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - John P. Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Coregulator Research
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Liu M, Ji M, Cheng J, Li Y, Tian Y, Zhao H, Wang Y, Zhu S, Zhang L, Xu X, Feng GS, Liang X, Bao H, Tang Y, Kong S, Lu J, Wang H, Lu Z, Deng W. Deciphering a critical role of uterine epithelial SHP2 in parturition initiation at single cell resolution. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7356. [PMID: 37963860 PMCID: PMC10646072 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43102-8] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The timely onset of female parturition is a critical determinant for pregnancy success. The highly heterogenous maternal decidua has been increasingly recognized as a vital factor in setting the timing of labor. Despite the cell type specific roles in parturition, the role of the uterine epithelium in the decidua remains poorly understood. This study uncovers the critical role of epithelial SHP2 in parturition initiation via COX1 and COX2 derived PGF2α leveraging epithelial specific Shp2 knockout mice, whose disruption contributes to delayed parturition initiation, dystocia and fetal deaths. Additionally, we also show that there are distinct types of epithelium in the decidua approaching parturition at single cell resolution accompanied with profound epithelium reformation via proliferation. Meanwhile, the epithelium maintains the microenvironment by communicating with stromal cells and macrophages. The epithelial microenvironment is maintained by a close interaction among epithelial, stromal and macrophage cells of uterine stromal cells. In brief, this study provides a previously unappreciated role of the epithelium in parturition preparation and sheds lights on the prevention of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Mengjun Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jianghong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yingzhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yingpu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sijing Zhu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Leilei Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xinmei Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Gen-Sheng Feng
- Department of Pathology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xiaohuan Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Zhongxian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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8
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Granger K, Fitch S, Shen M, Lloyd J, Bhurke A, Hancock J, Ye X, Arora R. Murine uterine gland branching is necessary for gland function in implantation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.01.565233. [PMID: 37961508 PMCID: PMC10635073 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Uterine glands are branched, tubular structures whose secretions are essential for pregnancy success. It is known that pre-implantation glandular expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is crucial for embryo implantation, however contribution of uterine gland structure to gland secretions such as LIF is not known. Here we use mice deficient in estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) signaling to uncover the role of ESR1 signaling in gland branching and the role of a branched structure in LIF secretion and embryo implantation. We observed that deletion of ESR1 in neonatal uterine epithelium, stroma and muscle using the progesterone receptor PgrCre causes a block in uterine gland development at the gland bud stage. Embryonic epithelial deletion of ESR1 using a mullerian duct Cre line - Pax2Cre, displays gland bud elongation but a failure in gland branching. Surprisingly, adult uterine epithelial deletion of ESR1 using the lactoferrin-Cre (LtfCre) displays normally branched uterine glands. Intriguingly, unbranched glands from Pax2Cre Esr1flox/flox uteri fail to express glandular pre-implantation Lif, preventing implantation chamber formation and embryo alignment along the uterine mesometrial-antimesometrial axis. In contrast, branched glands from LtfCre Esr1flox/flox uteri display reduced expression of glandular Lif resulting in delayed implantation chamber formation and embryo-uterine axes alignment but deliver a normal number of pups. Finally, pre-pubertal unbranched glands in control mice express Lif in the luminal epithelium but fail to express Lif in the glandular epithelium even in the presence of estrogen. These data strongly suggest that branched glands are necessary for pre-implantation glandular Lif expression for implantation success. Our study is the first to identify a relationship between the branched structure and secretory function of uterine glands and provides a framework for understanding how uterine gland structure-function contributes to pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Granger
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University
| | - Sarah Fitch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University
| | - May Shen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University
| | - Jarrett Lloyd
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University
| | - Aishwarya Bhurke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University
| | - Jonathan Hancock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University
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9
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Navaridas R, Vidal‐Sabanés M, Ruiz‐Mitjana A, Altés G, Perramon‐Güell A, Yeramian A, Egea J, Encinas M, Gatius S, Matias‐Guiu X, Dolcet X. In Vivo Intra-Uterine Delivery of TAT-Fused Cre Recombinase and CRISPR/Cas9 Editing System in Mice Unveil Histopathology of Pten/p53-Deficient Endometrial Cancers. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303134. [PMID: 37749866 PMCID: PMC10646277 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatase and TENsin homolog (Pten) and p53 are two of the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor genes in endometrial cancer. However, the functional consequences and histopathological manifestation of concomitant p53 and Pten loss of function alterations in the development of endometrial cancer is still controversial. Here, it is demonstrated that simultaneous Pten and p53 deletion is sufficient to cause epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenotype in endometrial organoids. By a novel intravaginal delivery method using HIV1 trans-activator of transcription cell penetrating peptide fused with a Cre recombinase protein (TAT-Cre), local ablation of both p53 and Pten is achieved specifically in the uterus. These mice developed high-grade endometrial carcinomas and a high percentage of uterine carcinosarcomas resembling those found in humans. To further demonstrate that carcinosarcomas arise from epithelium, double Pten/p53 deficient epithelial cells are mixed with wild type stromal and myometrial cells and subcutaneously transplanted to Scid mice. All xenotransplants resulted in the development of uterine carcinosarcomas displaying high nuclear pleomorphism and metastatic potential. Accordingly, in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 disruption of Pten and p53 also triggered the development of metastatic carcinosarcomas. The results unfadingly demonstrate that simultaneous deletion of p53 and Pten in endometrial epithelial cells is enough to trigger epithelial to mesenchymal transition that is consistently translated to the formation of uterine carcinosarcomas in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Navaridas
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Experimental MedicineInstitut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida. University of Lleida, UdL.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Maria Vidal‐Sabanés
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Experimental MedicineInstitut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida. University of Lleida, UdL.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Anna Ruiz‐Mitjana
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Experimental MedicineInstitut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida. University of Lleida, UdL.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Gisela Altés
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Experimental MedicineInstitut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida. University of Lleida, UdL.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Aida Perramon‐Güell
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Experimental MedicineInstitut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida. University of Lleida, UdL.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Andree Yeramian
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Experimental MedicineInstitut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida. University of Lleida, UdL.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Joaquim Egea
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Experimental MedicineInstitut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida. University of Lleida, UdL.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Mario Encinas
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Experimental MedicineInstitut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida. University of Lleida, UdL.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Sonia Gatius
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Department of Basic Medical SciencesBiomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), CIBERONC.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Xavier Matias‐Guiu
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Department of Basic Medical SciencesBiomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), CIBERONC.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
| | - Xavier Dolcet
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Experimental MedicineInstitut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida. University of Lleida, UdL.Av. Rovira Roure 80LleidaCatalonia25198Spain
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10
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Bi S, Tu Z, Chen D, Zhang S. Histone modifications in embryo implantation and placentation: insights from mouse models. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1229862. [PMID: 37600694 PMCID: PMC10436591 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1229862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation and placentation play pivotal roles in pregnancy by facilitating crucial maternal-fetal interactions. These dynamic processes involve significant alterations in gene expression profiles within the endometrium and trophoblast lineages. Epigenetics regulatory mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and microRNA expression, act as regulatory switches to modulate gene activity, and have been implicated in establishing a successful pregnancy. Exploring the alterations in these epigenetic modifications can provide valuable insights for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting complications related to pregnancy. However, our current understanding of these mechanisms during key gestational stages remains incomplete. This review focuses on recent advancements in the study of histone modifications during embryo implantation and placentation, while also highlighting future research directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilei Bi
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaowei Tu
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Li R, Wang T, Marquardt RM, Lydon JP, Wu SP, DeMayo FJ. TRIM28 modulates nuclear receptor signaling to regulate uterine function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4605. [PMID: 37528140 PMCID: PMC10393996 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone, acting through their cognate receptors the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the progesterone receptor (PR) respectively, regulate uterine biology. Using rapid immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (RIME) and co-immunoprecipitation, we identified TRIM28 (Tripartite motif containing 28) as a protein which complexes with ERα and PR in the regulation of uterine function. Impairment of TRIM28 expression results in the inability of the uterus to support early pregnancy through altered PR and ERα action in the uterine epithelium and stroma by suppressing PR and ERα chromatin binding. Furthermore, TRIM28 ablation in PR-expressing uterine cells results in the enrichment of a subset of TRIM28 positive and PR negative pericytes and epithelial cells with progenitor potential. In summary, our study reveals the important roles of TRIM28 in regulating endometrial cell composition and function in women, and also implies its critical functions in other hormone regulated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ryan M Marquardt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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12
