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Chen J, Ding J, Li Y, Feng F, Xu Y, Wang T, He J, Cang J, Luo L. Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 drives brain lymphatic endothelial cell development through integrin αvβ3. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5986. [PMID: 39013903 PMCID: PMC11252342 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50389-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In zebrafish, brain lymphatic endothelial cells (BLECs) are essential for meningeal angiogenesis and cerebrovascular regeneration. Although epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (Egfl7) has been reported to act as a pro-angiogenic factor, its roles in lymphangiogenesis remain unclear. Here, we show that Egfl7 is expressed in both blood and lymphatic endothelial cells. We generate an egfl7 cq180 mutant with a 13-bp-deletion in exon 3 leading to reduced expression of Egfl7. The egfl7 cq180 mutant zebrafish exhibit defective formation of BLEC bilateral loop-like structures, although trunk and facial lymphatic development remains unaffected. Moreover, while the egfl7 cq180 mutant displays normal BLEC lineage specification, the migration and proliferation of these cells are impaired. Additionally, we identify integrin αvβ3 as the receptor for Egfl7. αvβ3 is expressed in the CVP and sprouting BLECs, and blocking this integrin inhibits the formation of BLEC bilateral loop-like structures. Thus, this study identifies a role for Egfl7 in BLEC development that is mediated through the integrin αvβ3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Anaesthesia of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jing Ding
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongyu Li
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Fujuan Feng
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhang Xu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Cang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Anaesthesia of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Anaesthesia of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, 400715, Chongqing, China.
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Allen S, Natale BV, Ejeckam AO, Lee K, Hardy DB, Natale DR. Cannabidiol Exposure During Rat Pregnancy Leads to Labyrinth-Specific Vascular Defects in the Placenta and Reduced Fetal Growth. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:766-780. [PMID: 38364116 PMCID: PMC11304342 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0166] [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] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis use is increasing among pregnant people, and cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent of cannabis, is often perceived as "natural" and "safe" as it is non-intoxicating. In utero, cannabis exposure is associated with negative health outcomes, including fetal growth restriction (FGR). The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and alterations in placental development can lead to FGR. While there has been some investigation into the effects of Δ9-THC, there has been limited investigation into the impacts of in utero gestational CBD exposure on the placenta. Methods: This study used histological and transcriptomic analysis of embryonic day (E)19.5 rat placentas from vehicle and CBD (3 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) exposed pregnancies (E6.5-18.5). Results: The study revealed that pups from CBD-exposed pregnancies were 10% smaller, with the placentae displaying a decreased fetal blood space perimeter-to-area ratio. The transcriptomic analysis supported compromised angiogenesis and blood vessel formation with downregulated biological processes, including tube morphogenesis, angiogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis, blood vessel development and vasculature development. Further, the CBD-exposed placentas displayed changed expression of glucose transporters (decreased GLUT1 and GR expression and increased GLUT3 expression). Transcriptomic analysis further revealed upregulated biological processes associated with metabolism. Finally, histological and transcriptomic analysis revealed altered cell populations within the placenta, specifically to syncytiotrophoblast layer II and endothelial cells. Conclusion: Together these results suggest that the structural changes in CDB-exposed placentae, including the altered expression of nutrient transporters and the changes to the placental fetal vasculature, may underlie the reduced fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Allen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bryony V. Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexis O. Ejeckam
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- The Children's Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R.C. Natale
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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3
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McDonald B, Schmidt MHH. Structure, function, and recombinant production of EGFL7. Biol Chem 2024; 0:hsz-2023-0358. [PMID: 38805373 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The secreted factor Epidermal growth factor-like protein 7 (EGFL7) is involved in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, as well as neurogenesis. Importantly, EGFL7 is also implicated in various pathological conditions, including tumor angiogenesis in human cancers. Thus, understanding the mechanisms through which EGFL7 regulates and promotes blood vessel formation is of clear practical importance. One principle means by which EGFL7's function is investigated is via the expression and purification of the recombinant protein. This mini-review describes three methods used to produce recombinant EGFL7 protein. First, a brief overview of EGFL7's genetics, structure, and function is provided. This is followed by an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of three common expression systems used in the production of recombinant EGFL7; (i) Escherichia coli (E. coli), (ii) human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells or other mammalian cells, and (iii) a baculovirus-based Sf9 insect cell expression system. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that the baculovirus-based Sf9 insect cell expression currently has the advantages of producing active recombinant EGFL7 in the native conformation with the presence of acceptable posttranslational modifications, while providing sufficient yield and stability for experimental purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan McDonald
- 9169 Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko H H Schmidt
- 9169 Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
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4
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Zhang X, He H, Yu H, Teng X, Wang Z, Li C, Li J, Yang H, Shen J, Wu T, Zhang F, Zhang Y, Wu Q. Maternal RNA transcription in Dlk1-Dio3 domain is critical for proper development of the mouse placental vasculature. Commun Biol 2024; 7:363. [PMID: 38521877 PMCID: PMC10960817 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06038-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a unique organ for ensuring normal embryonic growth in the uterine. Here, we found that maternal RNA transcription in Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted domain is essential for placentation. PolyA signals were inserted into Gtl2 to establish a mouse model to prevent the expression of maternal RNAs in the domain. The maternal allele knock-in (MKI) and homozygous (HOMO) placentas showed an expanded junctional zone, reduced labyrinth and poor vasculature impacting both fetal and maternal blood spaces. The MKI and HOMO models displayed dysregulated gene expression in the Dlk1-Dio3 domain. In situ hybridization detected Dlk1, Gtl2, Rtl1, miR-127 and Rian dysregulated in the labyrinth vasculature. MKI and HOMO induced Dlk1 to lose imprinting, and DNA methylation changes of IG-DMR and Gtl2-DMR, leading to abnormal gene expression, while the above changes didn't occur in paternal allele knock-in placentas. These findings demonstrate that maternal RNAs in the Dlk1-Dio3 domain are involved in placental vasculature, regulating gene expression, imprinting status and DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximeijia Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongjuan He
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haoran Yu
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiangqi Teng
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ziwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chenghao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiahang Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haopeng Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiwei Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Tong Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Fengwei Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150006, Heilongjiang, China.
