1
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Azagury M, Buganim Y. Unlocking trophectoderm mysteries: In vivo and in vitro perspectives on human and mouse trophoblast fate induction. Dev Cell 2024; 59:941-960. [PMID: 38653193 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.029] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the pursuit of inducing the trophoblast stem cell (TSC) state has gained prominence as a compelling research objective, illuminating the establishment of the trophoblast lineage and unlocking insights into early embryogenesis. In this review, we examine how advancements in diverse technologies, including in vivo time course transcriptomics, cellular reprogramming to TSC state, chemical induction of totipotent stem-cell-like state, and stem-cell-based embryo-like structures, have enriched our insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that define the mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC states. We delve into disparities between mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC fate establishment, with a special emphasis on the intriguing role of pluripotency in this context. Additionally, we re-evaluate recent findings concerning the potential of totipotent-stem-like cells and embryo-like structures to fully manifest the trophectoderm/trophoblast lineage's capabilities. Lastly, we briefly discuss the potential applications of induced TSCs in pregnancy-related disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meir Azagury
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Yosef Buganim
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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2
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Matsumoto S, Okamura E, Muto M, Ema M. Similarities and differences in placental development between humans and cynomolgus monkeys. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12522. [PMID: 37377753 PMCID: PMC10292683 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The placenta is an extraembryonic organ, which is essential to maintain a normal pregnancy. However, placental development in humans is poorly understood because of technical and ethical reasons. Methods We analyzed the anatomical localization of each trophoblastic subtype in the cynomolgus monkey placenta by immunohistochemistry in the early second trimester. Histological differences among the mouse, cynomolgus monkey, and human placenta were compared. The PubMed database was used to search for studies on placentation in rodents and primates. Main findings The anatomical structures and subtypes of the placenta in cynomolgus monkeys are highly similar to those in humans, with the exception of fewer interstitial extravillous trophoblasts in cynomolgus monkeys. Conclusion The cynomolgus monkey appears to be a good animal model to investigate human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoma Matsumoto
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Eiichi Okamura
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Masanaga Muto
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Masatsugu Ema
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI‐ASHBi)Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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3
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The X-linked splicing regulator MBNL3 has been co-opted to restrict placental growth in eutherians. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001615. [PMID: 35476669 PMCID: PMC9084524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the regulatory interactions that control gene expression during the development of novel tissues is a key goal of evolutionary developmental biology. Here, we show that Mbnl3 has undergone a striking process of evolutionary specialization in eutherian mammals resulting in the emergence of a novel placental function for the gene. Mbnl3 belongs to a family of RNA-binding proteins whose members regulate multiple aspects of RNA metabolism. We find that, in eutherians, while both Mbnl3 and its paralog Mbnl2 are strongly expressed in placenta, Mbnl3 expression has been lost from nonplacental tissues in association with the evolution of a novel promoter. Moreover, Mbnl3 has undergone accelerated protein sequence evolution leading to changes in its RNA-binding specificities and cellular localization. While Mbnl2 and Mbnl3 share partially redundant roles in regulating alternative splicing, polyadenylation site usage and, in turn, placenta maturation, Mbnl3 has also acquired novel biological functions. Specifically, Mbnl3 knockout (M3KO) alone results in increased placental growth associated with higher Myc expression. Furthermore, Mbnl3 loss increases fetal resource allocation during limiting conditions, suggesting that location of Mbnl3 on the X chromosome has led to its role in limiting placental growth, favoring the maternal side of the parental genetic conflict.
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4
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Au J, Requena DF, Rishik H, Kallol S, Tekkatte C, Farah OA, Kittle R, Meads M, Wakeland A, Soncin F. Role of autocrine bone morphogenetic protein Signaling in trophoblast stem cells. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:540-550. [PMID: 34791028 PMCID: PMC8934699 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway is involved in numerous developmental processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. In mouse embryogenesis, BMP signaling is a well-known morphogen for both mesoderm induction and germ cell development. Recent evidence points to a potential role in development of the extra-embryonic compartment, including trophectoderm-derived tissues. In this study, we investigated the effect of BMP signaling in both mouse and human trophoblast stem cells (TSC) in vitro, evaluating the expression and activation of the BMP signaling response machinery, and the effect of BMP signaling manipulation during TSC maintenance and differentiation. Both mTSC and hTSC expressed various BMP ligands and the receptors BMPR1A and BMPR2, necessary for BMP response, and displayed maximal active BMP signaling when undifferentiated. We also observed a conserved modulatory role of BMP signaling during trophoblast differentiation, whereby maintenance of active BMP signaling blunted differentiation of TSC in both species. Conversely, the effect of BMP signaling on the undifferentiated state of TSC appeared to be species-specific, with SMAD-independent signaling important in maintenance of mTSC, and a more subtle role for both SMAD-dependent and -independent BMP signaling in hTSC. Altogether, these data establish an autocrine role for the BMP pathway in the trophoblast compartment. As specification and correct differentiation of the extra-embryonic compartment are fundamental for implantation and early placental development, insights on the role of the BMP signaling in early development might prove useful in the setting of in vitro fertilization as well as targeting trophoblast-associated placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Au
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniela F Requena
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Rishik
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sampada Kallol
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chandana Tekkatte
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Omar A Farah
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Kittle
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Morgan Meads
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anna Wakeland
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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5
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Posfai E, Lanner F, Mulas C, Leitch HG. All models are wrong, but some are useful: Establishing standards for stem cell-based embryo models. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1117-1141. [PMID: 33979598 PMCID: PMC8185978 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Detailed studies of the embryo allow an increasingly mechanistic understanding of development, which has proved of profound relevance to human disease. The last decade has seen in vitro cultured stem cell-based models of embryo development flourish, which provide an alternative to the embryo for accessible experimentation. However, the usefulness of any stem cell-based embryo model will be determined by how accurately it reflects in vivo embryonic development, and/or the extent to which it facilitates new discoveries. Stringent benchmarking of embryo models is thus an important consideration for this growing field. Here we provide an overview of means to evaluate both the properties of stem cells, the building blocks of most embryo models, as well as the usefulness of current and future in vitro embryo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Posfai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden; Ming Wai Lau Center for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carla Mulas
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Harry G Leitch
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
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6
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Sozen B, Demir N, Zernicka-Goetz M. BMP signalling is required for extra-embryonic ectoderm development during pre-to-post-implantation transition of the mouse embryo. Dev Biol 2020; 470:84-94. [PMID: 33217407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
At implantation, the mouse embryo undergoes a critical transformation which requires the precise spatiotemporal control of signalling pathways necessary for morphogenesis and developmental progression. The role played by such signalling pathways during this transition are largely unexplored, due to the inaccessibility of the embryo during the implantation when it becomes engulfed by uterine tissues. Genetic studies demonstrate that mutant embryos for BMPs die around gastrulation. Here we have aimed to dissect the role of BMPs during pre-to post-implantation transition by using a protocol permitting the development of the embryo beyond implantation stages in vitro and using stem cells to mimic post-implantation tissue organisation. By assessing both the canonical and non-canonical mechanisms of BMP, we show that the loss of canonical BMP activity compromises the extra-embryonic ectoderm development. Our analyses demonstrate that BMP signalling maintains stem cell populations within both embryonic/extra-embryonic tissues during pre-to post-implantation development. These results may provide insight into the role played by BMP signalling in controlling early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Sozen
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK; California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA; Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07070, Turkey; Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Necdet Demir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07070, Turkey
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK; California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
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7
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Cinkornpumin JK, Kwon SY, Guo Y, Hossain I, Sirois J, Russett CS, Tseng HW, Okae H, Arima T, Duchaine TF, Liu W, Pastor WA. Naive Human Embryonic Stem Cells Can Give Rise to Cells with a Trophoblast-like Transcriptome and Methylome. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:198-213. [PMID: 32619492 PMCID: PMC7363941 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) readily differentiate to somatic or germ lineages but have impaired ability to form extra-embryonic lineages such as placenta or yolk sac. Here, we demonstrate that naive hESCs can be converted into cells that exhibit the cellular and molecular phenotypes of human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) derived from human placenta or blastocyst. The resulting "transdifferentiated" hTSCs show reactivation of core placental genes, acquisition of a placenta-like methylome, and the ability to differentiate to extravillous trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts. Modest differences are observed between transdifferentiated and placental hTSCs, most notably in the expression of certain imprinted loci. These results suggest that naive hESCs can differentiate to extra-embryonic lineage and demonstrate a new way of modeling human trophoblast specification and placental methylome establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sin Young Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Yixin Guo
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining 314400, China
| | - Ishtiaque Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jacinthe Sirois
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; The Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Colleen S Russett
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Hsin-Wei Tseng
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Centre, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Centre, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Thomas F Duchaine
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; The Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Wanlu Liu
- Department of Orthopedic of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China; Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining 314400, China
| | - William A Pastor
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; The Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada.
