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Li F, Guo L, Zhou M, Han L, Wu S, Wu L, Yang J. Cryptochrome 2 Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Promoting Trophoblastic Ferroptosis in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:1197-1217. [PMID: 38537935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is a serious reproductive issue that affects women of childbearing age. Studies have shown a close association between disrupted circadian rhythm and impaired epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in trophoblasts during URSA, although the underlying mechanism is not known. The current study investigated the regulatory relationship between circadian rhythm gene cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) and ferroptosis on the migratory ability of trophoblast cells. Cell proliferation experiments, wound-healing assays, and expression of related markers were conducted to study EMT. Trophoblastic ferroptosis was confirmed by the expressions of malondialdehyde, glutathione, mitochondrial membrane potential, divalent iron ions, and related genes. The results showed significant increased expression of CRY2 and decreased expression of brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (BMAL1) in the URSA villous tissues, accompanied by iron-dependent oxidative changes and abnormal expression of ferroptosis-related proteins. CRY2 and BMAL1 were co-localized and functioned as a feedback loop, which regulated the dynamic changes of EMT-related markers in trophoblast cells. CRY2 promoted trophoblastic ferroptosis, whereas BMAL1 had the opposite effect. Particularly, the ferroptosis inhibitor (ferrostatin-1) effectively reversed the trophoblastic ferroptosis and EMT inhibition caused by CRY2 overexpression. Collectively, these results suggest that CRY2 regulates trophoblastic ferroptosis and hinders cellular EMT and migratory ability by suppressing BMAL1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faminzi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Liantao Guo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengqi Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Han
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujuan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianzhi Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China.
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Horvat Mercnik M, Schliefsteiner C, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Wadsack C. TGFβ signalling: a nexus between inflammation, placental health and preeclampsia throughout pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:442-471. [PMID: 38519450 PMCID: PMC11215164 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae007] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is a unique and pivotal organ in reproduction, controlling crucial growth and cell differentiation processes that ensure a successful pregnancy. Placental development is a tightly regulated and dynamic process, in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily plays a central role. This family of pleiotropic growth factors is heavily involved in regulating various aspects of reproductive biology, particularly in trophoblast differentiation during the first trimester of pregnancy. TGFβ signalling precisely regulates trophoblast invasion and the cell transition from cytotrophoblasts to extravillous trophoblasts, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process. Later in pregnancy, TGFβ signalling ensures proper vascularization and angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells. Beyond its role in trophoblasts and endothelial cells, TGFβ signalling contributes to the polarization and function of placental and decidual macrophages by promoting maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Disturbances in early placental development have been associated with several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) which is one of the severe complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TGFβ is involved in the pathogenesis of PE, thereby offering a potential target for intervention in the human placenta. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the roles of the major members of the TGFβ superfamily, including TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, inhibins, nodals, and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), in the context of placental development and function. The review focusses on their interactions within the major cell types of the placenta, namely trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by PE throughout pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, searching terms: 'TGF signalling preeclampsia', 'pregnancy TGF signalling', 'preeclampsia tgfβ', 'preeclampsia bmp', 'preeclampsia gdf', 'preeclampsia activin', 'endoglin preeclampsia', 'endoglin pregnancy', 'tgfβ signalling pregnancy', 'bmp signalling pregnancy', 'gdf signalling pregnancy', 'activin signalling pregnancy', 'Hofbauer cell tgfβ signalling', 'placental macrophages tgfβ', 'endothelial cells tgfβ', 'endothelium tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion Smad', 'trophoblast invasion bmp', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ', 'tgfβ preeclampsia', 'tgfβ placental development', 'TGFβ placental function', 'endothelial dysfunction preeclampsia tgfβ signalling', 'vascular remodelling placenta TGFβ', 'inflammation pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune response pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune tolerance pregnancy tgfβ', 'TGFβ pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy tregs', 'tgfβ pregnancy tregs', 'TGFβ placenta NK cells', 'TGFβ placenta tregs', 'NK cells preeclampsia', 'Tregs preeclampsia'. Only articles published in English until 2023 were used. OUTCOMES A comprehensive understanding of TGFβ signalling and its role in regulating interconnected cell functions of the main placental cell types provides valuable insights into the processes essential for successful placental development and growth of the foetus during pregnancy. By orchestrating trophoblast invasion, vascularization, immune tolerance, and tissue remodelling, TGFβ ligands contribute to the proper functioning of a healthy maternal-foetal interface. However, dysregulation of TGFβ signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, where the shallow trophoblast invasion, defective vascular remodelling, decreased uteroplacental perfusion, and endothelial cell and immune dysfunction observed in PE, are all affected by an altered TGFβ signalling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The dysregulation of TGFβ signalling in PE has important implications for research and clinical practice. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms, including the role of different ligands and their regulation under pathophysiological conditions, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. Distinguishing between clinically manifested subtypes of PE and studying TGFβ signalling in different placental cell types holistically is an important first step. To put this knowledge into practice, pre-clinical animal models combined with new technologies are needed. This may also lead to improved human research models and identify potential therapeutic targets, ultimately improving outcomes for affected pregnancies and reducing the burden of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Tissue-Specific BMP Signalling ISPA-HUCA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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Pan L, Zhu F, Yu A, Jia C, Tang H, Zhou M, Li M, Jiang S, Li J, Cui Y, Tang L. Effect of bromodomain PHD-finger transcription factor (BPTF) on trophoblast epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Gene 2024; 914:148405. [PMID: 38521110 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The trophoblast epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a procedure related to embryo implantation, spiral artery establishment and fetal-maternal communication, which is a key event for successful pregnancy. Inadequate EMT is one of the pathological mechanisms of recurrent miscarriage (RM). Whole-exome sequencing revealed that the mutation of bromodomain PHD-finger transcription factor (BPTF) was strongly associated with RM. In the present study, the effects of BPTF on EMT and the underlying mechanism were investigated. We found that the expression of BPTF in the villi of RM patients was significantly downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that BPTF participated in cell adhesion. The knockdown of BPTF prevented EMT and attenuated trophoblast invasion in vitro. BPTF activated Slug transcription by binding directly to the promoter region of the Slug gene. Interestingly, the protein levels of both Slug and BPTF were decreased in the villous cytotrophoblasts (VCTs) of RM villi. In conclusion, BPTF participates in the regulation of trophoblast EMT by activating Slug expression, suggesting that BPTF defects are an important factor in RM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqing Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Fuquan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Aochen Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chao Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huaiyun Tang
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Minglian Zhou
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Mingrui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shiwen Jiang
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Lisha Tang
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China.
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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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Lin Z, Wu S, Jiang Y, Chen Z, Huang X, Wen Z, Yuan Y. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms driving enhanced invasion capability of extravillous trophoblast cells: a comprehensive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:591-608. [PMID: 38315418 PMCID: PMC10957806 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03036-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion is crucial for successful placentation and pregnancy. This review focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that promote heightened EVT invasion. We comprehensively summarize the pivotal roles of hormones, angiogenesis, hypoxia, stress, the extracellular matrix microenvironment, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immunity, inflammation, programmed cell death, epigenetic modifications, and microbiota in facilitating EVT invasion. The molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced EVT invasion may provide valuable insights into potential pathogenic mechanisms associated with diseases characterized by excessive invasion, such as the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), thereby offering novel perspectives for managing pregnancy complications related to deficient EVT invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Lin
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Jiang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoye Huang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuofeng Wen