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5
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Gualdoni GS, Barril C, Jacobo PV, Pacheco Rodríguez LN, Cebral E. Involvement of metalloproteinase and nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide mechanisms in early decidual angiogenesis-vascularization of normal and experimental pathological mouse placenta related to maternal alcohol exposure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1207671. [PMID: 37670932 PMCID: PMC10476144 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1207671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful pregnancy for optimal fetal growth requires adequate early angiogenesis and remodeling of decidual spiral arterioles during placentation. Prior to the initiation of invasion and endothelial replacement by trophoblasts, interactions between decidual stromal cells and maternal leukocytes, such as uterine natural killer cells and macrophages, play crucial roles in the processes of early maternal vascularization, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, differentiation, and matrix and vessel remodeling. These placental angiogenic events are highly dependent on the coordination of several mechanisms at the early maternal-fetal interface, and one of them is the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (NOSs). Inadequate balances of MMPs and nitric oxide (NO) are involved in several placentopathies and pregnancy complications. Since alcohol consumption during gestation can affect fetal growth associated with abnormal placental development, recently, we showed, in a mouse model, that perigestational alcohol consumption up to organogenesis induces fetal malformations related to deficient growth and vascular morphogenesis of the placenta at term. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the early processes of maternal vascularization that lead to the formation of the definitive placenta and the roles of angiogenic MMP and NOS/NO mechanisms during normal and altered early gestation in mice. Then, we propose hypothetical defective decidual cellular and MMP and NOS/NO mechanisms involved in abnormal decidual vascularization induced by perigestational alcohol consumption in an experimental mouse model. This review highlights the important roles of decidual cells and their MMP and NOS balances in the physiological and pathophysiological early maternal angiogenesis-vascularization during placentation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elisa Cebral
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Fisiología Materno-Embrionaria, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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6
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Rusidzé M, Faure MC, Sicard P, Raymond-Letron I, Giton F, Vessieres E, Prevot V, Henrion D, Arnal JF, Cornil CA, Lenfant F. Loss of function of the maternal membrane oestrogen receptor ERα alters expansion of trophoblast cells and impacts mouse fertility. Development 2022; 149:dev200683. [PMID: 36239412 PMCID: PMC9720743 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2024]
Abstract
The binding of 17β-oestradiol to oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) plays a crucial role in the control of reproduction, acting through both nuclear and membrane-initiated signalling. To study the physiological role of membrane ERα in the reproductive system, we used the C451A-ERα mouse model with selective loss of function of membrane ERα. Despite C451A-ERα mice being described as sterile, daily weighing and ultrasound imaging revealed that homozygous females do become pregnant, allowing the investigation of the role of ERα during pregnancy for the first time. All neonatal deaths of the mutant offspring mice resulted from delayed parturition associated with failure in pre-term progesterone withdrawal. Moreover, pregnant C451A-ERα females exhibited partial intrauterine embryo arrest at about E9.5. The observed embryonic lethality resulted from altered expansion of Tpbpa-positive spiral artery-associated trophoblast giant cells into the utero-placental unit, which is associated with an imbalance in expression of angiogenic factors. Together, these processes control the trophoblast-mediated spiral arterial remodelling. Hence, loss of membrane ERα within maternal tissues clearly alters the activity of invasive trophoblast cells during placentogenesis. This previously unreported function of membrane ERα could open new avenues towards a better understanding of human pregnancy-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Rusidzé
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC) Equipe 4, Inserm U1297-UPS, CHU, Toulouse 31432, France
| | | | - Pierre Sicard
- IPAM, BioCampus Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Isabelle Raymond-Letron
- Institut Restore, Université de Toulouse, CNRS U-5070, EFS, ENVT, Inserm U1031, Toulouse 31076, France
| | - Frank Giton
- APHP H.Mondor - IMRB - INSERM U955, Créteil 94010, France
| | - Emilie Vessieres
- Angers University, MITOVASC, CarMe team, CNRS UMR 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers 49055, France
| | - Vincent Prevot
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, FHU 1000 Days for Health, Lille 59000, France
| | - Daniel Henrion
- Angers University, MITOVASC, CarMe team, CNRS UMR 6015, INSERM U1083, Angers 49055, France
| | | | | | - Françoise Lenfant
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC) Equipe 4, Inserm U1297-UPS, CHU, Toulouse 31432, France
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7
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Barrera-Zarate JA, Detmer SE, Pasternak JA, Hamonic G, MacPhee DJ, Harding JCS. Effect of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 2 on angiogenesis and cell proliferation at the maternal-fetal interface. Vet Pathol 2022; 59:940-949. [PMID: 35723036 PMCID: PMC9530517 DOI: 10.1177/03009858221105053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis and cell proliferation in reproductive tissues are essential events
for the maintenance of pregnancy, and alterations can lead to compromised fetal
development and survival. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 2
(PRRSV-2) induces reproductive disease with negative financial and production
impact on the swine industry. PRRSV-2 infection alters placental physiology
through inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, yet fetal susceptibility varies.
This study aimed to evaluate angiogenesis and cell proliferation in the porcine
maternal-fetal interface (MFI) and determine if these physiological processes
were altered by PRRSV-2 infection. Thirty-one pregnant gilts were inoculated
with PRRSV-2 at gestation day 86 ± 0.4 (mean ± SD). Seven control gilts were
sham-inoculated. All gilts were euthanized at 12 days postinoculation.