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8
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Ishiuchi T, Ohishi H, Sato T, Kamimura S, Yorino M, Abe S, Suzuki A, Wakayama T, Suyama M, Sasaki H. Zfp281 Shapes the Transcriptome of Trophoblast Stem Cells and Is Essential for Placental Development. Cell Rep 2020; 27:1742-1754.e6. [PMID: 31067460 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.028] [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: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental development is a key event in mammalian reproduction and embryogenesis. However, the molecular basis underlying placental development is not fully understood. Here, we conduct a forward genetic screen to identify regulators for extraembryonic development and identify Zfp281 as a key factor. Zfp281 overexpression in mouse embryonic stem cells facilitates the induction of trophoblast stem-like cells. Zfp281 is preferentially expressed in the undifferentiated trophoblast stem cell population in an FGF-dependent manner, and disruption of Zfp281 in mice causes severe defects in early placental development. Consistently, Zfp281-depleted trophoblast stem cells exhibit defects in maintaining the transcriptome and differentiation capacity. Mechanistically, Zfp281 interacts with MLL or COMPASS subunits and occupies the promoters of its target genes. Importantly, ZNF281, the human ortholog of this factor, is required to stabilize the undifferentiated status of human trophoblast stem cells. Thus, we identify Zfp281 as a conserved factor for the maintenance of trophoblast stem cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ishiuchi
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Ohishi
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Sato
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kamimura
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Yorino
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shusaku Abe
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Mikita Suyama
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sasaki
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
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9
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Roberts RM, Ezashi T, Sheridan MA, Yang Y. Specification of trophoblast from embryonic stem cells exposed to BMP4. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:212-224. [PMID: 29579154 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast (TB) comprises the outer cell layers of the mammalian placenta that make direct contact with the maternal uterus and, in species with a highly invasive placenta, maternal blood. It has its origin as trophectoderm, a single epithelial layer of extra-embryonic ectoderm that surrounds the embryo proper at the blastocyst stage of development. Here, we briefly compare the features of TB specification and determination in the mouse and the human. We then review research on a model system that has been increasingly employed to study TB emergence, namely the BMP4 (bone morphogenetic protein-4)-directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (ESCd), and discuss why outcomes using it have proved so uneven. We also examine the controversial aspects of this model, particularly the issue of whether or not the ESCd represents TB at all. Our focus here has been to explore similarities and potential differences between the phenotypes of ESCd, trophectoderm, placental villous TB, and human TB stem cells. We then explore the role of BMP4 in the differentiation of human pluripotent cells to TB and suggest that it converts the ESC into a totipotent state that is primed for TB differentiation when self-renewal is blocked. Finally we speculate that the TB formed from ESC is homologous to the trophectoderm-derived, invasive TB that envelopes the implanting conceptus during the second week of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Michael Roberts
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Megan A Sheridan
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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10
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Lee CQE, Bailey A, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Okkenhaug K, Moffett A, Rossant J, Hemberger M. Inhibition of Phosphoinositide-3-Kinase Signaling Promotes the Stem Cell State of Trophoblast. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1307-1318. [PMID: 31233251 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) are a heterogeneous cell population despite the presence of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and transforming growth factor β (TGFB) as key growth factors in standard culture conditions. To understand what other signaling cascades control the stem cell state of mouse TSCs, we performed a kinase inhibitor screen and identified several novel pathways that cause TSC differentiation. Surprisingly, inhibition of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling increased the mRNA and protein expression of stem cell markers instead, and resulted in a tighter epithelial colony morphology and fewer differentiated cells. PI3K inhibition could not substitute for FGF or TGFB and did not affect phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and thus acts independently of these pathways. Upon removal of PI3K inhibition, TSC transcription factor levels reverted to normal TSC levels, indicating that murine TSCs can reversibly switch between these two states. In summary, PI3K inhibition reduces the heterogeneity and seemingly heightens the stem cell state of TSCs as indicated by the simultaneous upregulation of multiple key marker genes and cell morphology. Stem Cells 2019;37:1307-1318.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Q E Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Program in Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Bailey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signaling and Development, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Rossant
- Program in Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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11
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Chen CY, Yu IS, Pai CH, Lin CY, Lin SR, Chen YT, Lin SW. Embryonic Cul4b is important for epiblast growth and location of primitive streak layer cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219221. [PMID: 31260508 PMCID: PMC6602292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cul4b-null (Cul4bΔ/Y) mice undergo growth arrest and degeneration during the early embryonic stages and die at E9.5. The pathogenic causes of this lethality remain incompletely characterized. However, it has been hypothesized that the loss of Cul4b function in extraembryonic tissues plays a key role. In this study, we investigated possible causes of death for Cul4b-null embryos, particularly in regard to the role of embryonic Cul4b. First, we show that the loss of embryonic Cul4b affects the growth of the inner cell mass in vitro and delays epiblast development during the gastrulation period at E6.5~E7.5 in vivo, as highlighted by the absence of the epiblastic transcription factor Brachyury from E6.5~E7.5. Additionally, at E7.5, strong and laterally expanded expression of Eomes and Fgf8 signaling was detected. Sectioning of these embryos showed disorganized primitive streak layer cells. Second, we observed that Mash2-expressing cells were present in the extraembryonic tissues of Cul4b-deficient embryos at E6.5 but were absent at E7.5. In addition, the loss of Cul4b resulted in decreased expression of cyclin proteins, which are required for the cell cycle transition from G1 to S. Taken together, these observations suggest that the embryonic expression of Cul4b is important for epiblast growth during E6.5~E7.5, and the loss of Cul4b results in either delayed growth of the epiblast or defective localization of primitive streak layer cells. As a result, the signaling activity mediated by the epiblast for subsequent ectoplacental cone development is affected, with the potential to induce growth retardation and lethality in Cul4bΔ/Y embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Shing Yu
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsueh Pai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Rung Lin
- Department of Bioscience Technology, College of Science, Chung-Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Center for Nanotechnology and Center for Biomedical Technology, Chung-Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - You-Tzung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wha Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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12
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Plusa B, Hadjantonakis AK. (De)constructing the blastocyst: Lessons in self-organization from the mouse. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coisb.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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13