- The Sixth Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Lan X, Guo L, Hu C, Zhang Q, Deng J, Wang Y, Chen ZJ, Yan J, Li Y. Fibronectin mediates activin A-promoted human trophoblast migration and acquisition of endothelial-like phenotype. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:61. [PMID: 38263146 PMCID: PMC10807102 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01463-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During human early placentation, a proportion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) migrate to the maternal decidua, differentiating into endovascular EVTs to remodel spiral arteries and ensure the establishment of blood circulation at the maternal-fetal interface. Inadequate EVT migration and endovascular differentiation are closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage. Activin A and fibronectin are both secretory molecules abundantly expressed at the maternal-fetal interface. Activin A has been reported to regulate EVT biological functions. However, whether fibronectin mediates activin A-promoted EVT migration and acquisition of endothelial-like phenotype as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Additionally, the role of fibronectin in pregnancy establishment and maintenance warrants further investigation. METHODS Primary and immortalized (HTR8/SVneo) human EVTs were used as in vitro study models. Cultured human first-trimester chorionic villous explants were utilized for ex vivo validation. A local fibronectin knockdown model in ICR mouse uteri, achieved by nonviral in vivo transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting fibronectin 1 (si-Fn1), was employed to explore the roles of fibronectin in the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy. RESULTS Our results showed that activin A treatment significantly induced fibronectin 1 (FN1) mRNA expression and fibronectin protein production, which is essential for human trophoblast migration and endothelial-like tube formation. Both basal and activin A-upregulated fibronectin expression were abolished by the TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 or siRNA-mediated knockdown of activin receptor-like kinase (ALK4) or SMAD4. Moreover, activin A-increased trophoblast migration and endothelial-like tube formation were attenuated following the depletion of fibronectin. Fibronectin knockdown via intrauterine siRNA administration reduced CD31 and cytokeratin 8 (CK8) expression at the maternal-fetal interface, resulting in a decrease in the number of implantation sites and embryos. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that activin A promotes trophoblast cell migration and acquisition of endothelial-like phenotype via ALK4-SMAD2/3-SMAD4-mediated fibronectin upregulation. Furthermore, through a local fibronectin knockdown model in mouse uteri, we found that the absence of fibronectin at the maternal-fetal interface impedes endovascular migration of trophoblasts and decidual vascularization, thereby interfering with early embryo implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. These findings provide novel insights into placental development during early pregnancy establishment and contribute to the advancement of therapeutic approaches for managing pregnancy complications related to trophoblast dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxin Lan
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ling Guo
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Cuiping Hu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jianye Deng
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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Gong C, Yang W, Liu X, Li X, Wang Y, Tian C. Low follistatin level is a causal risk factor for spontaneous abortion: a two-sample mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1255591. [PMID: 38234423 PMCID: PMC10792017 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1255591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent pregnancy loss is a distressing event during pregnancy, and understanding its causal factors is crucial. Follistatin, a glycoprotein involved in folliculogenesis and embryogenesis, has been implicated as a potential contributor to the risk of spontaneous abortion. However, establishing a causal relationship requires rigorous investigation using robust methods. Methods In this study, we utilized mendelian randomization (MR), a powerful genetic epidemiological approach, to examine the causal relationship between follistatin levels and spontaneous abortion. We obtained instrumental variables strongly associated with follistatin levels from large-scale genome-wide association from the IEU database. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was taken as gold standard. We also performed sensitivity test to evaluate the robustness of our result. Results MR analysis revealed a significant causal relationship between low follistatin levels and spontaneous abortion (p = 0.03). Sensitivity analyses, including pleiotropy test, heterogeneity test, and leave-one-out analysis, all supported the robustness of our findings. Conclusion Our study provides compelling evidence supporting the causal relationship between low follistatin levels and increased risk of spontaneous abortion. These findings underscore the importance of follistatin in the etiology of spontaneous abortion and suggest potential preventive interventions. Modulating follistatin levels or relevant pathways could hold promise for reducing the incidence of spontaneous abortion and improving reproductive outcomes. The utilization of MRs strengthens the validity of our results by mitigating confounding and reverse causality biases. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and explore therapeutic strategies targeting follistatin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xinliang Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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Zeng YT, Liu WF, Zheng PS, Li S. GDF15 deficiency hinders human trophoblast invasion to mediate pregnancy loss through downregulating Smad1/5 phosphorylation. iScience 2023; 26:107902. [PMID: 37766993 PMCID: PMC10520888 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107902] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) belongs to the Transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) superfamily. The decrease of GDF15 in the serum of pregnant women was associated with miscarriage. Both IHC and ELISA assays showed that GDF15 in trophoblast tissue and serum of pregnant women who miscarried was significantly lower than in those who had a live birth. GDF15 deficiency was associated with embryo resorption in GDF15 knockout mice through CRIPSR editing. In addition, the migration and invasion ability of HTR-8/SVneo and JEG-3 cells were promoted by GDF15. Mechanistically, GDF15 increased Smad1/5 phosphorylation, resulting in upregulating SNAI1/2, VIMENTIN and downregulating E-CADHERIN. A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Smad-binding elements (SBE) and/or GC-rich motifs were activated and target genes such as SNAI1/2, SERPINE1, and TIMP3 were transcriptionally regulated by GDF15/Smad5 signaling. Therefore, our data revealed a crucial role of GDF15 on invasion of trophoblast by upregulating the activity of TGF-β/Smad1/5 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Zeng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen-Fang Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Lawless L, Qin Y, Xie L, Zhang K. Trophoblast Differentiation: Mechanisms and Implications for Pregnancy Complications. Nutrients 2023; 15:3564. [PMID: 37630754 PMCID: PMC10459728 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental development is a tightly controlled event, in which cell expansion from the trophectoderm occurs in a spatiotemporal manner. Proper trophoblast differentiation is crucial to the vitality of this gestational organ. Obstructions to its development can lead to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth, posing severe health risks to both the mother and offspring. Currently, the only known treatment strategy for these complications is delivery, making it an important area of research. The aim of this review was to summarize the known information on the development and mechanistic regulation of trophoblast differentiation and highlight the similarities in these processes between the human and mouse placenta. Additionally, the known biomarkers for each cell type were compiled to aid in the analysis of sequencing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Lawless
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yushu Qin
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Linglin Xie
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ke Zhang
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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10
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Barrero JA, Villamil-Camargo LM, Imaz JN, Arciniegas-Villa K, Rubio-Romero JA. Maternal Serum Activin A, Inhibin A and Follistatin-Related Proteins across Preeclampsia: Insights into Their Role in Pathogenesis and Prediction. JOURNAL OF MOTHER AND CHILD 2023; 27:119-133. [PMID: 37595293 PMCID: PMC10438925 DOI: 10.34763/jmotherandchild.20232701.d-23-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the endocrine-paracrine signalling network at the maternal-foetal interface, the activin-inhibin-follistatin system modulates extravillous trophoblast invasion, suggesting a potential role in preeclampsia pathogenesis. This study aimed to compile the evidence published in the last decade regarding the variation in maternal serum activins, inhibin- and follistatin-related proteins in preeclamptic pregnancies compared to healthy pregnancies, and to discuss their role in predicting and understanding the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS A scoping review was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases to identify studies published within the last ten years (2012-2022). RESULTS Thirty studies were included. None of the studies addressed maternal serum changes of isoforms different from activin A, inhibin A, follistatin, and follistatin-like 3. Sixteen studies evaluated the potential of these isoforms in predicting preeclampsia through the area under the curve from a receiver operating characteristic curve. CONCLUSIONS In preeclampsia, inhibin A is upregulated in all trimesters, whereas activin A increases exclusively in the late second and third trimesters. Serum follistatin levels are reduced in women with preeclampsia during the late second and third trimesters. However, changes in follistatin-like 3 remain inconclusive. Inhibin A and activin A can potentially serve as biomarkers of early-onset preeclampsia based on the outcomes of the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Further investigations are encouraged to explore the feasibility of quantifying maternal serum levels of activin A and inhibin A as a clinical tool in early preeclampsia prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A. Barrero
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá Campus, Faculty of Medicine, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Jose N. Imaz
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá Campus, Faculty of Medicine, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Jorge A. Rubio-Romero
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá Campus, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bogotá, Colombia
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11
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Huang CC, Hsueh YW, Chang CW, Hsu HC, Yang TC, Lin WC, Chang HM. Establishment of the fetal-maternal interface: developmental events in human implantation and placentation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1200330. [PMID: 37266451 PMCID: PMC10230101 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1200330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is a complex and well-orchestrated differentiation process that involves all the cellular elements of the fetal-maternal interface. Aberrant trophoblast-decidual interactions can lead to miscarriage and disorders that occur later in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, and preterm labor. A great deal of research on the regulation of implantation and placentation has been performed in a wide range of species. However, there is significant species variation regarding trophoblast differentiation as well as decidual-specific gene expression and regulation. Most of the relevant information has been obtained from studies using mouse models. A comprehensive understanding of the physiology and pathology of human implantation and placentation has only recently been obtained because of emerging advanced technologies. With the derivation of human trophoblast stem cells, 3D-organoid cultures, and single-cell analyses of differentiated cells, cell type-specific transcript profiles and functions were generated, and each exhibited a unique signature. Additionally, through integrative transcriptomic information, researchers can uncover the cellular dysfunction of embryonic and placental cells in peri-implantation embryos and the early pathological placenta. In fact, the clinical utility of fetal-maternal cellular trafficking has been applied for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies and the prediction of pregnancy complications. Furthermore, recent studies have proposed a viable path toward the development of therapeutic strategies targeting placenta-enriched molecules for placental dysfunction and diseases.
