1
|
Wu H, Huang XY, Sun MX, Wang Y, Zhou HY, Tian Y, He B, Li K, Li DY, Wu AP, Wang H, Qin CF. Zika virus targets human trophoblast stem cells and prevents syncytialization in placental trophoblast organoids. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5541. [PMID: 37684223 PMCID: PMC10491779 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy threatens pregnancy and fetal health. However, the infectivity and pathological effects of ZIKV on placental trophoblast progenitor cells in early human embryos remain largely unknown. Here, using human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), we demonstrated that hTSCs were permissive to ZIKV infection, and resistance to ZIKV increased with hTSC differentiation. Combining gene knockout and transcriptome analysis, we demonstrated that the intrinsic expression of AXL and TIM-1, and the absence of potent interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) and IFNs contributed to the high sensitivity of hTSCs to ZIKV. Furthermore, using our newly developed hTSC-derived trophoblast organoid (hTSC-organoid), we demonstrated that ZIKV infection disrupted the structure of mature hTSC-organoids and inhibited syncytialization. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) further demonstrated that ZIKV infection of hTSC-organoids disrupted the stemness of hTSCs and the proliferation of cytotrophoblast cells (CTBs) and probably led to a preeclampsia (PE) phenotype. Overall, our results clearly demonstrate that hTSCs represent the major target cells of ZIKV, and a reduced syncytialization may result from ZIKV infection of early developing placenta. These findings deepen our understanding of the characteristics and consequences of ZIKV infection of hTSCs in early human embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xing-Yao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Meng-Xu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hang-Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ying Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Beijia He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - De-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Ai-Ping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China.
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhuang BM, Cao DD, Liu XF, Wang L, Lin XL, Duan YG, Lee CL, Chiu PCN, Yeung WSB, Yao YQ. Application of a JEG-3 organoid model to study HLA-G function in the trophoblast. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130308. [PMID: 37006248 PMCID: PMC10050466 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is a unique temporary organ with a mysterious immune tolerance. The formation of trophoblast organoids has advanced the study of placental development. HLA-G is uniquely expressed in the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and has been linked to placental disorders. With older experimental methodologies, the role of HLA-G in trophoblast function beyond immunomodulation is still contested, as is its role during trophoblast differentiation. Organoid models incorporating CRISPR/Cas9 technology were used to examine the role of HLA-G in trophoblast function and differentiation. JEG-3 trophoblast organoids (JEG-3-ORGs) were established that highly expressed trophoblast representative markers and had the capacity to differentiate into EVT. CRISPR/Cas9 based on HLA-G knockout (KO) significantly altered the trophoblast immunomodulatory effect on the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells, as well as the trophoblast regulatory effect on HUVEC angiogenesis, but had no effect on the proliferation and invasion of JEG-3 cells and the formation of TB-ORGs. RNA-sequencing analysis further demonstrated that JEG-3 KO cells followed similar biological pathways as their wild-type counterparts during the formation of TB-ORGs. In addition, neither HLA-G KO nor the exogenous addition of HLA-G protein during EVT differentiation from JEG-3-ORGs altered the temporal expression of the known EVT marker genes. Based on the JEG-3 KO (disruption of exons 2 and 3) cell line and the TB-ORGs model, it was determined that HLA-G has a negligible effect on trophoblast invasion and differentiation. Despite this, JEG-3-ORG remains a valuable model for studying trophoblast differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Mei Zhuang
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan-Dan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Li Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HKU Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HKU Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HKU Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: William S. B. Yeung, ; Yuan-Qing Yao,
| | - Yuan-Qing Yao
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: William S. B. Yeung, ; Yuan-Qing Yao,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kozai K, Moreno-Irusta A, Iqbal K, Winchester ML, Scott RL, Simon ME, Muto M, Parrish MR, Soares MJ. The AKT1-FOXO4 axis reciprocally regulates hemochorial placentation. Development 2023; 150:dev201095. [PMID: 36607602 PMCID: PMC10110493 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hemochorial placentation involves the differentiation of invasive trophoblast cells, specialized cells that possess the capacity to exit the placenta and invade into the uterus where they restructure the vasculature. Invasive trophoblast cells arise from a well-defined compartment within the placenta, referred to as the junctional zone in rat and the extravillous trophoblast cell column in human. In this study, we investigated roles for AKT1, a serine/threonine kinase, in placental development using a genome-edited/loss-of-function rat model. Disruption of AKT1 resulted in placental, fetal and postnatal growth restriction. Forkhead box O4 (Foxo4), which encodes a transcription factor and known AKT substrate, was abundantly expressed in the junctional zone and in invasive trophoblast cells of the rat placentation site. Foxo4 gene disruption using genome editing resulted in placentomegaly, including an enlarged junctional zone. AKT1 and FOXO4 regulate the expression of many of the same transcripts expressed by trophoblast cells, but in opposite directions. In summary, we have identified AKT1 and FOXO4 as part of a regulatory network that reciprocally controls critical indices of hemochorial placenta development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Kozai
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Mae-Lan Winchester
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Mikaela E. Simon
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Masanaga Muto
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Marc R. Parrish