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Fukui Y, Hirota Y, Aikawa S, Sakashita A, Shimizu-Hirota R, Takeda N, Ishizawa C, Iida R, Kaku T, Hirata T, Hiraoka T, Akaeda S, Matsuo M, Osuga Y. The EZH2-PRC2-H3K27me3 axis governs the endometrial cell cycle and differentiation for blastocyst invasion. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:320. [PMID: 37198149 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05832-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Infertility occurs in 15% of couples worldwide. Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is one of the major problems in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) programs, and how to manage patients with RIF to achieve successful pregnancy outcomes remains unresolved. Here, a uterine polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-regulated gene network was found to control embryo implantation. Our RNA-seq analyses of the human peri-implantation endometrium obtained from patients with RIF and fertile controls revealed that PRC2 components, including its core enzyme enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)-catalyzing H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and their target genes are dysregulated in the RIF group. Although fertility of uterine epithelium-specific knockout mice of Ezh2 (eKO mice) was normal, Ezh2-deleted mice in the uterine epithelium and stroma (uKO mice) exhibited severe subfertility, suggesting that stromal Ezh2 plays a key role in female fertility. The RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses revealed that H3K27me3-related dynamic gene silencing is canceled, and the gene expression of cell-cycle regulators is dysregulated in Ezh2-deleted uteri, causing severe epithelial and stromal differentiation defects and failed embryo invasion. Thus, our findings indicate that the EZH2-PRC2-H3K27me3 axis is critical to preparing the endometrium for the blastocyst invasion into the stroma in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-0016, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Preventive Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-0016, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ishizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Rei Iida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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13
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Kim YS, Yuan J, Dewar A, Borg JP, Threadgill DW, Sun X, Dey SK. An unanticipated discourse of HB-EGF with VANGL2 signaling during embryo implantation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302937120. [PMID: 37155852 PMCID: PMC10193979 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302937120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Implantation is the first direct encounter between the embryo and uterus during pregnancy, and Hbegf is the earliest known molecular signaling for embryo-uterine crosstalk during implantation. The downstream effectors of heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF) in implantation remain elusive due to the complexity of EGF receptor family. This study shows that the formation of implantation chamber (crypt) triggered by HB-EGF is disrupted by uterine deletion of Vangl2, a key planar cell polarity component (PCP). We found that HB-EGF binds to ERBB2 and ERBB3 to recruit VANGL2 for tyrosine phosphorylation. Using in vivo models, we show that uterine VAGL2 tyrosine phosphorylation is suppressed in Erbb2/Erbb3 double conditional knockout mice. In this context, severe implantation defects in these mice lend support to the critical role of HB-EGF-ERBB2/3-VANGL2 in establishing a two-way dialogue between the blastocyst and uterus. In addition, the result addresses an outstanding question how VANGL2 is activated during implantation. Taken together, these observations reveal that HB-EGF regulates the implantation process by influencing uterine epithelial cell polarity comprising VANGL2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Sun Kim
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
| | - Jia Yuan
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
| | - Amanda Dewar
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
| | - Jean-Paul Borg
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Aix Marseille Univ UM105, Inst Paoli Calmettes, UMR7258 CNRS, U1068 INSERM, Cell Polarity, Cell Signalling and Cancer - Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 13009Marseille, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, 73231Paris, France
| | - David W. Threadgill
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
| | - Sudhansu K. Dey
- Center of Reproductive Sciences, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45299
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14
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Dickson MJ, Gruzdev A, DeMayo FJ. iCre recombinase expressed in the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2 gene causes global genetic modification in the mouse†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:575-583. [PMID: 36721982 PMCID: PMC10106842 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad012] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically engineered mice are widely used to study the impact of altered gene expression in vivo. Within the reproductive tract, the Amhr2-IRES-Cre(Bhr) mouse model is used to ablate genes in ovarian granulosa and uterine stromal cells. There are reports of Amhr2-IRES-Cre(Bhr) inducing recombination in non-target tissues. We hypothesized the inefficiency or off-target Cre action in Amhr2-IRES-Cre(Bhr) mice is due to lack of recombination in every cell that expresses Amhr2. To investigate, we created a new targeted knock-in mouse model, Amhr2-iCre(Fjd), by inserting a codon-optimized improved Cre (iCre) into exon 1 of the Amhr2 gene. Amhr2-iCre(Fjd)/+ males were mated with females that contain a lox-stop-lox cassette in the Sun1 gene so when DNA recombination occurs, SUN1-sfGFP fusion protein is expressed in a peri-nuclear pattern. In adult Amhr2-iCre(Fjd)/+ Sun1LsL/+ mice, Amhr2-iCre(Fjd)-mediated genetic recombination was apparent in uterine epithelial, stromal, and myometrial cells, while Amhr2-IRES-Cre(Bhr)/+ Sun1LsL/+ females demonstrated inter-mouse variability of Amhr2-IRES-Cre(Bhr) activity in uterine cells. Fluorescence was observed in Amhr2-iCre(Fjd)-positive mice at post-natal Day 1, indicating global genetic recombination, while fluorescence of individual Amhr2-IRES-Cre(Bhr)-positive pups varied. To determine the developmental stage that genetic recombination first occurs, Sun1LsL/LsL females were super-ovulated and mated with Amhr2-IRES-Cre(Bhr)/+ or Amhr2(iCre/+)Fjd males, then putative zygotes were collected and cultured. In the four-cell embryo, Amhr2-iCre(Fjd) and Amhr2-IRES-Cre(Bhr) activities were apparent in 100% and 25-100% of cells, respectively. In conclusion, Amhr2-IRES-Cre(Bhr) or Amhr2-iCre(Fjd) driven by the Amhr2 promoter is active in the early embryo and can lead to global genetic modification, rendering this transgenic mouse model ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie J Dickson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Artiom Gruzdev
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Durham, NC, USA
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15
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Kriseman ML, Tang S, Liao Z, Jiang P, Parks SE, Cope DI, Yuan F, Chen F, Masand RP, Castro PD, Ittmann MM, Creighton CJ, Tan Z, Monsivais D. SMAD2/3 signaling in the uterine epithelium controls endometrial cell homeostasis and regeneration. Commun Biol 2023; 6:261. [PMID: 36906706 PMCID: PMC10008566 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04619-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The regenerative potential of the endometrium is attributed to endometrial stem cells; however, the signaling pathways controlling its regenerative potential remain obscure. In this study, genetic mouse models and endometrial organoids are used to demonstrate that SMAD2/3 signaling controls endometrial regeneration and differentiation. Mice with conditional deletion of SMAD2/3 in the uterine epithelium using Lactoferrin-iCre develop endometrial hyperplasia at 12-weeks and metastatic uterine tumors by 9-months of age. Mechanistic studies in endometrial organoids determine that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling disrupts organoid morphology, increases the glandular and secretory cell markers, FOXA2 and MUC1, and alters the genome-wide distribution of SMAD4. Transcriptomic profiling of the organoids reveals elevated pathways involved in stem cell regeneration and differentiation such as the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and retinoic acid signaling (RA) pathways. Therefore, TGFβ family signaling via SMAD2/3 controls signaling networks which are integral for endometrial cell regeneration and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya L Kriseman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peixin Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fengju Chen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ramya P Masand
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Patricia D Castro
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michael M Ittmann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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16
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Cheng J, Sha Z, Li J, Li B, Luo X, Zhang Z, Zhou Y, Chen S, Wang Y. Progress on the Role of Estrogen and Progesterone Signaling in Mouse Embryo Implantation and Decidualization. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:1746-1757. [PMID: 36694081 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation and decidualization are key steps in establishing a successful pregnancy. Defects in embryo implantation and decidualization can cause a series of adverse chain reactions which can contribute to harmful pregnancy outcomes, such as embryo growth retardation, preeclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, and so on. Approximately 75% of failed pregnancies are considered to be due to embryo implantation failure or defects. Decidualization, characterized by proliferation and differentiation of uterine stromal cells, is one of the essential conditions for blastocyst implantation, placental formation, and maintenance of pregnancy and is indispensable for the establishment of pregnancy in many species. Embryo implantation and decidualization are closely regulated by estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries. Many cellular events and molecular signaling network pathways are involved in this process. This article reviews the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of estrogen- and progesterone-regulating uterine receptivity establishment, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization, in order to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of hormonal regulation of embryo implantation and to develop new strategies for preventing or treating embryo implantation defects and improving the pregnancy rate of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Cheng
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Zizhuo Sha
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Junyang Li
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Bixuan Li
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China
| | - Xianyang Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen, 361003, China.,Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen, 361003, China.,Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350004, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, People's Republic of China. .,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen, 361003, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- Xi'An Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Xi'An Medical University, Xi'An 710021, China.
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17
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Namiki T, Terakawa J, Karakama H, Noguchi M, Murakami H, Hasegawa Y, Ohara O, Daikoku T, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Uterine epithelial Gp130 orchestrates hormone response and epithelial remodeling for successful embryo attachment in mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:854. [PMID: 36646738 PMCID: PMC9842754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27859-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) receptor, an interleukin 6 cytokine family signal transducer (Il6st, also known as Gp130) that is expressed in the uterine epithelium and stroma, has been recognized to play an essential role in embryo implantation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Gp130-mediated LIF signaling in the uterine epithelium during embryo implantation has not been elucidated. In this study, we generated mice with uterine epithelium specific deletion of Gp130 (Gp130 ecKO). Gp130 ecKO females were infertile due to the failure of embryo attachment and decidualization. Histomorphological observation revealed that the endometrial shape and embryo position from Gp130 ecKO were comparable to those of the control, and uterine epithelial cell proliferation, whose attenuation is essential for embryo implantation, was controlled in Gp130 ecKO. Comprehensive gene expression analysis using RNA-seq indicates that epithelial Gp130 regulates the expression of estrogen- and progesterone-responsive genes in conjunction with immune response during embryo implantation. We also found that an epithelial remodeling factor, snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (Snai1), was markedly reduced in the pre-implantation uterus from Gp130 ecKO. These results suggest that not only the suppression of uterine epithelial cell proliferation, but also Gp130-mediated epithelial remodeling is required for successful implantation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Namiki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-Ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-5201, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jumpei Terakawa
- Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan. .,Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-Ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-5201, Japan.