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12
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Chen J, Song T, Yang S, Meng Q, Han X, Wu Z, Cheng JC, Fang L. Snail mediates GDF-8-stimulated human extravillous trophoblast cell invasion by upregulating MMP2 expression. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:93. [PMID: 37143106 PMCID: PMC10158255 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell invasion is a tightly regulated process that requires for a normal pregnancy. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in EVT cell invasion. Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, is expressed in the human placenta and promotes EVT cell invasion by upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). However, the underlying molecular mechanism of GDF-8-induced MMP2 expression remains undetermined. Therefore, the present study aims to examine the role of Snail and Slug, the EMT-related transcriptional regulators, in GDF-8-stimulated MMP2 expression and cell invasion in HTR-8/SVneo human EVT cell line and primary cultures of human EVT cells. METHODS HTR-8/SVneo and primary cultures of human EVT cells were used to examine the effect of GDF-8 on MMP2 expression and explore the underlying mechanism. For gene silencing and overexpression, the HTR-8/SVneo cell line was used to make the experiments more technically feasible. The cell invasiveness was measured by Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assay. RESULTS GDF-8 stimulated MMP2 expression in both HTR-8/SVneo and primary EVT cells. The stimulatory effect of GDF-8 on MMP2 expression was blocked by the inhibitor of TGF-β type-I receptors, SB431542. Treatment with GDF-8 upregulated Snail and Slug expression in both HTR-8/SVneo and primary EVT cells. The stimulatory effects of GDF-8 on Snail and Slug expression were blocked by pretreatment of SB431542 and siRNA-mediated knockdown of SMAD4. Interestingly, using the siRNA knockdown approach, our results showed that Snail but not Slug was required for the GDF-8-induced MMP2 expression and cell invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. The reduction of MMP2 expression in the placentas with preeclampsia (PE) was also observed. CONCLUSIONS These findings discover the physiological function of GDF-8 in the human placenta and provide important insights into the regulation of MMP2 expression in human EVT cells. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaye Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Tinglin Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Sizhu Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Qingxue Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
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Jeon J, Lee H, Jeon MS, Kim SJ, Choi C, Kim KW, Yang DJ, Lee S, Bae YS, Choi WI, Jung J, Eyun SI, Yang S. Blockade of Activin Receptor IIB Protects Arthritis Pathogenesis by Non-Amplification of Activin A-ACVR2B-NOX4 Axis Pathway. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205161. [PMID: 36950748 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Although activin receptor IIB (ACVR2B) is emerging as a novel pathogenic receptor, its ligand and assembled components (or assembly) are totally unknown in the context of osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. The present results suggest that upregulation of ACVR2B and its assembly could affect osteoarthritic cartilage destruction. It is shown that the ACVR2B ligand, activin A, regulates catabolic factor expression through ACVR2B in OA development. Activin A Tg mice (Col2a1-Inhba) exhibit enhanced cartilage destruction, whereas heterozygous activin A KO mice (Inhba+/- ) show protection from cartilage destruction. In silico analysis suggests that the Activin A-ACVR2B axis is involved in Nox4-dependent ROS production. Activin A Tg:Nox4 KO (Col2a1-Inhba:Nox4-/- ) mice show inhibition of experimental OA pathogenesis. NOX4 directly binds to the C-terminal binding site on ACVR2B-ACVR1B and amplifies the pathogenic signal for cartilage destruction through SMAD2/3 signaling. Together, the findings reveal that the ACVR2B assembly, which comprises Activin A, ACVR2B, ACVR1B, Nox4, and AP-1-induced HIF-2α, accelerates OA development. Furthermore, it is shown that shRNA-mediated ACVR2B knockdown or trapping ligands of ACVR2B abrogate OA development by competitively disrupting the ACVR2B-Activin A interaction. These results suggest that the ACVR2B assembly is required to amplify osteoarthritic cartilage destruction and could be a potential therapeutic target in efforts to treat OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- CIRNO, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemi Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- CIRNO, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Seung Jeon
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Jung Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Uijeongbu, 11765, Republic of Korea
| | - Cham Choi
- MicroCT Applications, 3rd floor, 11, Sumyeong-ro 1-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, 07644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Woo Kim
- Department of Oral Biology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied Biological Science, BK21 FOUR, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Joo Yang
- Department of Oral Biology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied Biological Science, BK21 FOUR, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangho Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- CIRNO, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- CIRNO, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Il Choi
- Center for Bio-Healthcare Materials, Bio-Convergence Materials R&D Division, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Jung
- Bionanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Il Eyun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Siyoung Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- CIRNO, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
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14
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Guibourdenche J, Leguy MC, Pidoux G, Hebert-Schuster M, Laguillier C, Anselem O, Grangé G, Bonnet F, Tsatsaris V. Biochemical Screening for Fetal Trisomy 21: Pathophysiology of Maternal Serum Markers and Involvement of the Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087669. [PMID: 37108840 PMCID: PMC10146970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now well established that maternal serum markers are often abnormal in fetal trisomy 21. Their determination is recommended for prenatal screening and pregnancy follow-up. However, mechanisms leading to abnormal maternal serum levels of such markers are still debated. Our objective was to help clinicians and scientists unravel the pathophysiology of these markers via a review of the main studies published in this field, both in vivo and in vitro, focusing on the six most widely used markers (hCG, its free subunit hCGβ, PAPP-A, AFP, uE3, and inhibin A) as well as cell-free feto-placental DNA. Analysis of the literature shows that mechanisms underlying each marker's regulation are multiple and not necessarily directly linked with the supernumerary chromosome 21. The crucial involvement of the placenta is also highlighted, which could be defective in one or several of its functions (turnover and apoptosis, endocrine production, and feto-maternal exchanges and transfer). These defects were neither constant nor specific for trisomy 21, and might be more or less pronounced, reflecting a high variability in placental immaturity and alteration. This explains why maternal serum markers can lack both specificity and sensitivity, and are thus restricted to screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Guibourdenche
- Hormonologie CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
- FHU Préma, 75014 Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Christelle Laguillier
- Hormonologie CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
- UMR-S1139, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Olivia Anselem
- FHU Préma, 75014 Paris, France
- Maternité Port Royal CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Gilles Grangé
- FHU Préma, 75014 Paris, France
- Maternité Port Royal CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Fidéline Bonnet
- Hormonologie CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
- Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Vassilis Tsatsaris
- Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
- FHU Préma, 75014 Paris, France
- Maternité Port Royal CHU Cochin AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
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15
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Liang L, Chen Y, Wu C, Cao Z, Xia L, Meng J, He L, Yang C, Wang Z. MicroRNAs: key regulators of the trophoblast function in pregnancy disorders. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:3-17. [PMID: 36508034 PMCID: PMC9742672 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02677-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is essential for a successful pregnancy and healthy intrauterine development in mammals. During human pregnancy, the growth and development of the placenta are inseparable from the rapid proliferation, invasion, and migration of trophoblast cells. Previous reports have shown that the occurrence of many pregnancy disorders may be closely related to the dysfunction of trophoblasts. However, the function regulation of human trophoblast cells in the placenta is poorly understood. Therefore, studying the factors that regulate the function of trophoblast cells is necessary. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding, single-stranded RNA molecules. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating trophoblast functions. This review outlines the role of miRNAs in regulating the function of trophoblast cells and several common signaling pathways related to miRNA regulation in pregnancy disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Liang
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Yanjun Chen
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Department of Cardiovascular, The Third Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Zitong Cao
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Linzhen Xia
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Jun Meng
- grid.461579.8Department of Function, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Lu He
- grid.461579.8Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Chunfen Yang
- grid.461579.8Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Zuo Wang
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
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16
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Tsogtgerel M, Murase H, Moriyama H, Sato F, Nambo Y. Plasma activin A concentrations during late gestation in Thoroughbred mares with abnormal pregnancies. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 120:104184. [PMID: 36470514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Late-term fetal loss in horses is a major problem in the horse-breeding industry globally. Abnormal pregnancies should be diagnosed as early as possible to prevent abortions and other gestational problems. According to our previous longitudinal study in healthy pregnant mares, the plasma activin A concentration increases as pregnancy progresses. The aim of the present study was to compare plasma activin A concentrations in healthy pregnant Thoroughbred mares (n=40) with those in pregnant mares that suffered fetal loss or showed abnormal symptoms (n=30) during late gestation. This field study found that plasma activin A concentrations were higher in the abnormal group (pregnancy loss, red bag delivery, premature udder development, and vaginal discharge) than the normal group (P < 0.001; cutoff value: ≥ 138.2 pg/mL; sensitivity, 74.4%; specificity, 77.5%). More specifically, plasma activin A concentrations in the "symptom" and "abnormal delivery" subgroups were higher than those in gestational-age-matched normal groups (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, the plasma activin A concentration in the "normal delivery" subgroup was not different from that in the "abnormal delivery" subgroup in samples collected within 10 days before delivery. In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrate a significantly earlier increase in plasma activin A concentration in abnormal pregnancies of Thoroughbred mares during late gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhtuul Tsogtgerel
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan; School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, 17024, Mongolia
| | - Harutaka Murase
- Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, 057-0171, Japan
| | | | - Fumio Sato
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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17