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Bogutz AB, Oh-McGinnis R, Jacob KJ, Ho-Lau R, Gu T, Gertsenstein M, Nagy A, Lefebvre L. Transcription factor ASCL2 is required for development of the glycogen trophoblast cell lineage. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007587. [PMID: 30096149 PMCID: PMC6105033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor ASCL2 plays essential roles in diploid multipotent trophoblast progenitors, intestinal stem cells, follicular T-helper cells, as well as during epidermal development and myogenesis. During early development, Ascl2 expression is regulated by genomic imprinting and only the maternally inherited allele is transcriptionally active in trophoblast. The paternal allele-specific silencing of Ascl2 requires expression of the long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 in cis and the deposition of repressive histone marks. Here we show that Del7AI, a 280-kb deletion allele neighboring Ascl2, interferes with this process in cis and leads to a partial loss of silencing at Ascl2. Genetic rescue experiments show that the low level of Ascl2 expression from the paternal Del7AI allele can rescue the embryonic lethality associated with maternally inherited Ascl2 mutations, in a level-dependent manner. Despite their ability to support development to term, the rescued placentae have a pronounced phenotype characterized by severe hypoplasia of the junctional zone, expansion of the parietal trophoblast giant cell layer, and complete absence of invasive glycogen trophoblast cells. Transcriptome analysis of ectoplacental cones at E7.5 and differentiation assays of Ascl2 mutant trophoblast stem cells show that ASCL2 is required for the emergence or early maintenance of glycogen trophoblast cells during development. Our work identifies a new cis-acting mutation interfering with Kcnq1ot1 silencing function and establishes a novel critical developmental role for the transcription factor ASCL2. By controlling precise networks of target genes, transcription factors play important roles in cell fate determination during development. The Ascl2 gene codes for a transcription factor essential for the maintenance of progenitor cell populations able to differentiate into specialized cell types in the intestine and in the extra-embryonic trophoblast lineage. The trophoblast is an essential component of the placenta, an organ required for development of the embryo in placental mammals. Ascl2 belongs to a group of unusual genes, called imprinted genes, which are expressed from only a single parental copy. Ascl2 is only expressed from the maternally inherited copy in the trophoblast, the paternal copy being kept silent. Here, we describe an engineered deletion neighboring Ascl2 that interferes with the complete silencing of the paternal copy of the gene. We show that the low amount of ASCL2 produced from this deletion can rescue the embryonic lethality associated with non-functional maternal copies of Ascl2. Although the rescued embryos can often survive to term, their placenta is highly disorganized and lacks members of a specific cell lineage, the trophoblast glycogen cells. By analyzing the transcriptional profile of mutant trophoblast progenitors in vivo and of differentiated trophoblast stem cells, we show that ASCL2 plays a very early role in the formation of this cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B. Bogutz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rosemary Oh-McGinnis
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Karen J. Jacob
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rita Ho-Lau
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ting Gu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marina Gertsenstein
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Louis Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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14
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You JL, Wang W, Tang MY, Ye YH, Liu AX, Zhu YM. A potential role of galectin-1 in promoting mouse trophoblast stem cell differentiation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 470:228-239. [PMID: 29122660 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-1 is highly expressed in blastocysts and trophoblast giant cells during implantation, and dysregulated galectin-1 is associated with many pregnancy-related abnormalities. Elevated galectin-1 contributes to cancer cells invasion. Here, we found that galectin-1 is expressed in mouse oocytes, preimplantation embryos (all stages), and trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Peak levels of galectin-1 mRNA and protein were detected on day 4 and day 5 after the induction of TS cells differentiation. Overexpression of galectin-1 increased TS cells migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of galectin-1 attenuated these effects. Additionally, knockdown of galectin-1 in TS cells decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2/9, ZEB-1, Snail, N-cadherin, TGF-β, Nodal, and phospho-Smad2/3, whereas the expression of E-cadherin was increased. In contrast, overexpression of galectin-1 in TS cells increased the expression of MMP2/9, ZEB-1, and N-cadherin, whereas the expression of E-cadherin was decreased. These findings suggest a potential role of galectin-1 in the differentiation of mouse TS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Li You
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min-Yue Tang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying-Hui Ye
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ai-Xia Liu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yi-Min Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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15
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Deletion of the Syncytin A receptor Ly6e impairs syncytiotrophoblast fusion and placental morphogenesis causing embryonic lethality in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3961. [PMID: 29500366 PMCID: PMC5834536 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22040-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth and survival is dependent on the elaboration and propinquity of the fetal and maternal circulations within the placenta. Central to this is the formation of the interhaemal membrane, a multi-cellular lamina facilitating exchange of oxygen, nutrients and metabolic waste products between the mother and fetus. In rodents, this cellular barrier contains two transporting layers of syncytiotrophoblast, which are multinucleated cells that form by cell-cell fusion. Previously, we reported the expression of the GPI-linked cell surface protein LY6E by the syncytial layer closest to the maternal sinusoids of the mouse placenta (syncytiotrophoblast layer I). LY6E has since been shown to be a putative receptor for the fusogenic protein responsible for fusion of syncytiotrophoblast layer I, Syncytin A. In this report, we demonstrate that LY6E is essential for the normal fusion of syncytiotrophoblast layer I, and for the proper morphogenesis of both fetal and maternal vasculatures within the placenta. Furthermore, specific inactivation of Ly6e in the epiblast, but not in placenta, is compatible with embryonic development, indicating the embryonic lethality reported for Ly6e−/− embryos is most likely placental in origin.
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16
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Nikolaou S, Hadjikypri X, Ioannou G, Elia A, Georgiades P. Functional and phenotypic distinction of the first two trophoblast subdivisions and identification of the border between them during early postimplantation: A prerequisite for understanding early patterning during placentogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 496:64-69. [PMID: 29305264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.12.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The early stages of mouse placentogenesis (placenta formation) involve poorly understood patterning events within polar trophectoderm-derived trophoblast, the progenitor of all placental trophoblast cell types. By early postimplantation [embryonic day 5.5 (E5.5)], this patterning causes early trophoblast to become subdivided into extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE) and ectoplacental cone (EPC). A prerequisite to understanding this patterning requires knowing the location of ExE-EPC border and being able to distinguish the entire ExE from EPC at E5.5/E6.5, a time when the proamnioitic cavity within ExE is not fully established. However, these issues are unknown, as they have not been directly addressed. Here, we directly addressed these using trophoblast explant culture to functionally test for the location of ExE-EPC border, combined with phenotypic characterization of trophoblast proximal and distal to it. We show for the first time that the proximal-distal level of ExE-EPC border within E5.5/E6.5 trophoblast coincides with where Reichert's membrane (outermost basement membrane of conceptus) inserts into early trophoblast and with the proximal limit of extraembryonic visceral endoderm (primitive endoderm derivative covering part of early trophoblast). Based on these novel findings, we discovered that (a) the entire E5.5/E6.5 ExE can be distinguished from EPC because it is epithelial and specifically expresses Erf and Claudin4 and (b) at E5.5/E6.5, the entire EPC differs from ExE in that it is not epithelial and specifically expresses Snail. This work is expected to contribute to understanding the cellular and molecular basis of early trophoblast patterning during placentogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Nikolaou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, University Campus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Xenia Hadjikypri
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, University Campus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Giasemia Ioannou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, University Campus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Artemis Elia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, University Campus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pantelis Georgiades
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, University Campus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus.