| | - Harumi Karakama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-Ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-5201, Japan
| | - Michiko Noguchi
- Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Laboratory of Theriogenology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Hironobu Murakami
- Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hasegawa
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Japan
| | - Osamu Ohara
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Institute for Experimental Animals, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-Ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-5201, Japan. .,Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan. .,Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-Ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-5201, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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18
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Tang S, Parks SE, Liao Z, Cope DI, Blutt SE, Monsivais D. Establishing 3D Endometrial Organoids from the Mouse Uterus. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/64448. [PMID: 36688555 PMCID: PMC10208800 DOI: 10.3791/64448] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial tissue lines the inner cavity of the uterus and is under the cyclical control of estrogen and progesterone. It is a tissue that is composed of luminal and glandular epithelium, a stromal compartment, a vascular network, and a complex immune cell population. Mouse models have been a powerful tool to study the endometrium, revealing critical mechanisms that control implantation, placentation, and cancer. The recent development of 3D endometrial organoid cultures presents a state-of-the-art model to dissect the signaling pathways that underlie endometrial biology. Establishing endometrial organoids from genetically engineered mouse models, analyzing their transcriptomes, and visualizing their morphology at a single-cell resolution are crucial tools for the study of endometrial diseases. This paper outlines methods to establish 3D cultures of endometrial epithelium from mice and describes techniques to quantify gene expression and analyze the histology of the organoids. The goal is to provide a resource that can be used to establish, culture, and study the gene expression and morphological characteristics of endometrial epithelial organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Sarah E Blutt
- Departments of Molecular Virology and Microbiology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine;
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19
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Kelleher AM, Allen CC, Davis DJ, Spencer TE. Prss29 Cre recombinase mice are useful to study adult uterine gland function. Genesis 2022; 60:e23493. [PMID: 35866844 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23493] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
All mammalian uteri contain glands in their endometrium that develop only or primarily after birth. In mice, those endometrial glands govern post implantation pregnancy establishment via regulation of blastocyst implantation, stromal cell decidualization, and placental development. Here, we describe a new uterine glandular epithelium (GE) specific Cre recombinase mouse line that is useful for the study of uterine gland function during pregnancy. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, Cre recombinase was inserted into the endogenous serine protease 29 precursor (Prss29) gene. Both Prss29 mRNA and Cre recombinase activity was specific to the GE of the mouse uterus following implantation, but was absent from other areas of the female reproductive tract. Next, Prss29-Cre mice were crossed with floxed forkhead box A2 (Foxa2) mice to conditionally delete Foxa2 specifically in the endometrial glands. Foxa2 was absent in the glands of the post-implantation uterus, and Foxa2 deleted mice exhibited complete infertility after their first pregnancy. These results establish that Prss29-Cre mice are a valuable resource to elucidate and explore the functions of glands in the adult uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Carolyn C Allen
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel J Davis
- Animal Modeling Core, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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20
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Moldovan GE, Song Y, Kim TH, Su RW, Jeong JW, Gruzdev A, Spencer TE, Fazleabas AT. Notch effector recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J signaling is required for the initiation of endometrial stromal cell decidualization†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:977-983. [PMID: 35835555 PMCID: PMC9562121 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac140] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is required for reproductive success. This pathway activates its transcriptional effector, recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J (Rbpj), to induce transcription of its target genes. This signaling pathway is required for successful decidualization, implantation, and uterine repair following parturition. To identify the compartmental specific roles of the Notch signaling pathway in the establishment of pregnancy, we generated epithelial and decidual stromal cell specific knockouts of Rbpj utilizing lactoferrin iCre and Prl8A2 iCre, respectively. Both conditional knockout mouse models were fertile. The Rbpj epithelial knockout mice displayed 27% resorption sites at E15.5, but this did not significantly impact the number of live born pups compared with controls. In addition, the Rbpj epithelial knockout mice displayed increased estrogen signaling in their stromal compartment. Given that both mouse models exhibited fertility comparable to control animals, the epithelial and stromal specific nature of the iCre recombinases utilized, and previously published Rbpj total uterine knockout mouse models, we conclude that Notch effector Rbpj signaling is required at the initiation of pregnancy to support decidualization in stromal cells, but that Rbpj is not required in the epithelial compartment nor is it required for post-implantation pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genna E Moldovan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Ren-Wei Su
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Artiom Gruzdev
- Knockout Mouse Core Facility, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Divison of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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21
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Matsuo M, Yuan J, Kim YS, Dewar A, Fujita H, Dey SK, Sun X. Targeted depletion of uterine glandular Foxa2 induces embryonic diapause in mice. eLife 2022; 11:78277. [PMID: 35861728 PMCID: PMC9355561 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic diapause is a reproductive strategy in which embryo development and growth is temporarily arrested within the uterus to ensure the survival of neonates and mothers during unfavorable conditions. Pregnancy is reinitiated when conditions become favorable for neonatal survival. The mechanism of how the uterus enters diapause in various species remains unclear. Mice with uterine depletion of Foxa2, a transcription factor, are infertile. In this study, we show that dormant blastocysts are recovered from these mice on day 8 of pregnancy with persistent expression of uterine Msx1, a gene critical to maintaining the uterine quiescent state, suggesting that these mice enter embryonic diapause. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) can resume implantation in these mice. Although estrogen is critical for implantation in progesterone-primed uterus, our current model reveals that FOXA2-independent estrogenic effects are detrimental to sustaining uterine quiescence. Interestingly, progesterone and anti-estrogen can prolong uterine quiescence in the absence of FOXA2. Although we find that Msx1 expression persists in the uterus deficient in Foxa2, the complex relationship of FOXA2 with Msx genes and estrogen receptors remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsunori Matsuo
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Jia Yuan
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Yeon Sun Kim
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Amanda Dewar
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Hidetoshi Fujita
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, United States
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22
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Marquardt RM, Ahn SH, Reske JJ, Chandler RL, Petroff MG, Kim TH, Jeong JW. Endometrial Epithelial ARID1A Is Required for Uterine Immune Homeostasis during Early Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116067. [PMID: 35682747 PMCID: PMC9181301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of work suggests epigenetic dysregulation contributes to endometriosis pathophysiology and female infertility. The chromatin remodeling complex subunit AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) must be properly expressed to maintain normal uterine function. Endometrial epithelial ARID1A is indispensable for pregnancy establishment in mice through regulation of endometrial gland function; however, ARID1A expression is decreased in infertile women with endometriosis. We hypothesized that ARID1A performs critical operations in the endometrial epithelium necessary for fertility besides maintaining gland function. To identify alterations in uterine gene expression resulting from loss of epithelial ARID1A, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis on pre-implantation uteri from LtfiCre/+Arid1af/f and control mice. Differential expression analysis identified 4181 differentially expressed genes enriched for immune-related ingenuity canonical pathways including agranulocyte adhesion and diapedesis and natural killer cell signaling. RT-qPCR confirmed an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine and macrophage-related gene expression but a decrease in natural killer cell signaling. Immunostaining confirmed a uterus-specific increase in macrophage infiltration. Flow cytometry delineated an increase in inflammatory macrophages and a decrease in uterine dendritic cells in LtfiCre/+Arid1af/f uteri. These findings demonstrate a role for endometrial epithelial ARID1A in suppressing inflammation and maintaining uterine immune homeostasis, which are required for successful pregnancy and gynecological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Soo Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - Jake J. Reske
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
| | - Ronald L. Chandler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
| | - Margaret G. Petroff
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (R.M.M.); (J.J.R.); (R.L.C.); (T.H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-61-6234-0987
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23