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Li J, Qi Y, Yang K, Zhu L, Cui X, Liu Z. Follistatin Is a Novel Chemoattractant for Migration and Invasion of Placental Trophoblasts of Mice. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233816. [PMID: 36497076 PMCID: PMC9741044 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin (FST) as a gonadal protein is central to the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Trophoblasts' migration and invasion into the endometrium are critical events in placental development. This study aimed to elucidate the role of FST in the migration and invasion of placental trophoblasts of mice. We found that FST increased the vitality and proliferation of primary cultured trophoblasts of embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) mice and promoted wound healing of trophoblasts. Moreover, FST significantly induced migration of trophoblasts in a microfluidic device and increased the number of invasive trophoblasts by Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assay. Being treated with FST, the adhesion of trophoblasts was inhibited, but intracellular calcium flux of trophoblasts was increased. Western blotting results showed that FST had no significant effects on the level of p-Smad3 or the ratio of p-Smad3/Smad3 in trophoblasts. Interestingly, FST elevated the level of p-JNK; the ratio of p-JNK/JNK; and expression of migration-related proteins N-cadherin, vimentin, ezrin and MMP2 in trophoblasts. Additionally, the migration of trophoblasts and expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and MMP2 in trophoblasts induced by FST were attenuated by JNK inhibitor AS601245. These findings suggest that the elevated FST in pregnancy may act as a chemokine to induce trophoblast migration and invasion through the enhanced JNK signaling to maintain trophoblast function and promote placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yan Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Clinical Immunology, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Institute of Applied Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Linjing Zhu
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xueling Cui
- Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Clinical Immunology, Changchun 130021, China
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Clinical Immunology, Changchun 130021, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-431-8561-9476
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18
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Mwaura AN, Riaz MA, Maoga JB, Mecha E, Omwandho COA, Scheiner-Bobis G, Meinhold-Heerlein I, Konrad L. Activin A Modulates Betaglycan Shedding via the ALK4-SMAD3-Dependent Pathway in Endometriotic Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121749. [PMID: 36551177 PMCID: PMC9776114 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily members, activins and inhibins, are mainly involved in cell proliferation, cell survival, invasion, immune surveillance, and lesion growth in endometriosis. Herein, we investigated the modulation of the TGF-β type III receptor (betaglycan or BG) by activin A and inhibin A in endometriosis in vitro. Often, BG undergoes ectodomain shedding releasing soluble BG (sBG) which frequently antagonizes TGF-β signaling. The effects of activin A on BG shedding and signaling pathways involved were evaluated with the inhibitors LY364947 and SIS3, siRNA knockdown in human endometrial cells (12Z, THESC, Ishikawa, and primary stromal cells) and were quantified with BG ELISAs. The effects of activin A and inhibin A on the secretion of MMP2 and MMP3 were analyzed using ELISAs. The effects of activin A on the BG expression were analyzed using RT-qPCR and western blot. The CCK-8 and BrdU assays were used to evaluate the effects of the recombinant BG on cell viability and proliferation. Activin A stimulation resulted in a significant time- and dose-dependent reduction in BG shedding, which was found to be activin A/ALK-4/SMAD3- but not SMAD2-dependent. Activin A increased the BG mRNA expression but had no effect on the protein expression. Likewise, inhibin A was found to block BG shedding. Activin A, but not inhibin A, significantly enhanced the secretion of MMP2 and MMP3. The recombinant BG had no effect on the viability and proliferation of endometriotic cells. Together, these observations support a novel role for activin A with BG in modulating the TGF-β superfamily ligands in endometrial cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes N. Mwaura
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Muhammad A. Riaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jane B. Maoga
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ezekiel Mecha
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
| | - Charles O. A. Omwandho
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
- Department of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kerugoya P.O. Box 143-10300, Kenya
| | - Georgios Scheiner-Bobis
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ivo Meinhold-Heerlein
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Lutz Konrad
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-641-985-45282; Fax: +49-641-985-45258
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19
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Wu PL, Zhu JW, Zeng C, Li X, Xue Q, Yang HX. IGFBP7 enhances trophoblast invasion via IGF-1R/c-Jun signaling in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Reproduction 2022; 164:231-241. [PMID: 35900339 DOI: 10.1530/rep-21-0501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Insufficient trophoblast invasion at the maternal-fetal interface contributes to abortion-prone pregnancy. Our study shows that decreased levels of IGFBP7 in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) trophoblast cells inhibit MMP2 and Slug expression as well as trophoblast invasion, suggesting that IGFBP7 should be considered a potential therapeutic protein target in URSA. Abstract Insufficient trophoblast invasion at the maternal-fetal interface contributes to abortion-prone pregnancy. Cyclosporine A (CsA) can exert therapeutic effects on URSA by promoting trophoblast invasion. A previous study showed decreased expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) in the sera of recurrent spontaneous abortion patients. However, the role of IGFBP7 in URSA remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether IGFBP7 modulates trophoblast invasion in URSA and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that IGFBP7 was expressed at lower levels in villous specimens from URSA patients. Manipulating IGFBP7 expression significantly affected the MMP2 and Slug expression in HTR-8/SVneo cells as well as trophoblast invasion in vitro. Inactivation of IGF-1R by IGFBP7 was observed, and IGF-1R inhibition increased the IGFBP7-induced MMP2 and Slug expression in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Moreover, the level of c-Jun was significantly upregulated in the URSA group. Silencing IGFBP7 increased the binding of downstream c-Jun to the MMP2 and Slug promoter regions in HTR-8/SVneo cells, thus suppressing transcription. In addition, increased expression of IGFBP7 in HTR-8/SVneo cells was observed upon CsA treatment. Knockdown of IGFBP7 inhibited the CsA-enhanced MMP2 and Slug expression in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Our results suggest that in normal pregnancy, IGFBP7 induces MMP2 and Slug expression via the IGF-1R-mediated c-Jun signaling pathway, thereby promoting trophoblast invasion. IGFBP7 depletion in URSA inhibits MMP2 and Slug expression as well as trophoblast invasion. Moreover, IGFBP7 participates in CsA-induced trophoblast invasion, suggesting that IGFBP7 is a potential therapeutic target for URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Li Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Wen Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Xia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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20
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Sun F, Cheng L, Guo L, Su S, Li Y, Yan J. Activin A promotes human trophoblast invasion by upregulating integrin β3 via ALK4-SMAD4 signaling. Placenta 2022; 129:62-69. [PMID: 36244196 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activin A has been widely regarded as an important promoter of trophoblast invasion during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, whether integrin β3 is involved in activin A-upregulated trophoblast invasion and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. METHODS We utilized immortalized (HTR8/SVneo) and primary human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells, as well as first-trimester chorionic villous explants as study models to investigate the function and underlying molecular mechanisms of integrin β3 in activin A-promoted human trophoblast invasion. RESULTS We found that activin A increased integrin β3 mRNA and protein levels in both HTR8/SVneo and primary EVT cells, and knockdown of integrin β3 significantly decreased basal and activin A-upregulated trophoblast invasion. Moreover, SB431542 (a specific inhibitor of TGF-β type Ι receptor kinase) abolished activin A-upregulated integrin β3 expression and SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. In addition, siRNA-mediated knockdown of ALK4 or SMAD4 both abolished activin A-upregulated integrin β3 expression in HTR8/SVneo cells, while knockdown of ALK4 or SMAD4 attenuated activin A-upregulated integrin β3 expression in primary EVTs. DISCUSSION Our findings reveal the mediation role of integrin β3 in activin A-upregulated human trophoblast invasion and that activin An upregulates integrin β3 expression in an ALK4-SMAD4 signaling-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxuan Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ling Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shizhen Su
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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21
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Hu J, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Xu Y, Wu J, Zeng W, Lin Y, Liu X. The potential toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics to human trophoblasts in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119924. [PMID: 35970350 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs), the emerging contaminants in recent years, widely distributed in the environment and are bioaccumulated and biomagnified in organisms through food chain. A growing number of studies have detected plastic particulates in human placenta and blood. However, few studies have focused on their effects during human pregnancy. Herein, human trophoblast HTR-8/Svneo cells were used to evaluate the effects and the possible mechanism of 100-nm polystyrene NPs on placental trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface. The results showed that NPs entered the trophoblastic cytoplasm, decreased cell viability, caused cell cycle arrest, reduced the cell migration and invasion abilities, increased level of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, global transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed on HTR-8/Svneo cells with or without 100 μg/mL PS-NP exposure for 24 h. A total of 344 differentially expressed genes were detected. The gene functions for regulation of leukocyte differentiation, response to stimulus, cell cycle, apoptotic process, and cell adhesion were enriched. Thyroid hormone, Hippo, TGF-β and FoxO signaling pathways were activated. Collectively, our data provided evidences for the adverse consequences of NPs on the biological functions of trophoblasts, which provided new insights into the potential trophoblast toxicity of NPs in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Hu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China; Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yueyue Zhu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China; Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China; Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yichi Xu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China; Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jiayi Wu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China; Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Weihong Zeng
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China; Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yi Lin
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China; Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China; Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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22
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Zheng Q, Yang F, Gan H, Jin L. Hypoxia induced ALKBH5 prevents spontaneous abortion by mediating m 6A-demethylation of SMAD1/5 mRNAs. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119316. [PMID: 35724807 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The molecules induced by hypoxia have been supposed to be important regulators of first trimester trophoblast activity, but the key mechanism mediating invasion of trophoblast cells is not fully illustrated. Here, we found that the expression of RNA demethylase ALKBH5 was upregulated in trophoblast upon hypoxia treatment and decreased in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Furthermore, we found that trophoblast-specific knockdown of ALKBH5 in mouse placenta suppressed the invasion of trophoblast and significantly led to fetus abortion in vivo. Then ALKBH5 was identified to promote the invasion of trophoblast. Mechanistically, we identified transcripts with altered methylation in trophoblast induced by hypoxia via m6A-seq, ALKBH5 translocated from nucleus to cytoplasm upon hypoxia treatment and demethylated certain target transcripts, such as m6A-modified SMAD1/SMAD5, consequently enhanced the translation of SMAD1/SMAD5 and then promoted MMP9 and ITGA1 production. Thus, we demonstrated that ALKBH5 promoted the activity of trophoblasts by enhancing SMAD1/5 expression via erasing their m6A modifications. Our research revealed a new m6A epigenetic way to regulate the invasion of trophoblast, which suggested a novel potential therapeutic target for spontaneous abortion prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingliang Zheng
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen 518000, PR China.
| | - Fenglian Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, PR China
| | - Haili Gan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, PR China
| | - Liping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, PR China.