Angiogenesis and cell proliferation were determined through the detection of
vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Ki-67, respectively, using
immunofluorescence of the MFI from 4 fetal resilience groups: uninfected (UNIF),
high viral load–viable (HVL-VIA), and HVL-meconium-stained (MEC) from
PRRSV-infected gilts, as well from sham-inoculated (CON) gilts. VEGF
immunolabeling in the uterine submucosa was significantly lower in MEC compared
with UNIF and HVL-VIA groups. Significantly greater Ki67 immunolabeling was
detected in the trophoblasts of CON fetuses versus all other groups, and in
uterine epithelium of CON and UNIF fetuses versus HVL-VIA and MEC. These results
suggest that fetal resilience may be related to greater cell proliferation in
uterine epithelium, and fetal compromise with reduced uterine submucosal
angiogenesis, except fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction, in which
inherently lower submucosal angiogenesis may be protective against PRRSV
infection.
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8
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Placental Dysfunction in Assisted Reproductive Pregnancies: Perinatal, Neonatal and Adult Life Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020659. [PMID: 35054845 PMCID: PMC8775397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Obstetric and newborn outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies are associated with significative prevalence of maternal and neonatal adverse health conditions, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. These data are interpreted as anomalies in placentation involving a dysregulation of several molecular factors and pathways. It is not clear which extent of the observed placental alterations are the result of ART and which originate from infertility itself. These two aspects probably act synergically for the final obstetric risk. Data show that mechanisms of inappropriate trophoblast invasion and consequent altered vascular remodeling sustain several clinical conditions, leading to obstetric and perinatal risks often found in ART pregnancies, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and placenta previa or accreta. The roles of factors such as VEGF, GATA3, PIGF, sFLT-1, sEndoglin, EGFL7, melatonin and of ART conditions, such as short or long embryo cultures, trophectoderm biopsy, embryo cryopreservation, and supraphysiologic endometrium preparation, are discussed. Inflammatory local conditions and epigenetic influence on embryos of ART procedures are important research topics since they may have important consequences on obstetric risk. Prevention and treatment of these conditions represent new frontiers for clinicians and biologists involved in ART, and synergic actions with researchers at molecular levels are advocated.
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Circulating EGFL7 distinguishes between IUGR and PE: an observational case-control study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17919. [PMID: 34504270 PMCID: PMC8429426 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97482-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolated intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) share common placental pathogenesis. Differently from IUGR, PE is a systemic disorder which may also affect liver and brain. Early diagnosis of these conditions may optimize maternal and fetal management. Aim of this study was to assess whether Epidermal Growth Factor-Like domain 7 (EGFL7) dosage in maternal blood discriminates between isolated IUGR and PE. A total of 116 women were enrolled in this case–control study: 12 non-pregnant women, 34 healthy pregnant women, 34 women presenting with isolated IUGR and 36 presenting with PE. Levels of circulating EGFL7 and other known pro- and anti-angiogenic factors were measured by ELISA at different gestational ages (GA). Between 22–25 weeks of gestation, EGFL7 levels in early-onset PE (e-PE) plasma samples were significantly higher than those measured in controls or isolated IUGR samples (69.86 ± 6.17 vs. 19.8 ± 2.5 or 18.8 ± 2.8 µg/ml, respectively). Between 26–34 weeks, EGFL7 levels remained significantly higher in e-PE compared to IUGR. At term, circulating and placental EGFL7 levels were comparable between IUGR and late-onset PE (l-PE). In contrast, circulating levels of PlGF were decreased in both IUGR- and PE- complicated pregnancies, while levels of both sFLT-1 and sENDOGLIN were increased in both conditions. In conclusion, EGFL7 significantly discriminates between isolated IUGR and PE.
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10
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Al-Ofi E, Alrafiah A, Maidi S, Almaghrabi S, Hakami N. Altered Expression of Angiogenic Biomarkers in Pregnancy Associated with Gestational Diabetes. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:3367-3375. [PMID: 34285561 PMCID: PMC8286247 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s316670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) typically occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal hyperglycemic may influence the expression of pro-and anti-angiogenic factors. Altered levels of angiogenic biomarkers in GDM pregnant women are associated with abnormal placentation. This study aimed to investigate the rates of expression of five angiogenic biomarkers called vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), angiopoietin-2, endoglin, endothelin-1, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in GDM. Methods The samples were obtained from normal (n=9) and GDM (n=10) pregnancies. Multiplex assay was used to assess the levels of angiogenic biomarkers including VEGF-A, endoglin, endothelin-1, angiopoietin-2, and G-CSF in serum samples. All data were statistically analyzed using an unpaired Student’s t-test. Correlations between measured parameters were made using Pearson correlations. Results VEGF-A, endoglin, endothelin-1, and angiopoietin-2 levels in GDM were significantly higher (P value = 0.001, 0.042, 0.049, 0.001; respectively) compared to control. However, G-CSF level exhibited a non-significant increase (P=0.466) in GDM compared to healthy controls. There was a significant positive correlation between angiopoietin-2 with endoglin, endothelin-1, and VEGF-A. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between VEGF-A with endoglin and endothelin-1. Most interestingly, there was a significant positive correlation between G-CSF with endothelin-1. Conclusion The angiogenic biomarkers were highly altered in pregnant women with GDM. The study provides a novel advance in the field of gestational diabetes, in terms of increase of angiogenic factors that can modify the vascularization of the placenta, the development of fetal vascular system and the insulin resistance itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebtisam Al-Ofi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aziza Alrafiah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salman Maidi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safa Almaghrabi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora Hakami
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Ortega MA, Asúnsolo Á, Fraile-Martínez O, Sainz F, Saez MA, Bravo C, De León-Luis JA, Alvarez-Mon MA, Coca S, Álvarez-Mon M, Buján J, García-Honduvilla N. An increase in elastogenic components in the placental villi of women with chronic venous disease during pregnancy is associated with decreased EGFL7 expression level. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:556. [PMID: 34080027 PMCID: PMC8188638 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic venous disease (CVD) is the response to a series of hemodynamic changes in the venous system and the onset of this disease is often triggered by pregnancy. Placental tissue is particularly sensitive to the characteristic changes which occurs in venous hypertension. In this regard, changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM), that occur to adapt to this situation, are fundamental to controlling elastogenesis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the changes that occur in the mRNA and protein expression level of proteins related to elastogenesis in the placental villi of women diagnosed with CVD, in the third trimester of pregnancy. An observational, analytical and prospective cohort study was conducted, in which the placenta from 62 women with CVD were compared with that in placenta from 52 women without a diagnosis of CVD. Gene and protein expression levels were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The results showed a significant decrease in the gene and protein expression level of EGFL7 in the placental villi of women with CVD. By contrast, significant increases in the gene and protein expression level of ECM-related proteins, such as tropoelastin, fibulin 4, fibrillin 1 and members of the lysyl oxidase family (LOX and LOXL-1) were also found in the placental villi of women with CVD. To the best of our knowledge, the results from the present study showed for the first time that CVD during pregnancy was associated with changes in the mRNA and protein expression level in essential components of the EGFL7-modulated elastogenesis process in placental villi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Asúnsolo