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Tang S, Cope DI, Vasquez YM, Monsivais D. BMP/SMAD1/5 Signaling in the Endometrial Epithelium Is Essential for Receptivity and Early Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6564025. [PMID: 35383354 PMCID: PMC9049119 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The biological processes that control endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation are critical for the successful outcome of pregnancy. The endometrium is the complex inner lining of the uterine wall that is under the cyclical control of estrogen and progesterone and is a site of intimate contact between mother and blastocyst. The bone morphogenetic signaling (BMP) pathway is a highly conserved signaling pathway that controls key cellular processes throughout pregnancy and exerts intracellular effects via the SMAD1/5 transcription factors. To delineate the endometrial compartment-specific roles of BMP signaling, we generated mice with epithelial-specific conditional deletion of SMAD1/5 using Lactoferrin-icre (Smad1flox/flox;Smad5flox/flox;Lactoferrin-cre, "Smad1/5 cKO"). Histological analysis of the reproductive tracts showed that Smad1/5 cKO mice were developmentally normal and displayed no defects in glandular morphology. In fertility analyses, single SMAD1 or SMAD5 deletion had no effect on fertility; however, double-conditional deletion of SMAD1 and SMAD5 resulted in severe subfertility. Timed mating analyses revealed endometrial receptivity defects in the Smad1/5 cKO mice beginning at 3.5 days post coitum (dpc) that perturbed embryo implantation at 4.5 dpc, as demonstrated by the detection of unattached blastocysts in the uterus, decreased COX2 expression, and FOXO1 cytoplasmic mislocalization. We also found that defects that arose during peri-implantation adversely affected embryonic and decidual development at 5.5 and 6.5 dpc. Thus, uterine epithelial BMP/SMAD1/5 signaling is essential during early pregnancy and SMAD1/5 epithelial-specific deletion has detrimental effects on stromal cell decidualization and pregnancy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yasmin M Vasquez
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: Diana Monsivais, PhD, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Smith S217, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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24
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Churchill MJ, Mitchell PS, Rauch I. Epithelial Pyroptosis in Host Defense. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167278. [PMID: 34627788 PMCID: PMC10010195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a lytic form of cell death that is executed by a family of pore-forming proteins called gasdermins (GSDMs). GSDMs are activated upon proteolysis by host proteases including the proinflammatory caspases downstream of inflammasome activation. In myeloid cells, GSDM pore formation serves two primary functions in host defense: the selective release of processed cytokines to initiate inflammatory responses, and cell death, which eliminates a replicative niche of the pathogen. Barrier epithelia also undergo pyroptosis. However, unique mechanisms are required for the removal of pyroptotic epithelial cells to maintain epithelial barrier integrity. In the following review, we discuss the role of epithelial inflammasomes and pyroptosis in host defense against pathogens. We use the well-established role of inflammasomes in intestinal epithelia to highlight principles of epithelial pyroptosis in host defense of barrier tissues, and discuss how these principles might be shared or distinctive across other epithelial sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline J Churchill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Isabella Rauch
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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25
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Chemerinski A, Liu C, Morelli SS, Babwah AV, Douglas NC. Mouse Cre drivers: tools for studying disorders of the human female neuroendocrine-reproductive axis†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:835-853. [PMID: 35084017 PMCID: PMC9113446 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac012] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Benign disorders of the human female reproductive system, such primary ovarian insufficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome are associated with infertility and recurrent miscarriage, as well as increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. For many of these conditions, the contributing molecular and cellular processes are poorly understood. The overarching similarities between mice and humans have rendered mouse models irreplaceable in understanding normal physiology and elucidating pathological processes that underlie disorders of the female reproductive system. The utilization of Cre-LoxP recombination technology, which allows for spatial and temporal control of gene expression, has identified the role of numerous genes in development of the female reproductive system and in processes, such as ovulation and endometrial decidualization, that are required for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. In this comprehensive review, we provide a detailed overview of Cre drivers with activity in the neuroendocrine-reproductive axis that have been used to study disruptions in key intracellular signaling pathways. We first summarize normal development of the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, and uterus, highlighting similarities and differences between mice and humans. We then describe human conditions resulting from abnormal development and/or function of the organ. Finally, we describe loss-of-function models for each Cre driver that elegantly recapitulate some key features of the human condition and are associated with impaired fertility. The examples we provide illustrate use of each Cre driver as a tool for elucidating genetic and molecular underpinnings of reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Chemerinski
- Correspondence: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB E561, Newark, NJ 07103, USA. Tel: 301-910-6800; Fax: 973-972-4574. E-mail:
| | | | - Sara S Morelli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
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26
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Maru Y, Hippo Y. Two-Way Development of the Genetic Model for Endometrial Tumorigenesis in Mice: Current and Future Perspectives. Front Genet 2021; 12:798628. [PMID: 34956336 PMCID: PMC8696168 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.798628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract worldwide. Although comprehensive genomic analyses of EC have already uncovered many recurrent genetic alterations and deregulated signaling pathways, its disease model has been limited in quantity and quality. Here, we review the current status of genetic models for EC in mice, which have been developed in two distinct ways at the level of organisms and cells. Accordingly, we first describe the in vivo model using genetic engineering. This approach has been applied to only a subset of genes, with a primary focus on Pten inactivation, given that PTEN is the most frequently altered gene in human EC. In these models, the tissue specificity in genetic engineering determined by the Cre transgenic line has been insufficient. Consequently, the molecular mechanisms underlying EC development remain poorly understood, and preclinical models are still limited in number. Recently, refined Cre transgenic mice have been created to address this issue. With highly specific gene recombination in the endometrial cell lineage, acceptable in vivo modeling of EC development is warranted using these Cre lines. Second, we illustrate an emerging cell-based model. This hybrid approach comprises ex vivo genetic engineering of organoids and in vivo tumor development in immunocompromised mice. Although only a few successful cases have been reported as proof of concept, this approach allows quick and comprehensive analysis, ensuring a high potential for reconstituting carcinogenesis. Hence, ex vivo/in vivo hybrid modeling of EC development and its comparison with corresponding in vivo models may dramatically accelerate EC research. Finally, we provide perspectives on future directions of EC modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Maru
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hippo
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
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27
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Co-existing TP53 and ARID1A mutations promote aggressive endometrial tumorigenesis. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009986. [PMID: 34941867 PMCID: PMC8741038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
TP53 and ARID1A are frequently mutated across cancer but rarely in the same primary tumor. Endometrial cancer has the highest TP53-ARID1A mutual exclusivity rate. However, the functional relationship between TP53 and ARID1A mutations in the endometrium has not been elucidated. We used genetically engineered mice and in vivo genomic approaches to discern both unique and overlapping roles of TP53 and ARID1A in the endometrium. TP53 loss with oncogenic PIK3CAH1047R in the endometrial epithelium results in features of endometrial hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma, and intraepithelial carcinoma. Mutant endometrial epithelial cells were transcriptome profiled and compared to control cells and ARID1A/PIK3CA mutant endometrium. In the context of either TP53 or ARID1A loss, PIK3CA mutant endometrium exhibited inflammatory pathway activation, but other gene expression programs differed based on TP53 or ARID1A status, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Gene expression patterns observed in the genetic mouse models are reflective of human tumors with each respective genetic alteration. Consistent with TP53-ARID1A mutual exclusivity, the p53 pathway is activated following ARID1A loss in the endometrial epithelium, where ARID1A normally directly represses p53 pathway genes in vivo, including the stress-inducible transcription factor, ATF3. However, co-existing TP53-ARID1A mutations led to invasive adenocarcinoma associated with mutant ARID1A-driven ATF3 induction, reduced apoptosis, TP63+ squamous differentiation and invasion. These data suggest TP53 and ARID1A mutations drive shared and distinct tumorigenic programs in the endometrium and promote invasive endometrial cancer when existing simultaneously. Hence, TP53 and ARID1A mutations may co-occur in a subset of aggressive or metastatic endometrial cancers, with ARID1A loss promoting squamous differentiation and the acquisition of invasive properties. Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic malignancy in the United States, with annual incidence continuing to rise. Although the majority of endometrial cancer patients have an excellent overall prognosis if the disease is confined to the endometrium, myometrial invasion and metastasis to other sites correlate with poor survival. Here, we used genetically engineered mice, in vivo genomics, and public cancer patient data to understand the relationship between TP53 and ARID1A, two of the most commonly mutated genes in endometrial cancer, in the context of mutant PIK3CA. Mutations in TP53 and ARID1A change different aspects of endometrial cell health but also share some similarities. ARID1A mutations specifically promote cancer cells to invade nearby tissue, a hallmark of metastasis, associated with squamous differentiation. Mice with co-existing TP53 and ARID1A mutations developed more invasive disease. Our studies suggest that co-existing TP53 and ARID1A tumor mutations may promote invasion and metastasis.