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23
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Yang L, Hu L, Tang H, Chen X, Liu X, Zhang Y, Wen Y, Yang Y, Geng Y. The disruption of human trophoblast functions by autophagy activation through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway induced by exposure to titanium carbide (Ti 3C 2) MXene. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 165:113128. [PMID: 35569596 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ti3C2 MXene, as a novel nanomaterial, has attracted great attention due to its promising properties in biomedical applications. However, the potential effects of Ti3C2 MXene on trophoblast functions have not been investigated. Here, we found that Ti3C2 MXene exposure weakened the extension ability of villus explants in vitro. We employed human trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms by which Ti3C2 MXene exposure affected trophoblast functions. Results showed that Ti3C2 MXene entered cells and mostly deposited in the cytoplasm, inhibiting cell migration and invasion abilities. Furthermore, we found that Ti3C2 MXene exposure elevated autophagy through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Meanwhile, the application of an autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) prevented autophagy and restored cell viability, resulting in the recovery of cell migration and invasion abilities. These indicated that the cellular dysfunction induced by Ti3C2 MXene may be mediated by autophagy activation. Our results indicated that autophagy is a key factor in eliciting HTR-8/SVneo dysfunction after Ti3C2 MXene exposure, which could therefore damage placental development. Autophagy inhibition is a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating the placental toxicity of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Yang
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Le Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Tang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yixian Wen
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongxiu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Yanqing Geng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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24
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Zhou W, Menkhorst E, Dimitriadis E. Characterization of chloride intracellular channel 4 in the regulation of human trophoblast function. Placenta 2022; 119:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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25
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Lamptey J, Czika A, Aremu JO, Pervaz S, Adu-Gyamfi EA, Otoo A, Li F, Wang YX, Ding YB. The role of fascin in carcinogenesis and embryo implantation. Exp Cell Res 2021; 409:112885. [PMID: 34662557 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton, with its actin bundling proteins, plays crucial roles in a host of cellular function, such as cancer metastasis, antigen presentation and trophoblast migration and invasion, as a result of cytoskeletal remodeling. A key player in cytoskeletal remodeling is fascin. Upregulation of fascin induces the transition of epithelial phenotypes to mesenchymal phenotypes through complex interaction with transcription factors. Fascin expression also regulates mitochondrial F-actin to promote oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in some cancer cells. Trophoblast cells, on the other hand, exhibit similar physiological functions, involving the upregulation of genes crucial for its migration and invasion. Owing to the similar tumor-like characteristics among cancer and trophoblats, we review recent studies on fascin in relation to cancer and trophoblast cell biology; and based on existing evidence, link fascin to the establishment of the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jones Lamptey
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KCCR, UPO, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Armin Czika
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - John Ogooluwa Aremu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Sadaf Pervaz
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Antonia Otoo
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Wong GP, Andres F, Walker SP, MacDonald TM, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Keenan E, Hannan NJ, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Circulating Activin A is elevated at 36 weeks' gestation preceding a diagnosis of preeclampsia. Pregnancy Hypertens 2021; 27:23-26. [PMID: 34844073 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Activin A is aberrantly expressed by the preeclamptic placenta and circulating levels have been investigated as a potential biomarker for the disease. In a nested case-control study we measured Activin A levels in maternal plasma at 28- and 36-weeks' gestation preceding term preeclampsia diagnosis. At 28 weeks Activin A was not significantly altered (n = 73 destined to develop preeclampsia vs n = 191 controls). At 36 weeks' gestation Activin A was significantly increased in 40 women destined to develop preeclampsia relative to 201 controls (p < 0.0001). These findings provide further validation of Activin A as a potential biomarker for subsequent term preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia P Wong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Faith Andres
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan P Walker
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emerson Keenan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia.
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27
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Ding YB, Wang YX. Regulation of placentation by the transforming growth factor beta superfamily†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:18-26. [PMID: 31566220 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, there is increased expression of some cytokines at the fetal-maternal interface; and the clarification of their roles in trophoblast-endometrium interactions is crucial to understanding the mechanism of placentation. This review addresses the up-to-date reported mechanisms by which the members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily regulate trophoblast proliferation, differentiation, and invasion of the decidua, which are the main phases of placentation. The available information shows that these cytokines regulate placentation in somehow a synergistic and an antagonistic manner; and that dysregulation of their levels can lead to aberrant placentation. Nevertheless, prospective studies are needed to reconcile some conflicting reports; and identify some unknown mediators involved in the actions of these cytokines before their detailed mechanistic regulation of human placentation could be fully characterized. The TGF beta superfamily are expressed in the placenta, and regulate the process of placentation through the activation of several signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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28
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Lamptey J, Li F, Adu-Gyamfi EA, Chen XM, Czika A, Otoo A, Liu TH, Wang YX, Ding YB. Downregulation of fascin in the first trimester placental villi is associated with early recurrent miscarriage. Exp Cell Res 2021; 403:112597. [PMID: 33862100 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate trophoblast proliferation, shallow invasion and exaggerated rate of trophoblast apoptosis are implicated in early recurrent miscarriage (ERM). However, the mechanistic bases of this association have not been fully established. We aimed at investigating the involvement of fascin, an actin-bundling protein, in trophoblast activities and ERM. We found that fascin was downregulated in the cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) and distal cytotrophoblasts (DCTs) of ERM placentae. Knockdown of fascin altered cellular and nucleolar morphology, and inhibited the proliferation but increased apoptosis of trophoblastic HTR8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, fascin knockdown decreased the expression of transcription factors such as Snail1/2, Twist and Zeb1/2, mesenchymal molecules such as Vimentin and N-cadherin, and the protein expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylates signal transducer and activator of transcript 3 (STAT3). Exposure of HTR-8/SVneo cells to hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) decreased fascin expression to affect the cells' invasion. Our results indicate for the first time that the downregulation of fascin is involved in the pathogenesis of early recurrent miscarriage; and hence a potential therapeutic target against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jones Lamptey
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Fangfang Li
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Xue-Mei Chen
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Armin Czika
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Antonia Otoo
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Tai-Hang Liu
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
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Li Y, Yan J, Chang HM, Chen ZJ, Leung PCK. Roles of TGF-β Superfamily Proteins in Extravillous Trophoblast Invasion. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:170-189. [PMID: 33478870 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Following embryo implantation, extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade the maternal decidua to a certain extent during early pregnancy, which is critical for normal placentation and successful pregnancy in humans. Although sharing a similar protein structure, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily members exert divergent functions in regulating EVT invasion, which contributes to a relative balance of TGF-β superfamily proteins in precisely modulating this process at the maternal-fetal interface during the first trimester of pregnancy. This review details recent advances in our understanding of the functions of TGF-β superfamily members and their corresponding receptors, signaling pathways, and downstream molecular targets in regulating human EVT invasion from studies using various in vitro or ex vivo experimental models. Also, the relevance of these discoveries about TGF-β superfamily members to adverse pregnancy outcomes is summarized. The application of 3D culture trophoblast organoids, single-cell sequencing, and microfluidic assays in EVT invasion studies will help better reveal the molecular mechanisms through which TGF-β superfamily members regulate human EVT invasion, shedding light on the development of innovative strategies for predicting, diagnosing, treating, and preventing adverse human pregnancy outcomes related to EVT invasion dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200000, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200000, China.
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada.