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Healthcare Research, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Sainz
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid, 28047 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Saez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Coral Bravo
- University Center for The Defense of Madrid, 28047 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A De León-Luis
- Service of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Section of Fetal Maternal Medicine, Central University Hospital of Defence‑University of Alcalá, 28047 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Coca
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Buján
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalio García-Honduvilla
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28801 Madrid, Spain
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Massimiani M, Tiralongo GM, Salvi S, Fruci S, Lacconi V, La Civita F, Mancini M, Stuhlmann H, Valensise H, Campagnolo L. Treatment of pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction with nitric oxide donors increases placental expression of Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Domain 7 and improves fetal growth: A pilot study. Transl Res 2021; 228:28-41. [PMID: 32784003 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pathological condition of pregnancy with high perinatal mortality and morbidity, characterized by inadequate fetal growth associated to altered maternal hemodynamics with impaired uteroplacental blood flow and placental insufficiency. To date, iatrogenic premature delivery remains the elective therapeutic strategy. However, in recent years the possibility of a therapeutic approach with vasodilators and myorelaxants, such as nitric oxide (NO) donors, has gained interest. NO controls many endothelial cell functions, including angiogenesis and vascular permeability, by regulating the expression of angiogenic factors, such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. In the present study, we investigated if treatment of pregnancies complicated by IUGR with NO donors affects the expression of Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Domain 7 (EGFL7), a secreted endothelial factor, previously demonstrated to be expressed by both endothelial and trophoblast cells and involved in proper placental development. NO donor treatment induced placental levels of EGFL7 and, in association with oral fluids, significantly improved fetal growth. Ex vivo experiments confirmed that NO donors increased expression and secretion of EGFL7 by villous explants. To specifically investigate the potential response of trophoblast cells to NO, we treated HTR8-sVneo cells with NO donors and observed induction of EGFL7 expression. Altogether, our findings indicate that NO induces endothelial and trophoblast expression of EGFL7 in the placenta and improves fetal growth, suggesting a correlation between placental levels of EGFL7 and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Massimiani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia M Tiralongo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Casilino General Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Salvi
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, UOC di Patologia Ostetrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio La Civita
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Mancini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Casilino General Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Heidi Stuhlmann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Herbert Valensise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Casilino General Hospital, Rome, Italy; Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Shrestha D, Ouidir M, Workalemahu T, Zeng X, Tekola-Ayele F. Placental DNA methylation changes associated with maternal prepregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain. Int J Obes (Lond) 2020; 44:1406-1416. [PMID: 32071425 PMCID: PMC7261634 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-020-0546-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal obesity prior to or during pregnancy influences fetal growth, predisposing the offspring to increased risk for obesity across the life course. Placental epigenetic mechanisms may underlie these associations. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study to identify placental DNA methylation changes associated with maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and rate of gestational weight gain at first (GWG1), second (GWG2), and third trimester (GWG3). METHOD Participants of the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies with genome-wide placental DNA methylation (n = 301) and gene expression (n = 75) data were included. Multivariable-adjusted regression models were used to test the associations of 1 kg/m2 increase in prepregnancy BMI or 1 kg/week increase in GWG with DNA methylation levels. Genes harboring top differentially methylated CpGs (FDR P < 0.05) were evaluated for placental gene expression. We assessed whether DNA methylation sites known to be associated with BMI in child or adult tissues, were also associated with maternal prepregnancy BMI in placenta. RESULTS Prepregnancy BMI was associated with DNA methylation at cg14568196[EGFL7], cg15339142[VETZ], and cg02301019[AC092377.1] (FDR P < 0.05, P ranging from 1.4 × 10-10 to 1.7 × 10-9). GWG1 or GWG2 was associated with DNA methylation at cg17918270[MYT1L], cg20735365[DLX5], and cg17451688[SLC35F3] (FDR P < 0.05, P ranging from 6.4 × 10-10 to 1.2 × 10-8). Both prepregnancy BMI and DNA methylation at cg1456819 [EGFL7] were negatively correlated with EGFL7 expression in placenta (P < 0.05). Several CpGs previously implicated in obesity traits in children and adults were associated with prepregnancy BMI in placenta. Functional annotations revealed that EGFL7 is highly expressed in placenta and the differentially methylated CpG sites near EGFL7 and VEZT were cis-meQTL targets in blood. CONCLUSIONS We identified placental DNA methylation changes at novel loci associated with prepregnancy BMI and GWG. The overlap between CpGs associated with obesity traits in placenta and other tissues in children and adults suggests that epigenetic mechanisms in placenta may give insights to early origins of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Shrestha
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marion Ouidir
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tsegaselassie Workalemahu
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xuehuo Zeng
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fasil Tekola-Ayele
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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14
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Double-label immunohistochemistry to assess labyrinth structure of the mouse placenta with stereology. Placenta 2020; 94:44-47. [PMID: 32421534 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In mice, the labyrinth zone of the placenta exchanges nutrients and gases between mother and fetus. This placental zone is complex in structure and defects in its morphogenesis can compromise substrate exchange and thus, fetal growth and viability. Numerous mouse models involving genetic and environmental manipulation show abnormalities in labyrinth zone size. However, further structural analysis, normally undertaken using ultrathin resin sections, can pose practical constraints. Here, we validate the use of stereology on paraffin-embedded sections double-labelled for lectin and cytokeratin as a cheap, fast and robust alternative for analysing the structure of the mouse placental labyrinth.