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Zhou C, Lv M, Wang P, Guo C, Ni Z, Bao H, Tang Y, Cai H, Lu J, Deng W, Yang X, Xia G, Wang H, Wang C, Kong S. Sequential activation of uterine epithelial IGF1R by stromal IGF1 and embryonic IGF2 directs normal uterine preparation for embryo implantation. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 13:646-661. [PMID: 34097060 PMCID: PMC8648386 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation in both humans and rodents is initiated by the attachment of a blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. For blastocyst attachment, the uterine epithelium needs to transform at both the structural and molecular levels first, and then initiate the interaction with trophectoderm. Any perturbation during this process will result in implantation failure or long-term adverse pregnancy outcomes. Endocrine steroid hormones, which function through nuclear receptors, combine with the local molecules produced by the uteri or embryo to facilitate implantation. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling has been reported to play a vital role during pregnancy. However, its physiological function during implantation remains elusive. This study revealed that mice with conditional deletion of Igf1r gene in uteri suffered from subfertility, mainly due to the disturbed uterine receptivity and abnormal embryo implantation. Mechanistically, we uncovered that in response to the nidatory estrogen on D4 of pregnancy, the epithelial IGF1R, stimulated by the stromal cell-produced IGF1, facilitated epithelial STAT3 activation to modulate the epithelial depolarity. Furthermore, embryonic derived IGF2 could activate both the epithelial ERK1/2 and STAT3 signaling through IGF1R, which was critical for the transcription of Cox2 and normal attachment reaction. In brief, our data revealed that epithelial IGF1R was sequentially activated by the uterine stromal IGF1 and embryonic IGF2 to guarantee normal epithelium differentiation during the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Meiying Lv
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peike Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chuanhui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhangli Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Fuzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, College of Life Science, NingXia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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29
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Fukui Y, Hirota Y, Saito-Fujita T, Aikawa S, Hiraoka T, Kaku T, Hirata T, Akaeda S, Matsuo M, Shimizu-Hirota R, Takeda N, Ikawa M, Osuga Y. Uterine Epithelial LIF Receptors Contribute to Implantation Chamber Formation in Blastocyst Attachment. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6353290. [PMID: 34402888 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that the formation of an implantation chamber composed of a uterine crypt, an implantation-competent blastocyst, and uterine glands is a critical step in blastocyst implantation in mice. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) precursors via uterine LIF receptors (LIFRs), allowing successful blastocyst implantation. Our recent study revealed that the role of epithelial STAT3 is different from that of stromal STAT3. However, both are essential for blastocyst attachment, suggesting the different roles of epithelial and stromal LIFR in blastocyst implantation. However, how epithelial and stromal LIFR regulate the blastocyst implantation process remains unclear. To investigate the roles of LIFR in the uterine epithelium and stroma, we generated Lifr-floxed/lactoferrin (Ltf)-iCre (Lifr eKO) and Lifr-floxed/antimüllerian hormone receptor type 2 (Amhr2)-Cre (Lifr sKO) mice with deleted epithelial and stromal LIFR, respectively. Surprisingly, fertility and blastocyst implantation in the Lifr sKO mice were normal despite stromal STAT3 inactivation. In contrast, blastocyst attachment failed, and no implantation chambers were formed in the Lifr eKO mice with epithelial inactivation of STAT3. In addition, normal responsiveness to ovarian hormones was observed in the peri-implantation uteri of the Lifr eKO mice. These results indicate that the epithelial LIFR-STAT3 pathway initiates the formation of implantation chambers, leading to complete blastocyst attachment, and that stromal STAT3 regulates blastocyst attachment without stromal LIFR control. Thus, uterine epithelial LIFR is critical to implantation chamber formation and blastocyst attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito-Fujita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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30
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Schaefer J, Vilos AG, Vilos GA, Bhattacharya M, Babwah AV. Uterine kisspeptin receptor critically regulates epithelial estrogen receptor α transcriptional activity at the time of embryo implantation in a mouse model. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaab060. [PMID: 34524460 PMCID: PMC8786495 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation failure is a major cause of infertility in women of reproductive age and a better understanding of uterine factors that regulate implantation is required for developing effective treatments for female infertility. This study investigated the role of the uterine kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) in the molecular regulation of implantation in a mouse model. To conduct this study, a conditional uterine knockout (KO) of Kiss1r was created using the Pgr-Cre (progesterone receptor-CRE recombinase) driver. Reproductive profiling revealed that while KO females exhibited normal ovarian function and mated successfully to stud males, they exhibited significantly fewer implantation sites, reduced litter size and increased neonatal mortality demonstrating that uterine KISS1R is required for embryo implantation and a healthy pregnancy. Strikingly, in the uterus of Kiss1r KO mice on day 4 (D4) of pregnancy, the day of embryo implantation, KO females exhibited aberrantly elevated epithelial ERα (estrogen receptor α) transcriptional activity. This led to the temporal misexpression of several epithelial genes [Cftr (Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), Aqp5 (aquaporin 5), Aqp8 (aquaporin 8) and Cldn7 (claudin 7)] that mediate luminal fluid secretion and luminal opening. As a result, on D4 of pregnancy, the lumen remained open disrupting the final acquisition of endometrial receptivity and likely accounting for the reduction in implantation events. Our data clearly show that uterine KISS1R negatively regulates ERα signaling at the time of implantation, in part by inhibiting ERα overexpression and preventing detrimentally high ERα activity. To date, there are no reports on the regulation of ERα by KISS1R; therefore, this study has uncovered an important and powerful regulator of uterine ERα during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schaefer
- Laboratory of Human Growth and Reproductive Development, Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- School of Graduate Studies, Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Angelos G Vilos
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - George A Vilos
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Moshmi Bhattacharya
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Andy V Babwah
- Laboratory of Human Growth and Reproductive Development, Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- School of Graduate Studies, Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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31
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Dhakal P, Strawn M, Samal A, Behura SK. Fetal Brain Elicits Sexually Conflicting Transcriptional Response to the Ablation of Uterine Forkhead Box A2 ( Foxa2) in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189693. [PMID: 34575858 PMCID: PMC8468108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of ablation of uterine Forkhead Box A2 (Foxa2) on gene expression of fetal brain relative to placenta. Using a conditional knockout mouse model for uterine Foxa2, here we show that the lack of uterine Foxa2 elicits a sexually-conflicting transcriptional response in the fetal brain relative to placenta. The ablation of Foxa2 in the uterus altered expression of genes related to growth, nutrient sensing, aging, longevity and angiogenesis among others. In the wildtype mice, these genes were expressed higher in the fetal brain and placenta of males compared to females. However, in mice lacking uterine Foxa2, the same genes showed the opposite pattern i.e., higher expression in the fetal brain and placenta of females compared to males. Based on the known marker genes of mice placenta and fetal brain cells, we further predicted that the genes exhibiting the sexually conflicting expression were associated with vascular endothelial cells. Overall, our study suggests that uterine Foxa2 plays a role in the regulation of the brain-placental axis by influencing the fetoplacental vascular changes during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (P.D.); (M.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Monica Strawn
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (P.D.); (M.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Ananya Samal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (P.D.); (M.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Susanta K. Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (P.D.); (M.S.); (A.S.)
- MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-573-882-1722
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Namiki T, Kamoshita M, Kageyama A, Terakawa J, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Utility of progesterone receptor-ires-Cre to generate conditional knockout mice for uterine study. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13615. [PMID: 34402137 PMCID: PMC9286405 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In mice, the conditional knockout strategy using the Cre-loxP system is useful for various types of research. The Cre mouse line with progesterone receptor promoter (PgrCre ) has been widely used to produce specific uterine gene-deficient mice, but in the Cre line, endogenous Pgr gene is replaced by Cre recombinase gene, which makes the breeding of homozygous mice (PgrCre/Cre ) difficult because they are infertile. Yang et al. (2013, https://10.1016/j.cell.2013.04.017) reported the generation of another PgriresCre mouse line that still has endogenous Pgr gene, and they inserted Cre recombinase downstream of the Pgr gene via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). It is possible that this new PgriresCre line would be useful for uterine research as the mice can be bred as homozygotes (PgriresCre/iresCre ). Herein, we confirmed the PgriresCre mice effectively directed recombination in the female reproductive tract and was capable of genetic alteration in the endometrium that enables the studies of its uterine function. Our findings demonstrate that the new PgriresCre mouse line is also useful for the generation of uterine-specific knockout mice. The findings using PgriresCre mouse will contribute to the understanding of reproductive systems and diseases in humans and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Namiki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Maki Kamoshita
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kageyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Jumpei Terakawa
- Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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Byun H, Kwon S, Wagner KU, Shin H, Lim HJ. Tumor susceptibility gene 101 is required for the maintenance of uterine epithelial cells during embryo implantation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:112. [PMID: 34271917 PMCID: PMC8283893 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00788-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor susceptibility gene 101 (Tsg101), a component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) complex I, is involved in multiple biological processes involving endomembranous structures and the plasma membrane. The role of Tsg101 in the uterine epithelium was investigated in Tsg101 floxed mice crossed with Lactoferrin-iCre mice (Tsg101d/d). METHODS Tsg101d/d mice were bred with stud male mice and the status of pregnancy was examined on days 4 and 6. Histological analyses were performed to examine the uterine architecture. Immunofluorescence staining of several markers was examined by confocal microscopy. Uterine epithelial cells (UECs) were isolated from Tsg101f/f and Tsg101d/d mice, and the expression of necroptosis effectors was examined by RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. UECs were also subjected to RNA expression profiling. RESULTS Tsg101d/d female mice were subfertile with implantation failure, showing unattached blastocysts on day 6 of pregnancy. Histological and marker analyses revealed that some Tsg101d/d day 4 pregnant uteri showed a disintegrated uterine epithelial structure. Tsg101d/d UECs began to degenerate within 18 h of culture. In UECs, expression of necroptosis effectors, such as RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL were first confirmed. UECs responded to a stimulus to activate necroptosis and showed increased cell death. CONCLUSIONS Tsg101 deficiency in the uterine epithelium causes implantation failure, which may be caused by epithelial defects. This study provides evidence that UECs harbor a necroptotic machinery that responds to death-inducing signals. Thus, Tsg101 expression in the uterine epithelium is required for normal pregnancy in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunji Byun
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojung Kwon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kay-Uwe Wagner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, EL01TM, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hyejin Shin
- Herbal Medicine Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Jade Lim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Anamthathmakula P, Winuthayanon W. Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) in the Oviduct: Roles in Fertilization and Early Embryo Development. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6128831. [PMID: 33539521 PMCID: PMC7901659 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian oviduct is a dynamic organ where important events such as final maturation of oocytes, transport of gametes, sperm capacitation, fertilization, embryo development, and transport take place. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), also known as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of prostaglandins (PGs) and plays an essential role during early pregnancy, including ovulation, fertilization, implantation, and decidualization. Even though the maternal-embryo communication originates in the oviduct, not many studies have systemically investigated PTGS2 signaling during early development. Most of the studies investigating implantation and decidualization processes in Ptgs2-/- mice employed embryo transfer into the uterus, thereby bypassing the mammalian oviduct. Consequently, an understanding of the mechanistic action as well as the regulation of PTGS2 and derived PGs in oviductal functions is far from complete. In this review, we aim to focus on the importance of PTGS2 and associated PGs signaling in the oviduct particularly in humans, farm animals, and laboratory rodents to provide a broad perspective to guide further research in this field. Specifically, we review the role of PTGS2-derived PGs in fertilization, embryo development, and transport. We focus on the actions of ovarian steroid hormones on PTGS2 regulation in the oviduct. Understanding of cellular PTGS2 function during early embryo development and transport in the oviduct will be an important step toward a better understanding of reproduction and may have potential implication in the assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Anamthathmakula