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17
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Downs KM. Extragonadal primordial germ cells or placental progenitor cells? Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 36:6-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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18
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19
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Festuccia N, Owens N, Navarro P. Esrrb, an estrogen-related receptor involved in early development, pluripotency, and reprogramming. FEBS Lett 2017; 592:852-877. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Festuccia
- Epigenetics of Stem Cells; Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology; Institut Pasteur; CNRS UMR3738; Paris France
| | - Nick Owens
- Epigenetics of Stem Cells; Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology; Institut Pasteur; CNRS UMR3738; Paris France
| | - Pablo Navarro
- Epigenetics of Stem Cells; Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology; Institut Pasteur; CNRS UMR3738; Paris France
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20
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Latos PA, Hemberger M. From the stem of the placental tree: trophoblast stem cells and their progeny. Development 2017; 143:3650-3660. [PMID: 27802134 DOI: 10.1242/dev.133462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) retain the capacity to self-renew indefinitely and harbour the potential to differentiate into all trophoblast subtypes of the placenta. Recent studies have shown how signalling cascades integrate with transcription factor circuits to govern the fine balance between TSC self-renewal and differentiation. In addition, breakthroughs in reprogramming strategies have enabled the generation of TSCs from fibroblasts, opening up exciting new avenues that may allow the isolation of this stem cell type from other species, notably humans. Here, we review these recent advances in light of their importance for understanding placental pathologies and developing personalised medicine approaches for pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Anna Latos
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.,Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK .,Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
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21
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Natale BV, Schweitzer C, Hughes M, Globisch MA, Kotadia R, Tremblay E, Vu P, Cross JC, Natale DRC. Sca-1 identifies a trophoblast population with multipotent potential in the mid-gestation mouse placenta. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5575. [PMID: 28717241 PMCID: PMC5514127 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast stem (TS) cells in the mouse derive from the polar trophectoderm of the blastocyst and persist through early gestation (to E8.5) to support placental development. Further development and growth is proposed to rely on layer-restricted progenitor cells. Stem cell antigen (Sca) -1 is a member of the Ly6 gene family and a known marker of stem cells in both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic mouse tissues. Having identified that Sca-1 mRNA was highly expressed in mouse TS cells in culture, we found that it was also expressed in a subset of trophoblast within the chorion and labyrinth layer of the mouse placenta. Isolation and in vitro culture of Sca-1+ trophoblast cells from both differentiated TS cell cultures and dissected mouse placentae resulted in proliferating colonies that expressed known markers of TS cells. Furthermore, these cells could be stimulated to differentiate and expressed markers of both junctional zone and labyrinth trophoblast subtypes in a manner comparable to established mouse TS cell lines. Our results suggest that we have identified a subpopulation of TS cell-like cells that persist in the mid- to late- gestation mouse placenta as well as a cell surface protein that can be used to identify and isolate these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony V Natale
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Christina Schweitzer
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Martha Hughes
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Maria A Globisch
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ramie Kotadia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Emilie Tremblay
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Priscilla Vu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - James C Cross
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - David R C Natale
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N4N1, Canada. .,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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22
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Lin J, Khan M, Zapiec B, Mombaerts P. Efficient derivation of extraembryonic endoderm stem cell lines from mouse postimplantation embryos. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39457. [PMID: 27991575 PMCID: PMC5171707 DOI: 10.1038/srep39457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Various types of stem cell lines have been derived from preimplantation or postimplantation mouse embryos: embryonic stem cell lines, epiblast stem cell lines, and trophoblast stem cell lines. It is not known if extraembryonic endoderm stem (XEN) cell lines can be derived from postimplantation mouse embryos. Here, we report the derivation of 77 XEN cell lines from 85 postimplantation embryos at embryonic day E5.5 or E6.5, in parallel to the derivation of 41 XEN lines from 69 preimplantation embryos at the blastocyst stage. We attain a success rate of 100% of XEN cell line derivation with our E5.5 whole-embryo and E6.5 disaggregated-embryo methods. Immunofluorescence and NanoString gene expression analyses indicate that the XEN cell lines that we derived from postimplantation embryos (post-XEN) are very similar to the XEN cell lines that we derived from preimplantation embryos (pre-XEN) using a conventional method. After injection into blastocysts, post-XEN cells contribute to extraembryonic endoderm in chimeras at E6.5 and E7.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangwei Lin
- Max Planck Research Unit for Neurogenetics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 4, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mona Khan
- Max Planck Research Unit for Neurogenetics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 4, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bolek Zapiec
- Max Planck Research Unit for Neurogenetics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 4, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Mombaerts
- Max Planck Research Unit for Neurogenetics, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 4, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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23
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Garg V, Morgani S, Hadjantonakis AK. Capturing Identity and Fate Ex Vivo: Stem Cells from the Mouse Blastocyst. Curr Top Dev Biol 2016; 120:361-400. [PMID: 27475857 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During mouse preimplantation development, three molecularly, morphologically, and spatially distinct lineages are formed, the embryonic epiblast, the extraembryonic primitive endoderm, and the trophectoderm. Stem cell lines representing each of these lineages have now been derived and can be indefinitely maintained and expanded in culture, providing an unlimited source of material to study the interplay of tissue-specific transcription factors and signaling pathways involved in these fundamental cell fate decisions. Here we outline our current understanding of the derivation, maintenance, and properties of these in vitro stem cell models representing the preimplantation embryonic lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Garg
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, United States
| | - S Morgani
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - A-K Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, United States.
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24
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Plet1 is an epigenetically regulated cell surface protein that provides essential cues to direct trophoblast stem cell differentiation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25112. [PMID: 27121762 PMCID: PMC4848516 DOI: 10.1038/srep25112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene loci that are hypermethylated and repressed in embryonic (ESCs) but hypomethylated and expressed in trophoblast (TSCs) stem cells are very rare and may have particularly important roles in early developmental cell fate decisions, as previously shown for Elf5. Here, we assessed another member of this small group of genes, Placenta Expressed Transcript 1 (Plet1), for its function in establishing trophoblast lineage identity and modulating trophoblast differentiation. We find that Plet1 is tightly repressed by DNA methylation in ESCs but expressed on the cell surface of TSCs and trophoblast giant cells. In hypomethylated ESCs that are prone to acquire some trophoblast characteristics, Plet1 is required to confer a trophoblast-specific gene expression pattern, including up-regulation of Elf5. Plet1 displays an unusual biphasic expression profile during TSC differentiation and thus may be pivotal in balancing trophoblast self-renewal and differentiation. Furthermore, overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout in TSCs showed that high Plet1 levels favour differentiation towards the trophoblast giant cell lineage, whereas lack of Plet1 preferentially induces syncytiotrophoblast formation. Thus, the endogenous dynamics of Plet1 expression establish important patterning cues within the trophoblast compartment by promoting differentiation towards the syncytiotrophoblast or giant cell pathway in Plet1-low and Plet1-high cells, respectively.