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15
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Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Alexdottir MS, Valdimarsdottir G. The TGFβ Family in Human Placental Development at the Fetal-Maternal Interface. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030453. [PMID: 32183218 PMCID: PMC7175362 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest that a trophoblast stem cell (TSC) population exists in the early human placenta. However, in vitro stem cell culture models are still in development and it remains under debate how well they reflect primary trophoblast (TB) cells. The absence of robust protocols to generate TSCs from humans has resulted in limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human placental development and TB lineage specification when compared to other human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). As placentation in mouse and human differ considerably, it is only with the development of human-based disease models using TSCs that we will be able to understand the various diseases caused by abnormal placentation in humans, such as preeclampsia. In this review, we summarize the knowledge on normal human placental development, the placental disease preeclampsia, and current stem cell model systems used to mimic TB differentiation. A special focus is given to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) family as it has been shown that the TGFβ family has an important role in human placental development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Dept. Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Dept. Reproductive Medicine Anatomy and Embryology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marta S. Alexdottir
- Department of Anatomy, BioMedical Center, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Gudrun Valdimarsdottir
- Department of Anatomy, BioMedical Center, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +354-5254797
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16
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Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during rat pregnancy leads to symmetrical fetal growth restriction and labyrinth-specific vascular defects in the placenta. Sci Rep 2020; 10:544. [PMID: 31953475 PMCID: PMC6969028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
1 in 5 women report cannabis use during pregnancy, with nausea cited as their primary motivation. Studies show that (-)-△9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, causes fetal growth restriction, though the mechanisms are not well understood. Given the critical role of the placenta to transfer oxygen and nutrients from mother, to the fetus, any compromise in the development of fetal-placental circulation significantly affects maternal-fetal exchange and thereby, fetal growth. The goal of this study was to examine, in rats, the impact of maternal Δ9-THC exposure on fetal development, neonatal outcomes, and placental development. Dams received a daily intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of vehicle control or Δ9-THC (3 mg/kg) from embryonic (E)6.5 through 22. Dams were allowed to deliver normally to measure pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, with a subset sacrificed at E19.5 for placenta assessment via immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Gestational Δ9-THC exposure resulted in pups born with symmetrical fetal growth restriction, with catch up growth by post-natal day (PND)21. During pregnancy there were no changes to maternal food intake, maternal weight gain, litter size, or gestational length. E19.5 placentas from Δ9-THC-exposed pregnancies exhibited a phenotype characterized by increased labyrinth area, reduced Epcam expression (marker of labyrinth trophoblast progenitors), altered maternal blood space, decreased fetal capillary area and an increased recruitment of pericytes with greater collagen deposition, when compared to vehicle controls. Further, at E19.5 labyrinth trophoblast had reduced glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in response to Δ9-THC exposure. In conclusion, maternal exposure to Δ9-THC effectively compromised fetal growth, which may be a result of the adversely affected labyrinth zone development. These findings implicate GLUT1 as a Δ9-THC target and provide a potential mechanism for the fetal growth restriction observed in women who use cannabis during pregnancy.