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Correspondence: Wipawee Winuthayanon, PhD, BSN,Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. E-mail: ; and Prashanth Anamthathmakula, PhD, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. E-mail:
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Correspondence: Wipawee Winuthayanon, PhD, BSN,Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. E-mail: ; and Prashanth Anamthathmakula, PhD, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. E-mail:
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Hirate Y, Hayakawa K, Nakano Y, Kumazawa S, Miura K, Kanai Y, Kanai-Azuma M. Early Crypt Formation Defects in the Uterine Epithelia of Sox17 Heterozygous Mice. Sex Dev 2021; 14:40-50. [PMID: 33690235 DOI: 10.1159/000513386] [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: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX17 activity in the uterine epithelium is essential for the implantation of mouse embryos. Previously, we demonstrated that female Sox17 heterozygous mutant mice are subfertile, and 2 active copies of Sox17 are required for the proper implantation of mouse embryos. To understand which implantation step is most sensitive to the Sox17 gene dosage, we comprehensively investigated the phenotypes and RNA transcriptomes of Sox17 heterozygous mutant mice. Uterine Sox17 expression drastically changed according to estrous cycle and during early pregnancy. The highest Sox17 expression was observed during the receptive period for blastocyst implantation. Sox17 heterozygous uterine epithelia showed ectopic high-level expression of SOX9, another SOX factor that is normally expressed in the uterine gland. Three-dimensional analysis of the uterus on day 5 of pregnancy revealed no crypt formation near the healthy blastocysts in the Sox17 heterozygous uterine epithelium, suggesting that early defects in embryo homing had occurred. Global transcriptional analysis revealed that the expression of Amphiregulin (Areg), a gene encoding a heparin-binding epidermal growth factor receptor ligand, was decreased drastically in Sox17+/- uterine epithelia. These data imply that full Sox17 activity is required to promote early crypt formation through proper regulation of SOX9 and AREG expression at the implantation site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Hirate
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kana Hayakawa
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakano
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiori Kumazawa
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kento Miura
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiakira Kanai
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan, .,Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan,
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Kim YS, Yang SC, Park M, Choi Y, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP, Kim H, Lim HJ, Song H. Different Cre systems induce differential microRNA landscapes and abnormalities in the female reproductive tracts of Dgcr8 conditional knockout mice. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e12996. [PMID: 33496365 PMCID: PMC7941225 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The female reproductive tract comprises several different cell types. Using three representative Cre systems, we comparatively analysed the phenotypes of Dgcr8 conditional knockout (cKO) mice to understand the function of Dgcr8, involved in canonical microRNA biogenesis, in the female reproductive tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dgcr8f/f mice were crossed with Ltficre/+ , Amhr2cre/+ or PRcre/+ mice to produce mice deficient in Dgcr8 in epithelial (Dgcr8ed/ed ), mesenchymal (Dgcr8md/md ) and all the compartments (Dgcr8td/td ) in the female reproductive tract. Reproductive phenotypes were evaluated in Dgcr8 cKO mice. Uteri and/or oviducts were used for small RNA-seq, mRNA-seq, real-time RT-PCR, and/or morphologic and histological analyses. RESULT Dgcr8ed/ed mice did not exhibit any distinct defects, whereas Dgcr8md/md mice showed sub-fertility and oviductal smooth muscle deformities. Dgcr8td/td mice were infertile due to anovulation and acute inflammation in the female reproductive tract and suffered from an atrophic uterus with myometrial defects. The microRNAs and mRNAs related to immune modulation and/or smooth muscle growth were systemically altered in the Dgcr8td/td uterus. Expression profiles of dysregulated microRNAs and mRNAs in the Dgcr8td/td uterus were different from those in other genotypes in a Cre-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Dgcr8 deficiency with different Cre systems induces overlapping but distinct phenotypes as well as the profiles of microRNAs and their target mRNAs in the female reproductive tract, suggesting the importance of selecting the appropriate Cre driver to investigate the genes of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Sun Kim
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCHA UniversitySeongnamKorea
- Present address:
Division of reproductive sciencesDepartment of PediatricsCincinnati Children’s HospitalOHUSA
| | | | - Mira Park
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCHA UniversitySeongnamKorea
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative BiotechnologyKonkuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Francesco J. DeMayo
- Department of Reproductive and Developmental Biology LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - John P. Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Reproductive MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Hye‐Ryun Kim
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCHA UniversitySeongnamKorea
| | - Hyunjung Jade Lim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary MedicineKonkuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Haengseok Song
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCHA UniversitySeongnamKorea
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Marquardt RM, Kim TH, Yoo JY, Teasley HE, Fazleabas AT, Young SL, Lessey BA, Arora R, Jeong JW. Endometrial epithelial ARID1A is critical for uterine gland function in early pregnancy establishment. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21209. [PMID: 33222288 PMCID: PMC8076973 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002178r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Though endometriosis and infertility are clearly associated, the pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear. Previous work has linked endometrial ARID1A loss to endometriosis-related endometrial non-receptivity. Here, we show in mice that ARID1A binds and regulates transcription of the Foxa2 gene required for endometrial gland function. Uterine-specific deletion of Arid1a compromises gland development and diminishes Foxa2 and Lif expression. Deletion of Arid1a with Ltf-iCre in the adult mouse endometrial epithelium preserves the gland development while still compromising the gland function. Mice lacking endometrial epithelial Arid1a are severely sub-fertile due to defects in implantation, decidualization, and endometrial receptivity from disruption of the LIF-STAT3-EGR1 pathway. FOXA2 is also reduced in the endometrium of women with endometriosis in correlation with diminished ARID1A, and both ARID1A and FOXA2 are reduced in nonhuman primates induced with endometriosis. Our findings describe a role for ARID1A in the endometrial epithelium supporting early pregnancy establishment through the maintenance of gland function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Jung-Yoon Yoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanna E. Teasley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Asgerally T. Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Steven L. Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bruce A. Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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38
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Akaeda S, Hirota Y, Fukui Y, Aikawa S, Shimizu-Hirota R, Kaku T, Gebril M, Hirata T, Hiraoka T, Matsuo M, Haraguchi H, Saito-Kanatani M, Takeda N, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Retinoblastoma protein promotes uterine epithelial cell cycle arrest and necroptosis for embryo invasion. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e50927. [PMID: 33399260 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma protein (RB) encoded by Rb1 is a prominent inducer of cell cycle arrest (CCA). The hormone progesterone (P4 ) promotes CCA in the uterine epithelium and previous studies indicated that P4 activates RB by reducing the phosphorylated, inactive form of RB. Here, we show that embryo implantation is impaired in uterine-specific Rb1 knockout mice. We observe persistent cell proliferation of the Rb1-deficient uterine epithelium until embryo attachment, loss of epithelial necroptosis, and trophoblast phagocytosis, which correlates with subsequent embryo invasion failure, indicating that Rb1-induced CCA and necroptosis of uterine epithelium are involved in embryo invasion. Pre-implantation P4 supplementation is sufficient to restore these defects and embryo invasion. In Rb1-deficient uterine epithelial cells, TNFα-primed necroptosis is impaired, which is rescued by the treatment with a CCA inducer thymidine or P4 through the upregulation of TNF receptor type 2. TNFα is expressed in the luminal epithelium and the embryo at the embryo attachment site. These results provide evidence that uterine Rb1-induced CCA is involved in TNFα-primed epithelial necroptosis at the implantation site for successful embryo invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Frontier Outstanding Research for Clinical Empowerment (FORCE), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mona Gebril
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Haraguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayuko Saito-Kanatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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39
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Gebril M, Hirota Y, Aikawa S, Fukui Y, Kaku T, Matsuo M, Hirata T, Akaeda S, Hiraoka T, Shimizu-Hirota R, Takeda N, Taha T, Balah OA, Elnoury MAH, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Uterine Epithelial Progesterone Receptor Governs Uterine Receptivity Through Epithelial Cell Differentiation. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5939206. [PMID: 33099617 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone receptor (PGR) is indispensable for pregnancy in mammals. Uterine PGR responds to the heightened levels of ovarian progesterone (P4) after ovulation and regulates uterine gene transcription for successful embryo implantation. Although epithelial and stromal P4-PGR signaling may interact with each other to form appropriate endometrial milieu for uterine receptivity and the subsequent embryo attachment, it remains unclear what the specific roles of epithelial P4-PGR signaling in the adult uterus are. Here we generated mice with epithelial deletion of Pgr in the adult uterus (Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice) by crossing Pgr-floxed and Ltf-Cre mice. Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice are infertile due to the impairment of embryo attachment. Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ uteri did not exhibit epithelial growth arrest, suggesting compromised uterine receptivity. Both epithelial and stromal expressions of P4-responsive genes decreased in Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice during the peri-implantation period, indicating that epithelial Pgr deletion affects not only epithelial but stromal P4 responsiveness. In addition, uterine LIF, an inducer of embryo attachment, was decreased in Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice. The RNA-seq analysis using luminal epithelial specimens dissected out by laser capture microdissection revealed that the signaling pathways related to extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, and cell proliferation are altered in Pgr fl/flLtf Cre/+ mice. These findings suggest that epithelial PGR controls both epithelial and stromal P4 responsiveness and epithelial cell differentiation, which provides normal uterine receptivity and subsequent embryo attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Gebril
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Reproductive Health Department, National Research Center of Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tamer Taha
- Reproductive Health Department, National Research Center of Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Osama Al Balah
- Department of Medical Application of Laser, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Amr H Elnoury
- Department of Medical Application of Laser, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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40
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Lim HJ. Autophagy in the uterine vessel microenvironment: Balancing vasoactive factors. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2020; 47:263-268. [PMID: 33227184 PMCID: PMC7711101 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.04126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, which has the literal meaning of self-eating, is a cellular catabolic process executed by arrays of conserved proteins in eukaryotes. Autophagy is dynamically ongoing at a basal level, presumably in all cells, and often carries out distinct functions depending on the cell type. Therefore, although a set of common genes and proteins is involved in this process, the outcome of autophagic activation or deficit requires scrutiny regarding how it affects cells in a specific pathophysiological context. The uterus is a complex organ that carries out multiple tasks under the influence of cyclic changes of ovarian steroid hormones. Several major populations of cells are present in the uterus, and the interactions among them drive complex physiological tasks. Mouse models with autophagic deficits in the uterus are very limited, but provide an initial glimpse at how autophagy plays a distinct role in different uterine tissues. Herein, we review recent research findings on the role of autophagy in the uterine mesenchyme in mouse models.