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25
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A Resource for the Transcriptional Signature of Bona Fide Trophoblast Stem Cells and Analysis of Their Embryonic Persistence. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2015:218518. [PMID: 26783396 PMCID: PMC4691490 DOI: 10.1155/2015/218518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) represent the multipotent progenitors that give rise to the different cells of the embryonic portion of the placenta. Here, we analysed the expression of key TSC transcription factors Cdx2, Eomes, and Elf5 in the early developing placenta of mouse embryos and in cultured TSCs and reveal surprising heterogeneity in protein levels. We analysed persistence of TSCs in the early placenta and find that TSCs remain in the chorionic hinge until E9.5 and are lost shortly afterwards. To define the transcriptional signature of bona fide TSCs, we used inducible gain- and loss-of-function alleles of Eomes or Cdx2, and EomesGFP, to manipulate and monitor the core maintenance factors of TSCs, followed by genome-wide expression profiling. Combinatorial analysis of resulting expression profiles allowed for defining novel TSC marker genes that might functionally contribute to the maintenance of the TSC state. Analyses by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridisation validated novel TSC- and chorion-specific marker genes, such as Bok/Mtd, Cldn26, Duox2, Duoxa2, Nr0b1, and Sox21. Thus, these expression data provide a valuable resource for the transcriptional signature of bona fide and early differentiating TSCs and may contribute to an increased understanding of the transcriptional circuitries that maintain and/or establish stemness of TSCs.
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26
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Walentin K, Hinze C, Schmidt-Ott KM. The basal chorionic trophoblast cell layer: An emerging coordinator of placenta development. Bioessays 2016; 38:254-65. [PMID: 26778584 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201500087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
During gestation, fetomaternal exchange occurs in the villous tree (labyrinth) of the placenta. Development of this structure depends on tightly coordinated cellular processes of branching morphogenesis and differentiation of specialized trophoblast cells. The basal chorionic trophoblast (BCT) cell layer that localizes next to the chorioallantoic interface is of critical importance for labyrinth morphogenesis in rodents. Gcm1-positive cell clusters within this layer initiate branching morphogenesis thereby guiding allantoic fetal blood vessels towards maternal blood sinuses. Later these cells differentiate and contribute to the syncytiotrophoblast of the fetomaternal barrier. Additional cells within the BCT layer sustain continued morphogenesis, possibly through a repopulating progenitor population. Several mouse mutants highlight the importance of a structurally intact BCT epithelium, and a growing number of studies addresses its patterning and epithelial architecture. Here, we review and discuss emerging concepts in labyrinth development focussing on the biology of the BCT cell layer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Hinze
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Nephrology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai M Schmidt-Ott
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Nephrology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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27
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Moretto Zita M, Soncin F, Natale D, Pizzo D, Parast M. Gene Expression Profiling Reveals a Novel Regulatory Role for Sox21 Protein in Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cell Differentiation. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:30152-62. [PMID: 26491013 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.659094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Appropriate self-renewal and differentiation of trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) are key factors for proper placental development and function and, in turn, for appropriate in utero fetal growth. To identify novel TSC-specific genes, we performed genome-wide expression profiling of TSCs, embryonic stem cells, epiblast stem cells, and mouse embryo fibroblasts, derived from mice of the same genetic background. Our analysis revealed a high expression of Sox21 in TSCs compared with other cell types. Sox21 levels were high in undifferentiated TSCs and were dramatically reduced upon differentiation. In addition, modulation of Sox21 expression in TSCs affected lineage-specific differentiation, based on both marker analysis and functional assessment. Our results implicate Sox21 specifically in the promotion of spongiotrophoblast and giant cell differentiation and establish a new mechanism through which trophoblast sublineages are specified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Natale
- Reproductive Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
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28
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Abstract
The placenta sits at the interface between the maternal and fetal vascular beds where it mediates nutrient and waste exchange to enable in utero existence. Placental cells (trophoblasts) accomplish this via invading and remodeling the uterine vasculature. Amazingly, despite being of fetal origin, trophoblasts do not trigger a significant maternal immune response. Additionally, they maintain a highly reliable hemostasis in this extremely vascular interface. Decades of research into how the placenta differentiates itself from embryonic tissues to accomplish these and other feats have revealed a previously unappreciated level of complexity with respect to the placenta's cellular composition. Additionally, novel insights with respect to roles played by the placenta in guiding fetal development and metabolism have sparked a renewed interest in understanding the interrelationship between fetal and placental well-being. Here, we present an overview of emerging research in placental biology that highlights these themes and the importance of the placenta to fetal and adult health.
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Bedzhov I, Graham SJL, Leung CY, Zernicka-Goetz M. Developmental plasticity, cell fate specification and morphogenesis in the early mouse embryo. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:rstb.2013.0538. [PMID: 25349447 PMCID: PMC4216461 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical point in mammalian development is when the early embryo implants into its mother's uterus. This event has historically been difficult to study due to the fact that it occurs within the maternal tissue and therefore is hidden from view. In this review, we discuss how the mouse embryo is prepared for implantation and the molecular mechanisms involved in directing and coordinating this crucial event. Prior to implantation, the cells of the embryo are specified as precursors of future embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages. These preimplantation cell fate decisions rely on a combination of factors including cell polarity, position and cell–cell signalling and are influenced by the heterogeneity between early embryo cells. At the point of implantation, signalling events between the embryo and mother, and between the embryonic and extraembryonic compartments of the embryo itself, orchestrate a total reorganization of the embryo, coupled with a burst of cell proliferation. New developments in embryo culture and imaging techniques have recently revealed the growth and morphogenesis of the embryo at the time of implantation, leading to a new model for the blastocyst to egg cylinder transition. In this model, pluripotent cells that will give rise to the fetus self-organize into a polarized three-dimensional rosette-like structure that initiates egg cylinder formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Bedzhov
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Sarah J L Graham
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Chuen Yan Leung
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
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Hayakawa K, Himeno E, Tanaka S, Kunath T. Isolation and Manipulation of Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 32:1E.4.1-1E.4.32. [DOI: 10.1002/9780470151808.sc01e04s32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Hayakawa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Animal Resource Sciences/Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Emi Himeno
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Animal Resource Sciences/Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Animal Resource Sciences/Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Tilo Kunath