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17
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Son JS, Liu X, Tian Q, Zhao L, Chen Y, Hu Y, Chae SA, de Avila JM, Zhu MJ, Du M. Exercise prevents the adverse effects of maternal obesity on placental vascularization and fetal growth. J Physiol 2019; 597:3333-3347. [PMID: 31115053 DOI: 10.1113/jp277698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Maternal exercise improves the metabolic health of maternal mice challenged with a high-fat diet. Exercise intervention of obese mothers prevents fetal overgrowth. Exercise intervention reverses impaired placental vascularization in obese mice. Maternal exercise activates placental AMP-activated protein kinase, which was inhibited as a result of maternal obesity. ABSTRACT More than one-third of pregnant women in the USA are obese and maternal obesity (MO) negatively affects fetal development, which predisposes offspring to metabolic diseases. The placenta mediates nutrient delivery to fetuses and its function is impaired as a result of MO. Exercise ameliorates metabolic dysfunction resulting from obesity, although its effect on placental function of obese mothers has not been explored. In the present study, C57BL/6J female mice were randomly assigned into two groups fed either a control or a high-fat diet (HFD) and then the mice on each diet were further divided into two subgroups with/without exercise. In HFD-induced obese mice, daily treadmill exercise during pregnancy reduced body weight gain, lowered serum glucose and lipid concentration, and improved insulin sensitivity of maternal mice. Importantly, maternal exercise prevented fetal overgrowth (macrosomia) induced by MO. To further examine the preventive effects of exercise on fetal overgrowth, placental vascularization and nutrient transporters were analysed. Vascular density and the expression of vasculogenic factors were reduced as a result of MO but were recovered by maternal exercise. On the other hand, the contents of nutrient transporters were not substantially altered by MO or exercise, suggesting that the protective effects of exercise in MO-induced fetal overgrowth were primarily a result of the alteration of placental vascularization and improved maternal metabolism. Furthermore, exercise enhanced downstream insulin signalling and activated AMP-activated protein kinase in HFD placenta. In sum, maternal exercise prevented fetal overgrowth induced by MO, which was associated with improved maternal metabolism and placental vascularization in obese mothers with exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Seok Son
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Qiyu Tian
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Yanting Chen
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Yun Hu
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Song Ah Chae
- Department of Movement Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Jeanene M de Avila
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Mei-Jun Zhu
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Min Du
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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18
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Dudvarski Stanković N, Bicker F, Keller S, Jones DT, Harter PN, Kienzle A, Gillmann C, Arnold P, Golebiewska A, Keunen O, Giese A, von Deimling A, Bäuerle T, Niclou SP, Mittelbronn M, Ye W, Pfister SM, Schmidt MH. EGFL7 enhances surface expression of integrin α 5β 1 to promote angiogenesis in malignant brain tumors. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 10:emmm.201708420. [PMID: 30065025 PMCID: PMC6127886 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201708420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a typically lethal type of brain tumor with a median survival of 15 months postdiagnosis. This negative prognosis prompted the exploration of alternative treatment options. In particular, the reliance of GBM on angiogenesis triggered the development of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) blocking antibodies such as bevacizumab. Although its application in human GBM only increased progression-free periods but did not improve overall survival, physicians and researchers still utilize this treatment option due to the lack of adequate alternatives. In an attempt to improve the efficacy of anti-VEGF treatment, we explored the role of the egfl7 gene in malignant glioma. We found that the encoded extracellular matrix protein epidermal growth factor-like protein 7 (EGFL7) was secreted by glioma blood vessels but not glioma cells themselves, while no major role could be assigned to the parasitic miRNAs miR-126/126*. EGFL7 expression promoted glioma growth in experimental glioma models in vivo and stimulated tumor vascularization. Mechanistically, this was mediated by an upregulation of integrin α5β1 on the cellular surface of endothelial cells, which enhanced fibronectin-induced angiogenic sprouting. Glioma blood vessels that formed in vivo were more mature as determined by pericyte and smooth muscle cell coverage. Furthermore, these vessels were less leaky as measured by magnetic resonance imaging of extravasating contrast agent. EGFL7-inhibition using a specific blocking antibody reduced the vascularization of experimental gliomas and increased the life span of treated animals, in particular in combination with anti-VEGF and the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide. Data allow for the conclusion that this combinatorial regimen may serve as a novel treatment option for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevenka Dudvarski Stanković
- Molecular Signal Transduction Laboratories, Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Bicker
- Molecular Signal Transduction Laboratories, Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Keller
- Molecular Signal Transduction Laboratories, Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Tw Jones
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Heidelberg, Germany.,Hopp Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick N Harter
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Arne Kienzle
- Molecular Signal Transduction Laboratories, Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Laboratory of Adaptive and Regenerative Biology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clarissa Gillmann
- Institute of Radiology, University Medical Center Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Anna Golebiewska
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (L.I.H.), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Olivier Keunen
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (L.I.H.), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Alf Giese
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bäuerle
- Institute of Radiology, University Medical Center Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone P Niclou
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (L.I.H.), Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,KG Jebsen Brain Tumour Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Michel Mittelbronn
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (L.I.H.), Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg.,Luxembourg Centre of Neuropathology (LCNP), Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Weilan Ye
- Vascular Biology Program, Molecular Oncology Division, Genentech, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Heidelberg, Germany.,Hopp Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirko H Schmidt
- Molecular Signal Transduction Laboratories, Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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19
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Massimiani M, Lacko LA, Burke Swanson CS, Salvi S, Argueta LB, Moresi S, Ferrazzani S, Gelber SE, Baergen RN, Toschi N, Campagnolo L, Stuhlmann H. Increased circulating levels of Epidermal Growth Factor-like Domain 7 in pregnant women affected by preeclampsia. Transl Res 2019; 207:19-29. [PMID: 30620888 PMCID: PMC6486846 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Proper placental development is crucial to establish a successful pregnancy. Defective placentation is the major cause of several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE). We have previously demonstrated that the secreted factor Epidermal Growth Factor-like Domain 7 (EGFL7) is expressed in trophoblast cells of the human placenta and that it regulates trophoblast migration and invasion, suggesting a role in placental development. In the present study, we demonstrate that circulating levels of EGFL7 are undetectable in nonpregnant women, increase during pregnancy and decline toward term. Close to term, circulating levels of EGFL7 are significantly higher in patients affected by PE when compared to normal pregnancies. Consistent with these results, villus explant cultures obtained from placentas affected by PE display increased release of EGFL7 in the culture medium when compared to those from normal placentas. Our results suggest that increased release of placenta-derived EGFL7 and increased circulating levels of EGFL7 are associated with the clinical manifestation of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Massimiani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lauretta A Lacko