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41
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Wilson MR, Reske JJ, Holladay J, Neupane S, Ngo J, Cuthrell N, Wegener M, Rhodes M, Adams M, Sheridan R, Hostetter G, Alotaibi FT, Yong PJ, Anglesio MS, Lessey BA, Leach RE, Teixeira JM, Missmer SA, Fazleabas AT, Chandler RL. ARID1A Mutations Promote P300-Dependent Endometrial Invasion through Super-Enhancer Hyperacetylation. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108366. [PMID: 33176148 PMCID: PMC7682620 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and is characterized by the presence of abnormal endometrium at ectopic sites. ARID1A mutations are observed in deeply invasive forms of the disease, often correlating with malignancy. To identify epigenetic dependencies driving invasion, we use an unbiased approach to map chromatin state transitions accompanying ARID1A loss in the endometrium. We show that super-enhancers marked by high H3K27 acetylation are strongly associated with ARID1A binding. ARID1A loss leads to H3K27 hyperacetylation and increased chromatin accessibility and enhancer RNA transcription at super-enhancers, but not typical enhancers, indicating that ARID1A normally prevents super-enhancer hyperactivation. ARID1A co-localizes with P300 at super-enhancers, and genetic or pharmacological inhibition of P300 in ARID1A mutant endometrial epithelia suppresses invasion and induces anoikis through the rescue of super-enhancer hyperacetylation. Among hyperactivated super-enhancers, SERPINE1 (PAI-1) is identified as an essential target gene driving ARID1A mutant endometrial invasion. Broadly, our findings provide rationale for therapeutic strategies targeting super-enhancers in ARID1A mutant endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike R Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jake J Reske
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jeanne Holladay
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Subechhya Neupane
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Julie Ngo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Nina Cuthrell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Marc Wegener
- Genomics Core Facility, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Mary Rhodes
- Genomics Core Facility, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Marie Adams
- Genomics Core Facility, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Rachael Sheridan
- Flow Cytometry Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Galen Hostetter
- Pathology and Biorepository Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Fahad T Alotaibi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael S Anglesio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; British Columbia's Gynecological Cancer Research Team (OVCARE), University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital, and BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Richard E Leach
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of Women's Health, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI 49341, USA
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of Women's Health, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI 49341, USA
| | - Stacey A Missmer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of Women's Health, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI 49341, USA
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of Women's Health, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI 49341, USA
| | - Ronald L Chandler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of Women's Health, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI 49341, USA; Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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42
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Reske JJ, Wilson MR, Holladay J, Wegener M, Adams M, Chandler RL. SWI/SNF inactivation in the endometrial epithelium leads to loss of epithelial integrity. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3412-3430. [PMID: 33075803 PMCID: PMC7749707 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although ARID1A mutations are a hallmark feature, mutations in other SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable) chromatin remodeling subunits are also observed in endometrial neoplasms. Here, we interrogated the roles of Brahma/SWI2-related gene 1 (BRG1, SMARCA4), the SWI/SNF catalytic subunit, in the endometrial epithelium. BRG1 loss affects more than one-third of all active genes and highly overlaps with the ARID1A gene regulatory network. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed widespread subunit-specific differences in transcriptional regulation, as BRG1 promoter interactions are associated with gene activation, while ARID1A binding is associated with gene repression. However, we identified a physiologically relevant subset of BRG1 and ARID1A co-regulated epithelial identity genes. Mice were genetically engineered to inactivate BRG1 specifically in the endometrial epithelium. Endometrial glands were observed embedded in uterine myometrium, indicating adenomyosis-like phenotypes. Molecular similarities were observed between BRG1 and ARID1A mutant endometrial cells in vivo, including loss of epithelial cell adhesion and junction genes. Collectively, these studies illustrate overlapping contributions of multiple SWI/SNF subunit mutations in the translocation of endometrium to distal sites, with loss of cell integrity being a common feature in SWI/SNF mutant endometrial epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake J Reske
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Mike R Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jeanne Holladay
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Marc Wegener
- Genomics Core Facility, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Marie Adams
- Genomics Core Facility, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ronald L Chandler
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Grand Rapids Research Center, 400 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA. Tel: +1 6162340980;
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43
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Hiraoka T, Hirota Y, Fukui Y, Gebril M, Kaku T, Aikawa S, Hirata T, Akaeda S, Matsuo M, Haraguchi H, Saito-Kanatani M, Shimizu-Hirota R, Takeda N, Yoshino O, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Differential roles of uterine epithelial and stromal STAT3 coordinate uterine receptivity and embryo attachment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15523. [PMID: 32968170 PMCID: PMC7511330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although it has been reported that uterine signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is essential for embryo implantation, the exact roles of uterine epithelial and stromal STAT3 on embryo implantation have not been elucidated. To address this issue, we generated Stat3-floxed/Ltf-iCre (Stat3-eKO), Stat3-floxed/Amhr2-Cre (Stat3-sKO), and Stat3-floxed/Pgr-Cre (Stat3-uKO) mice to delete Stat3 in uterine epithelium, uterine stroma, and whole uterine layers, respectively. We found that both epithelial and stromal STAT3 have critical roles in embryo attachment because all the Stat3-eKO and Stat3-sKO female mice were infertile due to implantation failure without any embryo attachment sites. Stat3-eKO uteri showed indented structure of uterine lumen, indicating the role of epithelial STAT3 in slit-like lumen formation in the peri-implantation uterus. Stat3-sKO uteri exhibited hyper-estrogenic responses and persistent cell proliferation of the epithelium in the peri-implantation uterus, suggesting the role of stromal STAT3 in uterine receptivity. In addition, Stat3-uKO female mice possessed not only the characteristic of persistent epithelial proliferation but also that of indented structure of uterine lumen. These findings indicate that epithelial STAT3 controls the formation of slit-like structure in uterine lumen and stromal STAT3 suppresses epithelial estrogenic responses and cell proliferation. Thus, epithelial and stromal STAT3 cooperatively controls uterine receptivity and embryo attachment through their different pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan. .,Frontier Outstanding Research for Clinical Empowerment (FORCE), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mona Gebril
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Haraguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mayuko Saito-Kanatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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Sexually dimorphic effects of forkhead box a2 (FOXA2) and uterine glands on decidualization and fetoplacental development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:23952-23959. [PMID: 32900950 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014272117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glands of the uterus are essential for pregnancy establishment. Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) is expressed specifically in the glands of the uterus and a critical regulator of glandular epithelium (GE) differentiation, development, and function. Mice with a conditional deletion of FOXA2 in the adult uterus, created using the lactotransferrin iCre (Ltf-iCre) model, have a morphologically normal uterus with glands, but lack FOXA2-dependent GE-expressed genes, such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Adult FOXA2 conditional knockout (cKO; Ltf iCre/+ Foxa2 f/f ) mice are infertile due to defective embryo implantation arising from a lack of LIF, a critical implantation factor of uterine gland origin. However, intraperitoneal injections of LIF can initiate embryo implantation in the uterus of adult FOXA2 cKO mice with pregnancies maintained to term. Here, we tested the hypothesis that FOXA2-regulated genes in the uterine glands impact development of the decidua, placenta, and fetus. On gestational day 8.5, the antimesometrial and mesometrial decidua transcriptome was noticeably altered in LIF-replaced FOXA2 cKO mice. Viable fetuses were reduced in FOXA2 cKO mice on gestational days 12.5 and 17.5. Sex-dependent differences in fetal weight, placenta histoarchitecture, and the placenta and metrial gland transcriptome were observed between control and FOXA2 cKO mice. The transcriptome of the placenta with a female fetus was considerably more altered than the placenta with a male fetus in FOXA2 cKO dams. These studies reveal previously unrecognized sexually dimorphic effects of FOXA2 and uterine glands on fetoplacental development with potential impacts on offspring health into adulthood.