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30
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Pu Y, Gingrich J, Veiga-Lopez A. A 3-dimensional microfluidic platform for modeling human extravillous trophoblast invasion and toxicological screening. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:546-557. [PMID: 33166377 PMCID: PMC8212566 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01013h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Placental trophoblast cells invasion into the maternal uterus is an essential and complex event in the formation of the maternal-fetal interface. Commonly used two-dimensional (2D) cell invasion tools do not accurately represent the in vivo cell invasion microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) silicone polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic platforms are an emerging technology in developing organ-on-a-chip models. Here, we present a placenta-on-a-chip platform that enables the evaluation of trophoblast invasion with intraluminal flow within an engineered PDMS 3D microfluidic chip. This platform reproduces key elements of the placental microenvironment, including endothelial and trophoblast cells, layered with an extracellular matrix, and incorporates dynamic medium flow while allowing for real-time monitoring, imaging, evaluation of trophoblast cell invasion, and heterocellular cell-to-cell interactions. Coupled with fluorescent cell tagging and flow cytometry, this platform also allows collection of the invasive cells. This will help our understanding of pathways that regulate trophoblast cell invasion and may prove important for toxicological screening of exposures that interfere with invasiveness in a complex organ such as the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Pu
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S. Wolcott Ave, Rm 6093, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Jeremy Gingrich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, USA
| | - Almudena Veiga-Lopez
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S. Wolcott Ave, Rm 6093, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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You J, Wang W, Chang HM, Yi Y, Zhao H, Zhu H, Sun Y, Tang M, Wang C, Sang Y, Feng G, Cheng S, Leung PCK, Zhu YM. The BMP2 Signaling Axis Promotes Invasive Differentiation of Human Trophoblasts. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:607332. [PMID: 33614644 PMCID: PMC7889606 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.607332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation and trophoblast invasion are principal limiting factors of pregnancy establishment. Aberrant embryo development or improper trophoblast differentiation and invasion may lead to various unfavorable pregnancy-related outcomes, including early pregnancy loss (EPL). Our clinical data show that the serum BMP2 levels were significantly increased during the first trimester of pregnancy and that the serum and BMP2 expression levels were lower in women with EPL than in women with normal early pregnancies. Moreover, we observed that BMP2 was expressed in oocytes and trophoblast cells of cleaved embryos and blastocysts prior to implantation in both humans and mice. Exogenous BMP2 promoted embryonic development by enhancing blastocyst formation and hatching in mice. LncRNA NR026833.1 was upregulated by BMP2 and promoted SNAIL expression by competitively binding to miR-502-5p. SNAIL induced MMP2 expression and promoted cell invasion in primary extravillous trophoblast cells. BMP2 promotes the invasive differentiation of mouse trophoblast stem cells by downregulating the expression of TS cell marker and upregulating the expression of trophoblast giant cell marker and labyrinthine/spongiotrophoblast marker. Our findings provide significant insights into the regulatory roles of BMP2 in the development of the placenta, which may give us a framework to explore new therapeutic strategies to pregnancy-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali You
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yuyin Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hongjin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minyue Tang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yimiao Sang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guofang Feng
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaobing Cheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yi-Min Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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32
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Zhu S, Li Z, Cui L, Ban Y, Leung PCK, Li Y, Ma J. Activin A increases human trophoblast invasion by upregulating integrin β1 through ALK4. FASEB J 2020; 35:e21220. [PMID: 33230889 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001604r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activin A promotes human trophoblast invasion during the first trimester of pregnancy and is associated with preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PE/PIH) in naturally conceived pregnancies. However, whether integrin β1 mediates activin A-increased trophoblast invasion remains unknown and the evidence is limited regarding the predictive value of activin A for PE/PIH in women receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Here, we studied the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of integrin β1 in activin A-promoted invasion in immortalized (HTR8/SVneo) and primary human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. A nest case-control study was designed to investigate the predictive/diagnostic value of activin A in IVF pregnancies. Results showed that integrin β1 expression increased after activin A treatment and knockdown of integrin β1 significantly decreased both basal and activin A-increased HTR8/SVneo cell invasion. SB431542 (TGF-β type I receptors inhibitor) abolished activin A-induced SMAD2/SMAD3 phosphorylation and integrin β1 overexpression. Activin A-upregulated integrin β1 expression was attenuated after the depletion of ALK4 or SMAD4 in both HTR8/SVneo and primary EVT cells. Furthermore, we found similar first-trimester activin A levels in IVF patients with or without subsequent PE/PIH. These results reveal that integrin β1 mediates activin A-promoted trophoblast invasion through ALK4-activated SMAD2/3-SMAD4 pathway, and the predictive/diagnostic value of first-trimester maternal serum activin A for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy might be different in IVF population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zeyan Li
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Linlin Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanli Ban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 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, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Suzhou Institute of Shandong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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33
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Xie J, Zhu H, Chang HM, Klausen C, Dong M, Leung PCK. GDF8 Promotes the Cell Invasiveness in Human Trophoblasts by Upregulating the Expression of Follistatin-Like 3 Through the ALK5-SMAD2/3 Signaling Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:573781. [PMID: 33195207 PMCID: PMC7655915 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.573781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8) and its antagonist follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) are expressed in the placenta during early pregnancy. These two factors may have a role to play in the regulation of normal placentation. However, whether GDF8 can regulate the expression of FSTL3 in human trophoblasts remains to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of GDF8 on the expression of FSTL3 and the underlying molecular mechanisms using human trophoblasts as a study model. Our results showed that GDF8 significantly upregulates the expression and production of FSTL3, which further promotes cell invasiveness in immortalized extravillous cytotrophoblast cells and primary extravillous cytotrophoblast cells obtained from human first-trimester placentae. Additionally, using an siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we found that this regulatory effect is most likely mediated by the ALK5-Sma- and Mad-related protein (SMAD)2/3-induced signaling pathway. These findings deepen our understanding of the functional roles of GDF8 and FSTL3 in the regulation of cell invasiveness of trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christian Klausen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Minyue Dong
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Micati DJ, Radhakrishnan K, Young JC, Rajpert‐De Meyts E, Hime GR, Abud HE, Loveland KL. ‘Snail factors in testicular germ cell tumours and their regulation by the BMP4 signalling pathway’. Andrology 2020; 8:1456-1470. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diana J. Micati
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Karthika Radhakrishnan
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Julia C. Young
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Ewa Rajpert‐De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Gary R. Hime
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Helen E. Abud
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- Stem Cells and Development Program Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
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Appiah Adu-Gyamfi E, Tanam Djankpa F, Nelson W, Czika A, Kumar Sah S, Lamptey J, Ding YB, Wang YX. Activin and inhibin signaling: From regulation of physiology to involvement in the pathology of the female reproductive system. Cytokine 2020; 133:155105. [PMID: 32438278 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activins and inhibins - comprising activin A, B, AB, C and E, and inhibin A and B isoforms - belong to the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily. They regulate several biological processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation and invasiveness, to enhance the formation and functioning of many human tissues and organs. In this review, we have discussed the role of activin and inhibin signaling in the physiological and female-specific pathological events that occur in the female reproductive system. The up-to-date evidence indicates that these cytokines regulate germ cell development, follicular development, ovulation, uterine receptivity, decidualization and placentation through the activation of several signaling pathways; and that their dysregulated expression is involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the numerous diseases, including pregnancy complications, that disturb reproduction. Hence, some of the isoforms have been suggested as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the management of some of these diseases. Tackling the research directions highlighted in this review will enhance a detailed comprehension and the clinical utility of these cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Francis Tanam Djankpa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - William Nelson
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Armin Czika
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sanjay Kumar Sah
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jones Lamptey
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KCCR, Ghana.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
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Ma Y, Yang Q, Fan M, Zhang L, Gu Y, Jia W, Li Z, Wang F, Li YX, Wang J, Li R, Shao X, Wang YL. Placental endovascular extravillous trophoblasts (enEVTs) educate maternal T-cell differentiation along the maternal-placental circulation. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12802. [PMID: 32291850 PMCID: PMC7260064 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives During human pregnancy, the endothelial cells of the uterine spiral arteries (SPA) are extensively replaced by a subtype of placental trophoblasts, endovascular extravillous trophoblasts (enEVTs), thus establishing a placental‐maternal circulation. On this pathway, foetus‐derived placental villi and enEVTs bath into the maternal blood that perfuses along SPA being not attacked by the maternal lymphocytes. We aimed to reveal the underlying mechanism of such immune tolerance. Methods In situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, ELISA and FCM assay were performed to examine TGF‐β1 expression and distribution of regulatory T cells (Tregs) along the placental‐maternal circulation route. The primary enEVTs, interstitial extravillous trophoblasts (iEVTs) and decidual endothelial cells (dECs) were purified by FACS, and their conditioned media were collected to treat naïve CD4+ T cells. Treg differentiation was measured by FLOW and CFSE assays. Results We found that enEVTs but not iEVTs or dECs actively produced TGF‐β1. The primary enEVTs significantly promoted naïve CD4+ T‐cell differentiation into immunosuppressive FOXP3+ Tregs, and this effect was dependent on TGF‐β1. In recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients, an evidently reduced proportion of TGF‐β1–producing enEVTs and their ability to educate Tregs differentiation were observed. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a unique immune‐regulatory characteristic of placental enEVTs to develop immune tolerance along the placental‐maternal circulation. New insights into the pathogenesis of RSA are also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeling Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjie Fan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lanmei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The 306 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Second Hospital Affiliated to Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wentong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhilang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feiyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Brkić J, Dunk C, Shan Y, O'Brien JA, Lye P, Qayyum S, Yang P, Matthews SG, Lye SJ, Peng C. Differential Role of Smad2 and Smad3 in the Acquisition of an Endovascular Trophoblast-Like Phenotype and Preeclampsia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:436. [PMID: 32733385 PMCID: PMC7362585 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During placental development, cytotrophoblast progenitor cells differentiate into the syncytiotrophoblast and invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Some EVTs further differentiate into endovascular trophoblasts (enEVTs) which exhibit endothelial-like properties. Abnormal placental development, including insufficient enEVT-mediated remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries, is thought to be a precipitating factor in the onset of preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder. Several members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, such as TGF-βs, Nodal, and Activin have been reported to either promote or inhibit the invasive EVT pathway. These ligands signal through serine/threonine receptor complexes to activate downstream signaling mediators, Smad2 and Smad3. In this study, we determined Smad2 and Smad3 expression pattern in placenta and their effects on trophoblast invasion and differentiation. Total Smad2/3 levels were relatively constant across gestation while the ratio of active phosphorylated forms to their total levels varied with gestational stages, with a higher pSmad2/total Smad2 in later gestation and a higher pSmad3/total Smad3 in early gestation. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that pSmad3 was localized in nuclei of EVTs in anchoring villi. On the other hand, pSmad2 was mostly absent in this invasive EVT population. In addition, pSmad3/total Smad3, but not pSmad2/total Smad2, was significantly lower in both early onset and late onset PE cases, as compared to gestational age-matched controls. Functional studies carried out using a first trimester trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo, and first trimester human placental explants showed that Smad2 and Smad3 had differential roles in the invasive pathway. Specifically, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Smad2 resulted in an increase in trophoblast invasion and an upregulation of mRNA levels of enEVT markers while the opposite was observed with Smad3 knockdown. In addition, Smad2 siRNA accelerated the EVT outgrowth in first trimester placental explants while the Smad3 siRNA reduced the outgrowth of EVTs when compared to the control. Furthermore, knockdown of Smad2 enhanced, whereas overexpression of Smad2 suppressed, the ability of trophoblasts to form endothelial-like networks. Conversely, Smad3 had opposite effects as Smad2 on network formation. These findings suggest that Smad2 and Smad3 have opposite functions in the acquisition of an enEVT-like phenotype and defects in Smad3 activation are associated with PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Brkić
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline Dunk
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yanan Shan
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Phetcharawan Lye
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sheza Qayyum
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peifeng Yang
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stephen J. Lye
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Chun Peng
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Hu XQ, Zhang L. MicroRNAs in Uteroplacental Vascular Dysfunction. Cells 2019; 8:E1344. [PMID: 31671866 PMCID: PMC6912833 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy complications of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are major causes of maternal and perinatal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although their etiologies remain elusive, it is generally accepted that they are secondary to placental insufficiency conferred by both failure in spiral artery remodeling and uteroplacental vascular malfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small no-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs participate in virtually all biological processes and are involved in numerous human diseases. Differentially expressed miRNAs in the placenta are typical features of both preeclampsia and IUGR. Dysregulated miRNAs target genes of various signaling pathways in uteroplacental tissues, contributing to the development of both complications. In this review, we provide an overview of how aberrant miRNA expression in preeclampsia and IUGR impacts the expression of genes involved in trophoblast invasion and uteroplacental vascular adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Qun Hu
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
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Adu-Gyamfi EA, Lamptey J, Duan F, Wang YX, Ding YB. The transforming growth factor β superfamily as possible biomarkers of preeclampsia: a comprehensive review. Biomark Med 2019; 13:1321-1330. [PMID: 31559841 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2019-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of preeclampsia - an abnormal placentation-mediated disease - is not fully understood; and there are very few biomarkers with which to predict and diagnose it. Early prediction and diagnosis of this pathology can lead to a significant improvement in maternal and perinatal outcomes. Since members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily influence placentation, and are released from the placenta into the maternal circulatory system, several studies have investigated the involvement of these cytokines in preeclampsia and the possibility of using their serum levels as biomarkers of the disease. In this review, we have summarized the reported relationships between the levels of this superfamily of cytokines and preeclampsia. The available information indicates that altered levels of some of these cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of preeclampsia, suggesting their likelihood of serving as predictive and diagnostic biomarkers of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jones Lamptey
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Fumei Duan
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
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Amer S, Alsayegh F, Mashaal Z, Mohamed S, Shawa N, Rajan K, Ahmed SBM. Role of TGF‑β in the motility of ShcD‑overexpressing 293 cells. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:2667-2674. [PMID: 31524262 PMCID: PMC6691231 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The newly identified Src homology and collagen (Shc) family member ShcD was observed to be upregulated in 50% of vertical growth phase and metastatic melanomas. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism by which ShcD mediates cell motility. 293 cell lines were altered to stably express GFP (GF) or GFP‑ShcD (G5). Treatment of the cells with transforming growth factor (TGF)β2 promoted extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and, to a lesser extent, Smad2 phosphorylation in GFP‑ShcD‑expressing cells but not in GFP‑overexpressing cells. GFP‑ShcD‑expressing cells exhibited upregulated expression of certain epithelial‑mesenchymal transition‑related genes, such as snail family transcriptional repressor 1 and SLUG, than GFP‑expressing cells. Higher levels of ERK were found in the nuclear fraction of GFP‑ShcD‑expressing cells than that of GFP‑expressing cells. Overall, GFP‑ShcD‑expressing cells demonstrated enhanced migration compared with GFP‑expressing cells. A slight increase in cell migration was observed in both cell lines (GF and G5) when the cells were allowed to migrate towards conditioned medium derived from TGFβ2‑treated GFP‑ShcD expressing cells. Collectively, ShcD upregulation was proposed to induce cell migration by affecting the expression of certain epithelial‑mesenchymal transition‑related genes. Thus, our findings may improve understanding of the role of ShcD in cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Amer
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fadi Alsayegh
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zeina Mashaal
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salma Mohamed
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nour Shawa
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Keerthi Rajan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samrein B M Ahmed
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Liu C, Chang HM, Yi Y, Fang Y, Zhao F, Leung PCK, Yang X. ALK4-SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling mediates the activin A-induced suppression of PTX3 in human granulosa-lutein cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 493:110485. [PMID: 31185247 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
As one of the members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, activin A plays an important role in regulating follicular development and oocyte maturation. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is the key component that promotes the process of cumulus expansion during mammalian ovulation. At present, the regulation of PTX3 expression in human granulosa cells remains largely unknown. This study aimed to examine the effects of activin A on the expression of PTX3 in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using an established immortalized hGL cell line (SVOG) and primary hGL cells as study models, we demonstrated that activin A significantly increased the phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3, which suppressed the expression of PTX3 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, these effects induced by activin A were completely reversed by pretreatment with the TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 and knockdown of ALK4. Furthermore, knockdown of SMAD2, SMAD3, or SMAD4 completely reversed the activin A-induced suppressive effects on PTX3 expression. Notably, the ChIP analyses demonstrated that phosphorylated SMADs could bind to human PTX3 promoter. Collectively, our results showed that the ALK4-SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling pathway most likely mediates the suppressive effect of activin A on PTX3 expression in hGL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yuyin Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feiyan Zhao
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Xiaokui Yang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Lee KM, Seo HW, Kwon MS, Han AR, Lee SK. SIRT1 negatively regulates invasive and angiogenic activities of the extravillous trophoblast. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13167. [PMID: 31295378 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Dysregulation of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion leads to pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and placenta accreta. The aim of this study was to explore the role of SIRT1 in EVT invasion and its underlying mechanism. METHOD OF STUDY SIRT1-specific siRNA was transfected into Swan 71 cells, an immortalized first trimester trophoblast cell line. The Boyden chamber invasion assay, the scratch wound healing assay, and cell proliferation assay were performed. The expression levels of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, p-Akt, Akt, p-p38MAPK, p38MAPK, p-ERK, ERK, p-JNK, JNK, Fas, and Fas ligand (FasL) were examined by western blot. Tube formation assay was conducted by using Matrigel. RESULTS SIRT1 knockdown by siRNA significantly enhanced invasion and migration as well as the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and EMT markers in Swan 71 cells, but reduced proliferation. The effects of SIRT1 knockdown on invasion, migration, proliferation, and endothelial-like tube formation in Swan 71 cells were reversely regulated by blockade of Akt and p38MAPK signaling. In addition, SIRT1 knockdown markedly promoted colocalization of Swan 71 cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) networks and induced reduction in Fas and enhancement of FasL. Conditioned media of SIRT1 knockdown-Swan 71 cells caused reduction in cell proliferation and augmentation of cytotoxicity along with increased Fas expression in HUVECs. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that SIRT1 may be associated with placental development by controlling EVT invasion and spiral artery remodeling via modulation of EMT, MMP-2, MMP-9, Akt/p38MAPK signaling, and Fas/FasL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Mo Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Konyang University Myunggok Medical Research Institute, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hee Won Seo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Konyang University Myunggok Medical Research Institute, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Myoung-Seung Kwon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Konyang University Myunggok Medical Research Institute, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ae-Ra Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Konyang University Myunggok Medical Research Institute, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Sung Ki Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Konyang University Myunggok Medical Research Institute, Daejeon, Korea
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Shih J, Lin H, Hsiao A, Su Y, Tsai S, Chien C, Kung H. Unveiling the role of microRNA‐7 in linking TGF‐β‐Smad‐mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition with negative regulation of trophoblast invasion. FASEB J 2019; 33:6281-6295. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801898rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jin‐Chung Shih
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and ProteomicsCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Hua‐Heng Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Hospital Taipei Taiwan
| | - An‐Che Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Yi‐Ting Su
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Shawn Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chung‐Liang Chien
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Hsiu‐Ni Kung
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineNational Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