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Clare S Burke Swanson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Silvia Salvi
- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lissenya B Argueta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Sascia Moresi
- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Ferrazzani
- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Shari E Gelber
- Department of ObGyn, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Rebecca N Baergen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Department of Radiology, "Athinoula A. Martinos" Center for Biomedical Imaging, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Heidi Stuhlmann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
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20
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Fateh AH, Mohamed Z, Chik Z, Alsalahi A, Md Zin SR, Alshawsh MA. Prenatal developmental toxicity evaluation of Verbena officinalis during gestation period in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 304:28-42. [PMID: 30807743 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.02.016] [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: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Verbena officinalis is widely used by women for maintaining general health and treating various gynaecological disorders during pregnancy. A case report has indicated that the consumption of V. officinalis induced an abortifacient effect. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the prenatal developmental toxicity of this plant according to OECD guideline (no. 414). A total of 50 pregnant female rats (dams) were distributed into five groups (n = 10); 500 mg/kg 1000 mg/2000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg of V. offcinalis extracts and the fifth group served as a normal control. All dams received their respective oral single daily treatment from the 6th to the 20th day of gestation. Maternal clinical toxicity signs, body weight and weight gain were recorded. Caesarean sections were performed on day 21 to evaluate embryo-foetal developmental toxicity. For dams, ovaries were harvested and weighed. The number of corpora lutea, implantation sites, and resorptions were recorded. No mortality was observed in dams, but their body weight gain was significantly reduced particularly in dams treated with 2000 and 3000 mg/kg V. officinalis. Asymmetrical distribution of implantation sites and embryos were observed. Embryo-fetotoxicity retardation was observed as evident by the decrease in foetal weight, head cranium, tail length, and higher incidence in the pre-and post-implantation loss. Some foetal skeleton abnormalities such as incomplete ossification of skull, sternebrae, and metatarsal bones were observed in foetuses of the 2000 and 3000 mg/kg V. officinalis-treated dams. LC/MS analysis identified the major constituents including geniposidic acid, tuberonic acid glucoside, luteolin 7, 3'-digalacturonide, iridotrial and apigenin. The glycosylated flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin could be responsible for the reported prenatal developmental toxicity. In conclusion, the use of V. officinalis during pregnancy is not safe indicating evidence-based toxic effects on the reproductive performance of dams and dose-dependent risk potentials to the foetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmannan H Fateh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zahurin Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zamri Chik
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdulsamad Alsalahi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Rosmani Md Zin
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed A Alshawsh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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21
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Sharma A, Lacko LA, Argueta LB, Glendinning MD, Stuhlmann H. miR-126 regulates glycogen trophoblast proliferation and DNA methylation in the murine placenta. Dev Biol 2019; 449:21-34. [PMID: 30771304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.01.019] [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: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A functional placenta develops through a delicate interplay of its vascular and trophoblast compartments. We have identified a previously unknown expression domain for the endothelial-specific microRNA miR-126 in trophoblasts of murine and human placentas. Here, we determine the role of miR-126 in placental development using a mouse model with a targeted deletion of miR-126. In addition to vascular defects observed only in the embryo, loss of miR-126 function in the placenta leads to junctional zone hyperplasia at E15.5 at the expense of the labyrinth, reduced placental volume for nutrient exchange and intra-uterine growth restriction of the embryos. Junctional zone hyperplasia results from increased numbers of proliferating glycogen trophoblast (GlyT) progenitors at E13.5 that give rise to an expanded glycogen trophoblast population at E15.5. Transcriptomic profile of miR-126-/- placentas revealed dysregulation of a large number of GlyT (Prl6a1, Prl7c1, Pcdh12) and trophoblast-specific genes (Tpbpa, Tpbpb, Prld1) and genes with known roles in placental development. We show that miR-126-/- placentas, but not miR-126-/- embryos, display aberrant expression of imprinted genes with important roles in glycogen trophoblasts and junctional zone development, including Igf2, H19, Cdkn1c and Phlda2, during mid-gestation. We also show that miR126-/- placentas display global hypermethylation, including at several imprint control centers. Our findings uncover a novel role for miR-126 in regulating extra-embryonic energy stores, expression of imprinted genes and DNA methylation in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijeet Sharma
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Lauretta A Lacko
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States; Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Lissenya B Argueta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Michael D Glendinning
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Heidi Stuhlmann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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22
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Hou B, Hou X, Ni H. Long non-coding RNA LNC01133 promotes the tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer by sponging miR-126. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2018; 11:5809-5819. [PMID: 31949667 PMCID: PMC6963098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is the gynecologic malignancy with the highest mortality rate (70%), and it is urgent to find out a powerful prognostic marker for OC patients. LncRNAs are recently thought to be oncogenes in various cancers, and its expression levels are validated that can be inhibited by miRNAs. There are several studies indicating that sponging miRNAs will contribute to the tumorigenesis of cancers. METHODS In the present study, bioinformatics analysis is used to explore the potential oncogene and its target miRNAs; QRT-PCR is performed to count the expression level of several genes; Flow cytometric analysis is conducted to assess the apoptosis rate of several cell lines; Western blot assays are used to evaluate the expression levels of several proteins; Cells proliferation, migration and invasion abilities are detected by CCK-8 assay, Wound scratch assay and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. In vivo experiments are performed to assess the influence of LNC01133 on the formation of tumor. RESULTS We found LNC01133 was related to poor survival of OC patients, and identified that LNC01133 had significant influence on OC cells' apoptosis, proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. Furthermore, we observed miR-126 could target LNC01133 and decreased the expression level of LNC01133 in OC cells. Therefore, we sponged miR-126 to further study the molecular mechanism of OC tumorigenesis, and found an elevation in proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of OC cells, which suggested that miR-126 could serve as a powerful prognostic marker for OC patients, and had great clinical significance on OC diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION We found LNC01133 was an oncogene in OC, which is targeted by miR-126. miR-126 served as a powerful prognostic marker for OC patients because of its ability of promoting OC tumorigenesis after sponging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Hou