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Li R, Wu SP, Zhou L, Nicol B, Lydon JP, Yao HHC, DeMayo FJ. Increased FOXL2 expression alters uterine structures and functions†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:951-965. [PMID: 32948877 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) regulates sex differentiation and reproductive function. Elevated levels of this transcription factor have been observed in the diseases of the uterus, such as endometriosis. However, the impact of elevated FOXL2 expression on uterine physiology remains unknown. In order to determine the consequences of altered FOXL2 in the female reproductive axis, we generated mice with over-expression of FOXL2 (FOXL2OE) by crossing Foxl2LsL/+ with the Progesterone receptor Pgrcre model. FOXL2OE uterus showed severe morphological abnormality including abnormal epithelial stratification, blunted adenogenesis, increased endometrial fibrosis, and disrupted myometrial morphology. In contrast, increasing FOXL2 levels specifically in uterine epithelium by crossing the Foxl2LsL/+ with the lactoferrin Ltficre mice resulted in the eFOXL2OE mice with uterine epithelial stratification but without defects in endometrial fibrosis and adenogenesis, demonstrating a role of the endometrial stroma in the uterine abnormalities of the FOXL2OE mice. Transcriptomic analysis of 12 weeks old Pgrcre and FOXL2OE uterus at diestrus stage showed multiple signaling pathways related with cellular matrix, wnt/β-catenin, and altered cell cycle. Furthermore, we found FOXL2OE mice were sterile. The infertility was caused in part by a disruption of the hypophyseal ovarian axis resulting in an anovulatory phenotype. The FOXL2OE mice failed to show decidual responses during artificial decidualization in ovariectomized mice demonstrating the uterine contribution to the infertility phenotype. These data support that aberrantly increased FOXL2 expressions in the female reproductive tract can disrupt ovarian and uterine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lecong Zhou
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Aikawa S, Yuan J, Dewar A, Sun X, Dey SK. Scribble promotes alveologenesis in the pregnant mammary gland for milk production. Reproduction 2020; 159:719-731. [PMID: 32213656 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mammary glands are comprised of ducts and terminal lobules that form tree-like structures. Luminal epithelial cells in these lobules undergo differentiation into alveolar cells in pregnancy to support milk production. This study reveals that Scribble (SCRIB), a scaffold protein expressed in progesterone receptor (PGR)-positive cells, plays a critical role in mammary gland alveologenesis in mice. We conditionally deleted Scrib using a Pgr-Cre driver. PGR is heterogeneously expressed throughout the luminal epithelium. Scrib loss in mammary glands by Pgr-Cre (Scribf/fPgrCre/+) shows inefficient alveologenesis and terminal end bud (TEB)-like morphology during pregnancy, resulting in poor milk production and subsequent death of pups after delivery. The differentiation of PGR-positive epithelial cells into Elf5-expressing alveolar cells is defective in Scribf/fPgrCre/+ mice. These changes are reflected in reduced activation of JAK2 and PAK1, resulting in downregulation of pSTAT5, a critical transcriptional factor for alveologenesis. These results provide evidence that SCRIB impacts PGR-positive cell lineage during alveologenesis, which impacts milk production and the health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizu Aikawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jia Yuan
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Amanda Dewar
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Wilson MR, Holladay J, Chandler RL. A mouse model of endometriosis mimicking the natural spread of invasive endometrium. Hum Reprod 2020; 35:58-69. [PMID: 31886851 PMCID: PMC8205619 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to establish a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of endometriosis that mimics the natural spread of invasive endometrium? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometriosis occurs in an ARID1A (AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A) and PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha) mutant GEMM of endometrial dysfunction following salpingectomy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Although mouse models of endometriosis have long been established, most models rely on intraperitoneal injection of uterine fragments, steroid hormone treatments or the use of immune-compromised mice. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Mice harboring the lactotransferrin-Cre (LtfCre0/+), Arid1afl, (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R and (Gt)R26mTmG alleles were subject to unilateral salpingectomies at 6 weeks of age. Control (n = 9), LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R; Arid1afl/+ (n = 8) and LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R; Arid1afl/fl (n = 9) were used for the study. The (Gt)R26mTmG allele was used for the purpose of fluorescent lineage tracing of endometrial epithelium. LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26mTmG (n = 3) and LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R/mTmG; Arid1afl/fl (n = 4) were used for this purpose. Mice were followed until the endpoint of vaginal bleeding at an average time of 17 weeks of age. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS At 6 weeks of age, mice were subjected to salpingectomy surgery. Mice were followed until the time point of vaginal bleeding (average 17 weeks), or aged for 1 year in the case of control mice. At time of sacrifice, endometriotic lesions, ovaries and uterus were collected for the purpose of histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. Samples were analyzed for markers of the endometriotic tissue and other relevant biomarkers. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Following salpingectomy, LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R/mTmG; Arid1afl/fl mice developed endometriotic lesions, including lesions on the ovary, omentum and abdominal wall. Epithelial glands within lesions were negative for ARID1A and positive for phospho-S6 staining, indicating ARID1A-PIK3CA co-mutation status, and expressed EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein), indicating endometrial origins. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION LtfCre0/+; (Gt)R26Pik3ca*H1047R; Arid1afl/fl mice develop vaginal bleeding as a result of endometrial dysfunction at an average age of 17 weeks and must be sacrificed. Furthermore, while this model mimics the natural spread of endometriotic tissue directly from the uterus to the peritoneum, the data presented do not reject current hypotheses on endometriosis pathogenesis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The idea that endometriosis is the result of abnormal endometrial tissue colonizing the peritoneum via retrograde menstruation has gained widespread support over the past century. However, most models of endometriosis take for granted this possibility, relying on the surgical removal of bulk uterine tissue and subsequent transplantation into the peritoneum. Growing evidence suggests that somatic mutations in ARID1A and PIK3CA are present in the endometrial epithelium. The establishment of a GEMM which mimics the natural spread of endometrium and subsequent lesion formation supports the hypothesis that endometriosis is derived from mutant endometrial epithelium with invasive properties. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the American Cancer Society PF-17-163-02-DDC (M.R.W.), the Mary Kay Foundation 026-16 (R.L.C.) and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance 457446 (R.L.C.). The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike R Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jeanne Holladay
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ronald L Chandler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Department of Women’s Health, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, MI 49341, USA
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Primary decidual zone formation requires Scribble for pregnancy success in mice. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5425. [PMID: 31780662 PMCID: PMC6882879 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13489-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Scribble (Scrib) is a scaffold protein with multifunctional roles in PCP, tight junction and Hippo signaling. This study shows that Scrib is expressed in stromal cells around the implantation chamber following implantation. Stromal cells transform into epithelial-like cells to form the avascular primary decidual zone (PDZ) around the implantation chamber (crypt). The PDZ creates a permeability barrier around the crypt restricting immune cells and harmful agents from maternal circulation to protect embryonic health. The mechanism underlying PDZ formation is not yet known. We found that uterine deletion of Scrib by a Pgr-Cre driver leads to defective PDZ formation and implantation chamber (crypt) formation, compromising pregnancy success. Interestingly, epithelial-specific Scrib deletion by a lactoferrin-Cre (Ltf-Cre) driver does not adversely affect PDZ formation and pregnancy success. These findings provide evidence for a previously unknown function of stromal Scrib in PDZ formation, potentially involving ZO-1 and Hippo signaling. The scaffold protein Scribble (Scrib) has roles in PCP and tight junction formation. Here the authors show that during embryo implantation in mouse, Scrib is needed to form the avascular primary decidual zone by transforming stromal cells into an epithelial cell-like barrier around the crypt, protecting the embryo from harmful infiltrations.
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49
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Aikawa S, Deng W, Liang X, Yuan J, Bartos A, Sun X, Dey SK. Uterine deficiency of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein causes implantation defects and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Cell Death Differ 2019; 27:1489-1504. [PMID: 31595043 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A reciprocal communication between the implantation-competent blastocyst and the receptive uterus is essential to successful implantation and pregnancy success. Progesterone (P4) signaling via nuclear progesterone receptor (PR) is absolutely critical for pregnancy initiation and its success in most eutherian mammals. Here we show that a nuclear protein high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) plays a critical role in implantation in mice by preserving P4-PR signaling. Conditional deletion of uterine Hmgb1 by a Pgr-Cre driver shows implantation defects accompanied by decreased stromal cell Hoxa10 expression and cell proliferation, two known signatures of inefficient responsiveness of stromal cells to PR signaling in implantation. These mice evoke inflammatory conditions with sustained macrophage accumulation in the stromal compartment on day 4 of pregnancy with elevated levels of macrophage attractants Csf1 and Ccl2. The results are consistent with the failure of exogenous P4 administration to rescue implantation deficiency in the mutant females. These early defects are propagated throughout the course of pregnancy and ultimately result in substantial subfertility. Collectively, the present study provides evidence that nuclear HMGB1 contributes to successful blastocyst implantation by sustaining P4-PR signaling and restricting macrophage accumulation to attenuate harmful inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizu Aikawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaohuan Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jia Yuan
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Amanda Bartos
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA. .,College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA.
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50
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Kelleher AM, DeMayo FJ, Spencer TE. Uterine Glands: Developmental Biology and Functional Roles in Pregnancy. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:1424-1445. [PMID: 31074826 PMCID: PMC6749889 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
All mammalian uteri contain glands in the endometrium that develop only or primarily after birth. Gland development or adenogenesis in the postnatal uterus is intrinsically regulated by proliferation, cell-cell interactions, growth factors and their inhibitors, as well as transcription factors, including forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) and estrogen receptor α (ESR1). Extrinsic factors regulating adenogenesis originate from other organs, including the ovary, pituitary, and mammary gland. The infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss observed in uterine gland knockout sheep and mouse models support a primary role for secretions and products of the glands in pregnancy success. Recent studies in mice revealed that uterine glandular epithelia govern postimplantation pregnancy establishment through effects on stromal cell decidualization and placental development. In humans, uterine glands and, by inference, their secretions and products are hypothesized to be critical for blastocyst survival and implantation as well as embryo and placental development during the first trimester before the onset of fetal-maternal circulation. A variety of hormones and other factors from the ovary, placenta, and stromal cells impact secretory function of the uterine glands during pregnancy. This review summarizes new information related to the developmental biology of uterine glands and discusses novel perspectives on their functional roles in pregnancy establishment and success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute on Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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