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh United Kingdom
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31
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Rhee C, Lee BK, Beck S, Anjum A, Cook KR, Popowski M, Tucker HO, Kim J. Arid3a is essential to execution of the first cell fate decision via direct embryonic and extraembryonic transcriptional regulation. Genes Dev 2014; 28:2219-32. [PMID: 25319825 PMCID: PMC4201284 DOI: 10.1101/gad.247163.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite their origin from the inner cell mass, embryonic stem (ES) cells undergo differentiation to the trophectoderm (TE) lineage by repression of the ES cell master regulator Oct4 or activation of the TE master regulator Caudal-type homeobox 2 (Cdx2). In contrast to the in-depth studies of ES cell self-renewal and pluripotency, few TE-specific regulators have been identified, thereby limiting our understanding of mechanisms underlying the first cell fate decision. Here we show that up-regulation and nuclear entry of AT-rich interactive domain 3a (Arid3a) drives TE-like transcriptional programs in ES cells, maintains trophoblast stem (TS) cell self-renewal, and promotes further trophoblastic differentiation both upstream and independent of Cdx2. Accordingly, Arid3a(-/-) mouse post-implantation placental development is severely impaired, resulting in early embryonic death. We provide evidence that Arid3a directly activates TE-specific and trophoblast lineage-specific genes while directly repressing pluripotency genes via differential regulation of epigenetic acetylation or deacetylation. Our results identify Arid3a as a critical regulator of TE and placental development through execution of the commitment and differentiation phases of the first cell fate decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Rhee
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology
| | - Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology
| | - Samuel Beck
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology
| | | | | | - Melissa Popowski
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology
| | - Haley O Tucker
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology,
| | - Jonghwan Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
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32
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Kunath T, Yamanaka Y, Detmar J, MacPhee D, Caniggia I, Rossant J, Jurisicova A. Developmental differences in the expression of FGF receptors between human and mouse embryos. Placenta 2014; 35:1079-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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33
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Nakanishi MO, Hayakawa K, Nakabayashi K, Hata K, Shiota K, Tanaka S. Trophoblast-specific DNA methylation occurs after the segregation of the trophectoderm and inner cell mass in the mouse periimplantation embryo. Epigenetics 2014; 7:173-82. [DOI: 10.4161/epi.7.2.18962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Donnison M, Broadhurst R, Pfeffer PL. Elf5 and Ets2 maintain the mouse extraembryonic ectoderm in a dosage dependent synergistic manner. Dev Biol 2014; 397:77-88. [PMID: 25446535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The ETS superfamily transcription factors Elf5 and Ets2 have both been implicated in the maintenance of the extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE) of the mouse embryo. While homozygous mutants of either gene result in various degrees of ExE tissue loss, heterozygotes are without phenotype. We show here that compound heterozygous mutants exhibit a phenotype intermediate to that of the more severe Elf5-/- and the milder Ets2-/- mutants. Functional redundancy is shown via commonalities in expression patterns, in target gene expression, and by partial rescue of Elf5-/- mutants through overexpressing Ets2 in an Elf5-like fashion. A model is presented suggesting the functional division of the ExE region into a proximal and distal domain based on gene expression patterns and the proximal to distal increasing sensitivity to threshold levels of combined Elf5 and Ets2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyn Donnison
- AgResearch Ruakura, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - Ric Broadhurst
- AgResearch Ruakura, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - Peter L Pfeffer
- AgResearch Ruakura, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
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35
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Abstract
Current dogma is that mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) segregate within the allantois, or source of the umbilical cord, and translocate to the gonads, differentiating there into sperm and eggs. In light of emerging data on the posterior embryonic-extraembryonic interface, and the poorly studied but vital fetal-umbilical connection, we have reviewed the past century of experiments on mammalian PGCs and their relation to the allantois. We demonstrate that, despite best efforts and valuable data on the pluripotent state, what is and is not a PGC in vivo is obscure. Furthermore, sufficient experimental evidence has yet to be provided either for an extragonadal origin of mammalian PGCs or for their segregation within the posterior region. Rather, most evidence points to an alternative hypothesis that PGCs in the mouse allantois are part of a stem/progenitor cell pool that exhibits all known PGC "markers" and that builds/reinforces the fetal-umbilical interface, common to amniotes. We conclude by suggesting experiments to distinguish the mammalian germ line from the soma.
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36
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Knott JG, Paul S. Transcriptional regulators of the trophoblast lineage in mammals with hemochorial placentation. Reproduction 2014; 148:R121-36. [PMID: 25190503 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian reproduction is critically dependent on the trophoblast cell lineage, which assures proper establishment of maternal-fetal interactions during pregnancy. Specification of trophoblast cell lineage begins with the development of the trophectoderm (TE) in preimplantation embryos. Subsequently, other trophoblast cell types arise with the progression of pregnancy. Studies with transgenic animal models as well as trophoblast stem/progenitor cells have implicated distinct transcriptional and epigenetic regulators in trophoblast lineage development. This review focuses on our current understanding of transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms regulating specification, determination, maintenance and differentiation of trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason G Knott
- Developmental Epigenetics LaboratoryDepartment of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USADepartment of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineInstitute of Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | - Soumen Paul
- Developmental Epigenetics LaboratoryDepartment of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USADepartment of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineInstitute of Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
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Pearton DJ, Smith CS, Redgate E, van Leeuwen J, Donnison M, Pfeffer PL. Elf5 counteracts precocious trophoblast differentiation by maintaining Sox2 and 3 and inhibiting Hand1 expression. Dev Biol 2014; 392:344-57. [PMID: 24859262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In mice the transcription factor Elf5 is necessary for correct trophoblast development. Upon knockdown of Elf5, TS cells display neither a decrease in proliferation nor an increase in cell death but rather an increased propensity to differentiate. Such cells rapidly lose Sox2 and 3 expression, while transiently upregulating the giant cell differentiation determinant gene Hand1. Other genes affected within 24h of Elf5 knock-down, many of which have not previously been implicated in trophoblast development, exhibited in vivo expression domains and in vitro expression responses consistent with Elf5 having a role in counteracting trophoblast differentiation. In an ES to TS differentiation assay using Cdx2 overexpression with Elf5 loss of function cell lines, it was shown that Elf5 is necessary to prevent terminal trophoblast differentiation. This data thus suggest that Elf5 is a gatekeeper for the TS to differentiated trophoblast transition thereby preventing the precocious differentiation of the undifferentiated extraembryonic ectoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Pearton
- AgResearch Ruakura, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand.
| | - Craig S Smith
- AgResearch Ruakura, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand.
| | - Emma Redgate
- AgResearch Ruakura, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand.