- Prevention and Health Care Department of Changhai Hospital of ShanghaiShanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaoling Hou
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing 100853, China
| | - Hailai Ni
- Prevention and Health Care Department of Changhai Hospital of ShanghaiShanghai 200433, China
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23
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Villain G, Lelievre E, Broekelmann T, Gayet O, Havet C, Werkmeister E, Mecham R, Dusetti N, Soncin F, Mattot V. MAGP
‐1 and fibronectin control
EGFL
7 functions by driving its deposition into distinct endothelial extracellular matrix locations. FEBS J 2018; 285:4394-4412. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.14680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Villain
- CNRS Institut Pasteur de Lille UMR 8161 – M3T – Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Target Therapies Univ. Lille France
| | - Etienne Lelievre
- CNRS Institut Pasteur de Lille UMR 8161 – M3T – Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Target Therapies Univ. Lille France
| | - Tom Broekelmann
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Odile Gayet
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM) INSERM U1068 CNRS UMR 7258 Aix‐Marseille Université and Institut Paoli‐Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy France
| | - Chantal Havet
- CNRS Institut Pasteur de Lille UMR 8161 – M3T – Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Target Therapies Univ. Lille France
| | - Elisabeth Werkmeister
- Cellular Microbiology and Physics of Infection Group – Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille CNRS UMR8204 Inserm U1019 CHU Lille Institut Pasteur de Lille Univ. Lille. France
| | - Robert Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis MO USA
| | - Nelson Dusetti
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM) INSERM U1068 CNRS UMR 7258 Aix‐Marseille Université and Institut Paoli‐Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy France
| | - Fabrice Soncin
- CNRS Institut Pasteur de Lille UMR 8161 – M3T – Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Target Therapies Univ. Lille France
| | - Virginie Mattot
- CNRS Institut Pasteur de Lille UMR 8161 – M3T – Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Target Therapies Univ. Lille France
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24
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Ferré-Dolcet L, Yeste M, Vendrell M, Rigau T, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Rivera del Álamo MM. Placental and uterine expression of GLUT3, but not GLUT1, is related with serum progesterone levels during the first stages of pregnancy in queens. Theriogenology 2018; 121:82-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Hong G, Kuek V, Shi J, Zhou L, Han X, He W, Tickner J, Qiu H, Wei Q, Xu J. EGFL7: Master regulator of cancer pathogenesis, angiogenesis and an emerging mediator of bone homeostasis. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:8526-8537. [PMID: 29923200 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guoju Hong
- National Key Discipline and Orthopedic Laboratory Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou Guangdong China
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
| | - Vincent Kuek
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
| | - Jiaxi Shi
- First Clinical College Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Xiaorui Han
- Department of Radiography Guangzhou First People's Hospital The Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University of Technology Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Wei He
- National Key Discipline and Orthopedic Laboratory Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou Guangdong China
- Orthopedic Department The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Jennifer Tickner
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
| | - Heng Qiu
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
| | - Qiushi Wei
- National Key Discipline and Orthopedic Laboratory Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou Guangdong China
- Orthopedic Department The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Jiake Xu
- National Key Discipline and Orthopedic Laboratory Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou Guangdong China
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
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26
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Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins secreted by blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells (ECs) are implicated in cell trafficking. We discovered that the expression of ECM epidermal growth factor-like protein 7 (EGFL7) is increased in the CNS vasculature of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Perivascular CD4 T lymphocytes colocalize with ECM-bound EGFL7 in MS lesions. Human and mouse activated T cells upregulate EGFL7 ligand αvβ3 integrin and can adhere to EGFL7 through integrin αvβ3. EGFL7-knockout (KO) mice show earlier onset of EAE and increased brain and spinal cord parenchymal infiltration of T lymphocytes. Importantly, EC-restricted EGFL7-KO is associated with a similar EAE worsening. Finally, treatment with recombinant EGFL7 improves EAE, reduces MCAM expression, and tightens the BBB in mouse. Our data demonstrate that EGFL7 can limit CNS immune infiltration and may represent a novel therapeutic avenue in MS. Endothelial cells release extracellular matrix components that regulate inflammation. Here the authors demonstrate that the extracellular matrix component epidermal growth factor-like protein 7 regulates inflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the mouse.
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27
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Woods L, Perez-Garcia V, Hemberger M. Regulation of Placental Development and Its Impact on Fetal Growth-New Insights From Mouse Models. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:570. [PMID: 30319550 PMCID: PMC6170611 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the chief regulator of nutrient supply to the growing embryo during gestation. As such, adequate placental function is instrumental for developmental progression throughout intrauterine development. One of the most common complications during pregnancy is insufficient growth of the fetus, a problem termed intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) that is most frequently rooted in a malfunctional placenta. Together with conventional gene targeting approaches, recent advances in screening mouse mutants for placental defects, combined with the ability to rapidly induce mutations in vitro and in vivo by CRISPR-Cas9 technology, has provided new insights into the contribution of the genome to normal placental development. Most importantly, these data have demonstrated that far more genes are required for normal placentation than previously appreciated. Here, we provide a summary of common types of placental defects in established mouse mutants, which will help us gain a better understanding of the genes impacting on human placentation. Based on a recent mouse mutant screen, we then provide examples on how these data can be mined to identify novel molecular hubs that may be critical for placental development. Given the close association between placental defects and abnormal cardiovascular and brain development, these functional nodes may also shed light onto the etiology of birth defects that co-occur with placental malformations. Taken together, recent insights into the regulation of mouse placental development have opened up new avenues for research that will promote the study of human pregnancy conditions, notably those based on defects in placentation that underlie the most common pregnancy pathologies such as IUGR and pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Woods
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vicente Perez-Garcia
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Vicente Perez-Garcia
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Myriam Hemberger
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