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Involvement of follistatin-like 3 in preeclampsia. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 506:692-697. [PMID: 30454705 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is a main cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The expression of follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) is enhanced in maternal serum and placenta of preeclamptic women. However, whether FSTL3 is involved in the pathophysiologic of preeclampsia has not been clarified yet. METHOD Trophoblast cell lines Swan71 and JAR cells were cultured and siRNA was used to silence FSTL3. The expression of FSTL3 was determined by Western blotting. The matrigel-coated transwell and wound healing assays were used to assess invasion and migration, cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Oil red O staining was used to detect the lipid storage in trophoblast. RESULTS Hypoxia culture significantly enhanced the expression of FSTL3 by trophoblast. Down-regulation of FSTL3 significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and lipid storage but increased apoptosis of trophoblast. DISCUSSION Aberrant expression of FSTL3 in preeclampsia led to the dysfunction of trophoblast, indicating its involvement in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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45
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Bai L, Chang HM, Zhu YM, Leung PCK. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 increases lysyl oxidase activity via up-regulation of snail in human granulosa-lutein cells. Cell Signal 2018; 53:201-211. [PMID: 30321593 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a copper-dependent enzyme that maintains and stabilizes the extracellular matrix (ECM) by catalyzing the cross-linking of elastin and collagen. ECM within the ovarian follicle plays a crucial role in regulating follicular development and oocyte maturation. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) belongs to the BMP subfamily that has been shown to be involved in the process of ovarian folliculogenesis and luteal formation. To date, whether BMP2 regulates the activity of LOX during human follicular development remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMP2 on the regulation of LOX expression and activity in human granulosa-lutein cells (hGL) and the underlying mechanisms. Using both primary and immortalized (SVOG cells) hGL cells, we demonstrated that BMP2 up-regulated the expression and activity of LOX and hence decreased the soluble collagens in cultured medium in hGL cells. Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of two transcriptional factors, SNAIL and SLUG, were increased following cell exposure to BMP2. Knockdown of SNAIL, but not SLUG partially reversed BMP2-induced increases in LOX expression and activity. The BMP2-induced up-regulation of SNAIL expression was abolished by the pre-treatment with two BMP type I receptor inhibitors, dorsomorphin and DMH-1, but not SB431542. Moreover, knockdown of SMAD4 completely abolished BMP2-induced up-regulation of SNAIL expression and the subsequent increases in LOX expression and activity. Our results suggest that BMP2 increases LOX expression and activity via the up-regulation of SNAIL in hGL cells. These findings may provide insights into the functional role of BMP2 in the regulation of ECM formation during folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Bai
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yi-Min Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Wang Q, Chen Y, Zhang D, Li C, Chen X, Hou J, Fei Y, Wang Y, Li Y. Activin Receptor-Like Kinase 4 Haplodeficiency Mitigates Arrhythmogenic Atrial Remodeling and Vulnerability to Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Pathological Hypertrophy. J Am Heart Assoc 2018; 7:e008842. [PMID: 30369314 PMCID: PMC6201394 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.008842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Activin receptor-like kinase 4 ( ALK 4) is highly expressed in mammal heart. Atrial fibrillation ( AF ) is closely related to ventricular pressure overload. Because pressure overload increases atrial pressure and leads to atrial remodeling, it would be informative to know whether ALK 4 exerts potential effects on atrial remodeling and AF vulnerability in a pressure-overload model. Methods and Results Wild-type littermates and ALK 4+/- mice were subjected to abdominal aortic constriction or a sham operation. After 4 or 8 weeks, echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements were performed, and inducibility of AF was tested. The hearts were divided into atria and ventricles and then were fixed in formalin for staining, or they were weighted and snap-frozen for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Compared with wild-type littermates, ALK 4+/- mice demonstrated a similar extent of atrial hypertrophy but significantly suppressed atrial fibrosis at 8 weeks post-abdominal aortic constriction. ALK 4 haplodeficiency partially blocked abdominal aortic constriction-induced upregulation of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and interleukin-6, and the increased chemotaxin of macrophages. ALK 4 haplodeficiency also blunted a reduction of connexin 40 and redistribution of connexin 43 from the intercalated disk to the lateral membranes, thereby improving localized conduction abnormalities. Meanwhile, ALK 4 haplodeficiency inhibited abdominal aortic constriction-induced decreased INa, ICa-L and IK1 densities as well as the accompanying action potential duration shortening. Mechanistically, ALK 4 haploinsufficiency resulted in the suppression of Smad2/3 activity in this model. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that ALK 4 haplodeficiency ameliorates atrial remodeling and vulnerability to AF in a pressure-overload model through inactivation of the Smad2/3 pathway, suggesting that ALK 4 might be a potential therapeutic target in combating pressure overload-induced AF .
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of CardiologyXinhua HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yihe Chen
- Department of CardiologyXinhua HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Daoliang Zhang
- Department of CardiologyShanghai Chest HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Changyi Li
- Department of CardiologyXinhua HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- Department of CardiologyShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jianwen Hou
- Department of CardiologyXinhua HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yudong Fei
- Department of CardiologyXinhua HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuepeng Wang
- Department of CardiologyXinhua HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yigang Li
- Department of CardiologyXinhua HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
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Napso T, Yong HEJ, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. The Role of Placental Hormones in Mediating Maternal Adaptations to Support Pregnancy and Lactation. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1091. [PMID: 30174608 PMCID: PMC6108594 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the mother must adapt her body systems to support nutrient and oxygen supply for growth of the baby in utero and during the subsequent lactation. These include changes in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune and metabolic systems of the mother. Failure to appropriately adjust maternal physiology to the pregnant state may result in pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and abnormal birth weight, which can further lead to a range of medically significant complications for the mother and baby. The placenta, which forms the functional interface separating the maternal and fetal circulations, is important for mediating adaptations in maternal physiology. It secretes a plethora of hormones into the maternal circulation which modulate her physiology and transfers the oxygen and nutrients available to the fetus for growth. Among these placental hormones, the prolactin-growth hormone family, steroids and neuropeptides play critical roles in driving maternal physiological adaptations during pregnancy. This review examines the changes that occur in maternal physiology in response to pregnancy and the significance of placental hormone production in mediating such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Napso
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah E J Yong
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Rout-Pitt N, Farrow N, Parsons D, Donnelley M. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT): a universal process in lung diseases with implications for cystic fibrosis pathophysiology. Respir Res 2018; 19:136. [PMID: 30021582 PMCID: PMC6052671 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-018-0834-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that arises due to mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator gene, which encodes for a protein responsible for ion transport out of epithelial cells. This leads to a disruption in transepithelial Cl-, Na + and HCO3− ion transport and the subsequent dehydration of the airway epithelium, resulting in infection, inflammation and development of fibrotic tissue. Unlike in CF, fibrosis in other lung diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has been well characterised. One of the driving forces behind fibrosis is Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a process where epithelial cells lose epithelial proteins including E-Cadherin, which is responsible for tight junctions. The cell moves to a more mesenchymal phenotype as it gains mesenchymal markers such as N-Cadherin (providing the cells with migration potential), Vimentin and Fibronectin (proteins excreted to help form the extracellular matrix), and the fibroblast proliferation transcription factors Snail, Slug and Twist. This review paper explores the EMT process in a range of lung diseases, details the common links that these have to cystic fibrosis, and explores how understanding EMT in cystic fibrosis may open up novel methods of treating patients with cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Rout-Pitt
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. .,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. .,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Rd, North Adelaide, South Australia, 5006, Australia.
| | - Nigel Farrow
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Rd, North Adelaide, South Australia, 5006, Australia.,Australian Respiratory Epithelium Consortium (AusRec), Perth, Western Australia, 6105, Australia
| | - David Parsons
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Rd, North Adelaide, South Australia, 5006, Australia.,Australian Respiratory Epithelium Consortium (AusRec), Perth, Western Australia, 6105, Australia
| | - Martin Donnelley
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Rd, North Adelaide, South Australia, 5006, Australia
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Zhao HJ, Chang HM, Zhu H, Klausen C, Li Y, Leung PCK. Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Promotes Human Trophoblast Cell Invasion by Inducing Activin A Production. Endocrinology 2018; 159:2815-2825. [PMID: 29846546 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 and activin A belong to the TGF-β superfamily and are highly expressed in human endometrium and placenta. Studies have demonstrated that activin A and BMP2 play essential roles in the process of early embryo implantation by promoting human trophoblast cell invasion. However, whether activin A production can be regulated by BMP2 in human trophoblast cells remains unknown. The aim of our study was to determine the effects of BMP2 on activin A production and its role in human trophoblast invasion. Primary human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells were used as study models. BMP2 treatment significantly increased inhibin βA (INHBA) mRNA levels and activin A production without altering inhibin α and inhibin βB levels. BMP2-induced EVT cell invasion was attenuated by knockdown of INHBA. The increased INHBA transcription and activin A production by BMP2 were blocked by the type I receptor activin receptor (ACVR)-like kinase 2 (ALK2) and activin receptor-like kinase 3 (ALK3) inhibitor dorsomorphin homolog 1 (DMH-1). BMP2-induced INHBA upregulation was also inhibited by knockdown of type I receptor ALK3 or combined knockdown of type II receptors for BMP2 (BMPR2) and ACVR2A. Whereas BMP2 initiated both canonical SMAD1/5/8 and noncanonical SMAD2/3 signaling, only knockdown of SMAD4, but not SMAD2 and SMAD3, abolished the effects of BMP2 on INHBA. Our results show that BMP2 increases human trophoblast invasion by upregulating INHBA and activin A production via ALK3-BMPR2/ACVR2A-SMAD1/5/8-SMAD4 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jin Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian Klausen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Transforming growth factor β1 promotes invasion of human JEG-3 trophoblast cells via TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway. Oncotarget 2018; 8:33560-33570. [PMID: 28432277 PMCID: PMC5464890 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is involved invasion of human trophoblasts. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we performed Transwell assay and found that TGF-β1 promoted the invasion of trophoblast cell line JEG-3. Treatment with TGF-β1 up-regulated the expression of receptor-regulated Smad transcription factors Smad2 and Smad3, and two invasive-associated genes, namely, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2, in JEG-3 cells. Over-expressing activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 5, the TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) enhanced the up-regulation of Smad2, Smad3, MMP-9, and MMP-2 induced by TGF-β1, whereas application of TβRI inhibitor SB431542 diminished the stimulatory effects of TGF-β1 on these genes. Furthermore, transfection of Smad3 and ALK-5 seperately or in combination into JEG-3 cells before TGF-β1 treatment significantly increased the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2. By contrast, silencing Smad3 and Smad2 by siRNAs significantly decreased the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2, with Smad3 silence having a more potent inhibitory effect. Inhibiting TβRI with SB431542 or knockdown of Smad3, but not Smad2, abolished the stimulatory effect of TGF-β1 on the invasion of JEG-3 cells. Taken together, the results indicate that TGF-β1 activates the Smads signaling pathway in JEG-3 trophoblast cells and Smad3 play a key role in TGF-β1-induced invasion of JEG-3 and up-regulation of MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression.
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