| | - Jessica van Leeuwen
- AgResearch Ruakura, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - Martyn Donnison
- AgResearch Ruakura, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
| | - Peter L Pfeffer
- AgResearch Ruakura, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
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38
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Wolfe AD, Downs KM. Mixl1 localizes to putative axial stem cell reservoirs and their posterior descendants in the mouse embryo. Gene Expr Patterns 2014; 15:8-20. [PMID: 24632399 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mixl1 is thought to play important roles in formation of mesoderm and endoderm. Previously, Mixl1 expression was reported in the posterior primitive streak and allantois, but the precise spatiotemporal whereabouts of Mixl1 protein throughout gastrulation have not been elucidated. To localize Mixl1 protein, immunohistochemistry was carried out at 2-4 h intervals on mouse gastrulae between primitive streak and 16-somite pair (s) stages (~E6.5-9.5). Mixl1 localized to the entire primitive streak early in gastrulation. However, by headfold stages (~E7.75-8.0), Mixl1 diminished within the mid-streak but remained concentrated at either end of the streak, and localized throughout midline posterior visceral endoderm. At the streak's anterior end, Mixl1 was confined to the posterior crown cells of Hensen's node, which contribute to dorsal hindgut endoderm, and the posterior notochord. In the posterior streak, Mixl1 localized to the Allantoic Core Domain (ACD), which is the source of most of the allantois and contributes to the posterior embryonic-extraembryonic interface. In addition, Mix1 co-localized with the early hematopoietic marker, Runx1, in the allantois and visceral yolk sac blood islands. During hindgut invagination (4-16s, ~E8.5-9.5), Mixl1 localized to the hindgut lip, becoming concentrated within the midline anastomosis of the splanchnopleure, which appears to create the ventral component of the hindgut and omphalomesenteric artery. Surrounding the distal hindgut, Mixl1 identified midline cells within tailbud mesoderm. Mixl1 was also found in the posterior notochord. These findings provide a critical systematic, and tissue-level understanding of embryonic Mixl1 localization, and support its role in regulation of crucial posterior axial mesendodermal stem cell niches during embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1111 Highland Avenue, 4105 WIMR, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Karen M Downs
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, United States
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39
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Townley-Tilson WHD, Wu Y, Ferguson JE, Patterson C. The ubiquitin ligase ASB4 promotes trophoblast differentiation through the degradation of ID2. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89451. [PMID: 24586788 PMCID: PMC3931756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascularization of the placenta is a critical developmental process that ensures fetal viability. Although the vascular health of the placenta affects both maternal and fetal well being, relatively little is known about the early stages of placental vascular development. The ubiquitin ligase Ankyrin repeat, SOCS box-containing 4 (ASB4) promotes embryonic stem cell differentiation to vascular lineages and is highly expressed early in placental development. The transcriptional regulator Inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (ID2) negatively regulates vascular differentiation during development and is a target of many ubiquitin ligases. Due to their overlapping spatiotemporal expression pattern in the placenta and contrasting effects on vascular differentiation, we investigated whether ASB4 regulates ID2 through its ligase activity in the placenta and whether this activity mediates vascular differentiation. In mouse placentas, ASB4 expression is restricted to a subset of cells that express both stem cell and endothelial markers. Placentas that lack Asb4 display immature vascular patterning and retain expression of placental progenitor markers, including ID2 expression. Using JAR placental cells, we determined that ASB4 ubiquitinates and represses ID2 expression in a proteasome-dependent fashion. Expression of ASB4 in JAR cells and primary isolated trophoblast stem cells promotes the expression of differentiation markers. In functional endothelial co-culture assays, JAR cells ectopically expressing ASB4 increased endothelial cell turnover and stabilized endothelial tube formation, both of which are hallmarks of vascular differentiation within the placenta. Co-transfection of a degradation-resistant Id2 mutant with Asb4 inhibits both differentiation and functional responses. Lastly, deletion of Asb4 in mice induces a pathology that phenocopies human pre-eclampsia, including hypertension and proteinuria in late-stage pregnant females. These results indicate that ASB4 mediates vascular differentiation in the placenta via its degradation of ID2.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. H. Davin Townley-Tilson
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yaxu Wu
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - James E. Ferguson
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cam Patterson
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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Derivation and maintenance of murine trophoblast stem cells under defined conditions. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 2:232-42. [PMID: 24527396 PMCID: PMC3923226 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) are in vitro equivalents to the precursor cells of the placenta. TSCs are cultured in serum-rich medium with fibroblast growth factor 4, heparin, and embryonic-fibroblast-conditioned medium. Here, we developed a simple medium consisting of ten chemically defined ingredients for culture of TSCs on Matrigel or synthetic substrates, named TX medium. Gene expression and DNA methylation profiling demonstrated the faithful propagation of expression profiles and epigenomic characteristics of TSCs cultured in TX. Further, TX medium supported the de novo derivation of TSC lines. Finally, TSCs cultured in TX differentiate into all derivatives of the trophectodermal lineage in vitro, give rise to hemorrhagic lesions in nude mice, and chimerize the placenta, indicating that they retained all hallmarks of TSCs. TX media formulation no longer requires fetal bovine serum and conditioned medium, which facilitates and standardizes the culture of this extraembryonic lineage.
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41
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c-Met-dependent multipotent labyrinth trophoblast progenitors establish placental exchange interface. Dev Cell 2014; 27:373-86. [PMID: 24286824 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The placenta provides the interface for gas and nutrient exchange between the mother and the fetus. Despite its critical function in sustaining pregnancy, the stem/progenitor cell hierarchy and molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of the placental exchange interface are poorly understood. We identified an Epcam(hi) labyrinth trophoblast progenitor (LaTP) in mouse placenta that at a clonal level generates all labyrinth trophoblast subtypes, syncytiotrophoblasts I and II, and sinusoidal trophoblast giant cells. Moreover, we discovered that hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met signaling is required for sustaining proliferation of LaTP during midgestation. Loss of trophoblast c-Met also disrupted terminal differentiation and polarization of syncytiotrophoblasts, leading to intrauterine fetal growth restriction, fetal liver hypocellularity, and demise. Identification of this c-Met-dependent multipotent LaTP provides a landmark in the poorly defined placental stem/progenitor cell hierarchy and may help us understand pregnancy complications caused by a defective placental exchange.
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42
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Derivation of extraembryonic endoderm stem (XEN) cells from mouse embryos and embryonic stem cells. Nat Protoc 2013; 8:1028-41. [PMID: 23640167 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2013.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
At the time of implantation in the maternal uterus, the mouse blastocyst possesses an inner cell mass comprising two lineages: epiblast (Epi) and primitive endoderm (PrE). Representative stem cells derived from these two cell lineages can be expanded and maintained indefinitely in vitro as either embryonic stem (ES) or XEN cells, respectively. Here we describe protocols that can be used to establish XEN cell lines. These include the establishment of XEN cells from blastocyst-stage embryos in either standard embryonic or trophoblast stem (TS) cell culture conditions. We also describe protocols for establishing XEN cells directly from ES cells by either retinoic acid and activin-based conversion or by overexpression of the GATA transcription factor Gata6. XEN cells are a useful model of PrE cells, with which they share gene expression, differentiation potential and lineage restriction. The robust protocols for deriving XEN cells described here can be completed within 2-3 weeks.
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43
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Hemberger M. Health during pregnancy and beyond: Fetal trophoblast cells as chief co-ordinators of intrauterine growth and reproductive success. Ann Med 2012; 44:325-37. [PMID: 22409432 DOI: 10.3109/07853890.2012.663930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Differentiation of extra-embryonic tissues and organs, notably the placenta, is vital for embryonic development and growth throughout gestation, starting from a few days after fertilization when the trophoblast cell lineage arises until parturition. In utero metabolic programming events may even extend the impact of placental function well into adulthood as they may predispose the offspring to common pathologies such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes key steps that lead up to formation of a functional placenta. It highlights recent insights that have advanced our view of how early trophoblast expansion is achieved and how sufficient maternal blood supply to the developing fetus is secured. Exciting cumulative data have revealed the importance of a close cross-talk between the embryo proper and extra-embryonic trophoblast cells that involves extracellular matrix components in the establishment of a stem cell-like niche and proliferation compartment. Remarkably, placental function also relies on beneficial interactions between trophoblast cells and maternal immune cells at the implantation site. Our growing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in trophoblast differentiation and function will help to devise informed approaches aimed at deciphering how placentation is controlled in humans as an essential process for reproductive success and long-term health.
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44
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Lefebvre L. The placental imprintome and imprinted gene function in the trophoblast glycogen cell lineage. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 25:44-57. [PMID: 22560119 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Imprinted genes represent a unique class of autosomal genes expressed from only one of the parental alleles during development. The choice of the expressed allele is not random but rather is determined by the parental origin of the allele. Consequently, the mouse genome contains more than 100 genes expressed preferentially or exclusively from the maternally or the paternally inherited allele. Current research efforts are focused on understanding the molecular mechanism of this epigenetic phenomenon as well as the biological functions of the genes under its regulation. Both theoretical considerations and experimental results support a role for genomic imprinting in the regulation of embryonic growth and placental biology. In this review, recent efforts to establish the complete set of genes showing imprinted expression in the mouse placenta are first discussed. Then, the evidence suggesting that imprinted genes might be implicated in the emergence, maintenance and function of trophoblast glycogen cells is presented. Although the origin and functions of this trophoblast cell lineage are currently unknown, the analysis of mutations in imprinted genes in the mouse are providing new insights into these issues. The implications of this work for placental pathologies in human are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular Epigenetics Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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45
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Mikedis MM, Downs KM. STELLA-positive subregions of the primitive streak contribute to posterior tissues of the mouse gastrula. Dev Biol 2012; 363:201-18. [PMID: 22019303 PMCID: PMC3288210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The developmental relationship between the posterior embryonic and extraembryonic regions of the mammalian gastrula is poorly understood. Although many different cell types are deployed within this region, only the primordial germ cells (PGCs) have been closely studied. Recent evidence has suggested that the allantois, within which the PGCs temporarily take up residence, contains a pool of cells, called the Allantoic Core Domain (ACD), critical for allantoic elongation to the chorion. Here, we have asked whether the STELLA-positive cells found within this region, thought to be specified PGCs, are actually part of the ACD and to what extent they, and other ACD cells, contribute to the allantois and fetal tissues. To address these hypotheses, STELLA was immunolocalized to the mouse gastrula between Early Streak (ES) and 12-somite pair (-s) stages (~6.75-9.0 days post coitum, dpc) in histological sections. STELLA was found in both the nucleus and cytoplasm in a variety of cell types, both within and outside of the putative PGC trajectory. Fate-mapping the headfold-stage (~7.75-8.0 dpc) posterior region, by which time PGCs are thought to be segregated into a distinct lineage, revealed that the STELLA-positive proximal ACD and intraembryonic posterior primitive streak (IPS) contributed to a wide range of somatic tissues that encompassed derivatives of the three primary germ layers. This contribution included STELLA-positive cells localizing to tissues both within and outside of the putative PGC trajectory. Thus, while STELLA may identify a subpopulation of cells destined for the PGC lineage, our findings reveal that it may be part of a broader niche that encompasses the ACD and through which the STELLA population may contribute cells to a wide variety of posterior tissues of the mouse gastrula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M. Mikedis
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1300 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, Tel: 608-265-5411, Fax: 608-262-7306
| | - Karen M. Downs
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1300 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, Tel: 608-265-5411, Fax: 608-262-7306
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Abstract
This review summarises current knowledge about the specification, commitment and maintenance of the trophoblast lineage in mice and cattle. Results from gene expression studies, in vivo loss-of-function models and in vitro systems using trophoblast and embryonic stem cells have been assimilated into a model seeking to explain trophoblast ontogeny via gene regulatory networks. While trophoblast differentiation is quite distinct between cattle and mice, as would be expected from their different modes of implantation, recent studies have demonstrated that differences arise much earlier during trophoblast development.
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47
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Pearton DJ, Broadhurst R, Donnison M, Pfeffer PL. Elf5 regulation in the Trophectoderm. Dev Biol 2011; 360:343-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Watson ED, Hughes M, Simmons DG, Natale DR, Sutherland AE, Cross JC. Cell-cell adhesion defects in Mrj mutant trophoblast cells are associated with failure to pattern the chorion during early placental development. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:2505-19. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Koshi K, Ushizawa K, Kizaki K, Takahashi T, Hashizume K. Expression of endogenous retrovirus-like transcripts in bovine trophoblastic cells. Placenta 2011; 32:493-9. [PMID: 21571366 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Endogenous retrovirus envelope elements are considered to participate in trophoblastic cell fusion and multinucleate cell formation in humans, mice, and sheep. However, there is limited information about their roles in the ruminant placenta. OBJECTIVES We explore and identify the endogenous retrovirus envelope element genes expressed in bovine trophoblasts. METHODS The NCBI UniGene database (Build #97 Bos taurus) was screened by in silico analysis. After cloning endogenous retrovirus envelope element-like transcript (ERVE), expression profiles were analyzed with quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybrizaidation. RESULTS Two UniGene clusters, UniGene ID: Bt.68042 and Bt.85243, were detected, and ERVE-A gene was cloned. Weak expression of this gene was first detected on Day 20 of gestation, and the intensity of its expression increased up to Day 70 of gestation. The intensity of its expression was maintained throughout gestation in the placenta, and its specific expression in trophoblastic binucleate cells was confirmed by in situ hybridization. CONCLUSIONS bERVE-A has a similar sequence to human syncytin-1, although it lacks an intact envelope sequence, and is specifically expressed in binucleate cells. This is the first evidence that endogenous retrovirus envelope element genes are expressed in bovine binucleate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Koshi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Iwate University, Ueda, Morioka, Japan
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Chu T, Handley D, Bunce K, Surti U, Hogge WA, Peters DG. Structural and regulatory characterization of the placental epigenome at its maternal interface. PLoS One 2011; 6:e14723. [PMID: 21373191 PMCID: PMC3044138 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics can be loosely defined as the study of cellular "traits" that influence biological phenotype in a fashion that is not dependent on the underlying primary DNA sequence. One setting in which epigenetics is likely to have a profound influence on biological phenotype is during intrauterine development. In this context there is a defined and critical window during which balanced homeostasis is essential for normal fetal growth and development. We have carried out a detailed structural and functional analysis of the placental epigenome at its maternal interface. Specifically, we performed genome wide analysis of DNA methylation in samples of chorionic villus (CVS) and maternal blood cells (MBC) using both commercially available and custom designed microarrays. We then compared these data with genome wide transcription data for the same tissues. In addition to the discovery that CVS genomes are significantly more hypomethylated than their MBC counterparts, we identified numerous tissue-specific differentially methylated regions (T-DMRs). We further discovered that these T-DMRs are clustered spatially along the genome and are enriched for genes with tissue-specific biological functions. We identified unique patterns of DNA methylation associated with distinct genomic structures such as gene bodies, promoters and CpG islands and identified both direct and inverse relationships between DNA methylation levels and gene expression levels in gene bodies and promoters respectively. Furthermore, we found that these relationships were significantly associated with CpG content. We conclude that the early gestational placental DNA methylome is highly organized and is significantly and globally associated with transcription. These data provide a unique insight into the structural and regulatory characteristics of the placental epigenome at its maternal interface and will drive future analyses of the role of placental dysfunction in gestational disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Chu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Fetal Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Daniel Handley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Fetal Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Bunce
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Fetal Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Urvashi Surti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - W. Allen Hogge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - David G. Peters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Fetal Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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