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Karvas RM, David L, Theunissen TW. Accessing the human trophoblast stem cell state from pluripotent and somatic cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:604. [PMID: 36434136 PMCID: PMC9702929 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblasts are specialized epithelial cells that perform critical functions during blastocyst implantation and mediate maternal-fetal communication during pregnancy. However, our understanding of human trophoblast biology remains limited since access to first-trimester placental tissue is scarce, especially between the first and fourth weeks of development. Moreover, animal models inadequately recapitulate unique aspects of human placental physiology. In the mouse system, the isolation of self-renewing trophoblast stem cells has provided a valuable in vitro model system of placental development, but the derivation of analogous human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) has remained elusive until recently. Building on a landmark study reporting the isolation of bona fide hTSCs from blastocysts and first-trimester placental tissues in 2018, several groups have developed methods to derive hTSCs from pluripotent and somatic cell sources. Here we review the biological and molecular properties that define authentic hTSCs, the trophoblast potential of distinct pluripotent states, and methods for inducing hTSCs in somatic cells by direct reprogramming. The generation of hTSCs from pluripotent and somatic cells presents exciting opportunities to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of human placental development and the etiology of pregnancy-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Laurent David
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CR2TI, UMR 1064, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, Biocore, US 016, UAR 3556, 44000, Nantes, France.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Transforming growth factor-β signaling governs the differentiation program of extravillous trophoblasts in the developing human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120667119. [PMID: 35867736 PMCID: PMC9282384 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120667119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal placentation has been noticed in a variety of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, early-onset preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Defects in the developmental program of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), migrating from placental anchoring villi into the maternal decidua and its vessels, is thought to be an underlying cause. Yet, key regulatory mechanisms controlling commitment and differentiation of the invasive trophoblast lineage remain largely elusive. Herein, comparative gene expression analyses of HLA-G-purified EVTs, isolated from donor-matched placenta, decidua, and trophoblast organoids (TB-ORGs), revealed biological processes and signaling pathways governing EVT development. In particular, bioinformatics analyses and manipulations in different versatile trophoblast cell models unraveled transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling as a crucial pathway driving differentiation of placental EVTs into decidual EVTs, the latter showing enrichment of a secretory gene signature. Removal of Wingless signaling and subsequent activation of the TGF-β pathway were required for the formation of human leukocyte antigen-G+ (HLA-G+) EVTs in TB-ORGs that resemble in situ EVTs at the level of global gene expression. Accordingly, TGF-β-treated EVTs secreted enzymes, such as DAO and PAPPA2, which were predominantly expressed by decidual EVTs. Their genes were controlled by EVT-specific induction and genomic binding of the TGF-β downstream effector SMAD3. In summary, TGF-β signaling plays a key role in human placental development governing the differentiation program of EVTs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Eikmans M, van der Keur C, Anholts JDH, Drabbels JJM, van Beelen E, de Sousa Lopes SMC, van der Hoorn ML. Primary Trophoblast Cultures: Characterization of HLA Profiles and Immune Cell Interactions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:814019. [PMID: 35634345 PMCID: PMC9136060 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.814019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Trophoblasts are essential in fetal-maternal interaction during pregnancy. The goal was to study HLA profiles of primary trophoblasts derived from placentas, and to investigate their usefulness in studying interaction with immune cells. Methods After enzymatic digestion of first-trimester placental tissue from seven donors (6-9 weeks gestation) and trophoblast enrichment we cultured cytotrophoblasts (CTB) in stem cell medium. CTB were differentiated into EVT in a Matrigel-containing medium. A subset of CTB/EVT was profiled for microRNA levels. Expression of classical HLA molecules and of HLA-G was studied by flow cytometry, qPCR, and ELISA. Secondary trophoblast cell lines JAR and JEG-3 were studied as controls. Lymphocytes were investigated during co-culturing with EVT. Results The trophoblasts could be easily maintained for several passages, upregulated classical trophoblast markers (GATA3, TFAP2C, chromosome-19 microRNAs), and upon differentiation to EVT they were selective in expressing HLA-C. EVT showed increasing expression of total HLA-G, an increasing proportion of HLA-G1 over G2- and G3 isoforms, and elevated excretion of soluble HLA-G. These features were distinct from those of the secondary trophoblast cell lines. TNF-α and IL-8 represented the most abundantly secreted cytokines by CTB, but their levels were minimal in EVT cultures. As proof of principle, we showed that EVT affect lymphocytes in three-day co-cultures (n=4) by decreasing activation marker HLA-DR. Conclusion We verified the possibility culturing trophoblasts from first-term placentas, and their capability of differentiating to HLA-G expressing EVT. This culture model better represents the in-vivo situation than previously studied secondary trophoblast cell lines and enables mechanistic studies of fetal-maternal interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Michael Eikmans,
| | - Carin van der Keur
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Jos J. M. Drabbels
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Els van Beelen
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dietrich B, Haider S, Meinhardt G, Pollheimer J, Knöfler M. WNT and NOTCH signaling in human trophoblast development and differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:292. [PMID: 35562545 PMCID: PMC9106601 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04285-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Correct development of the human placenta and its differentiated epithelial cells, syncytial trophoblasts (STBs) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), is crucial for a successful pregnancy outcome. STBs develop by cell fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) in placental floating villi, whereas migratory EVTs originate from specialized villi anchoring to the maternal decidua. Defects in trophoblast differentiation have been associated with severe pregnancy disorders such as early-onset preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. However, the evolutionary pathways underlying normal and adverse placentation are poorly understood. Herein, we discuss Wingless (WNT) and NOTCH signaling, two pathways that play pivotal roles in human placenta and trophoblast development. Whereas WNT is necessary for expansion of trophoblast progenitors and stem cells, NOTCH1 is required for proliferation and survival of EVT precursors. Differentiation of the latter is orchestrated by a switch in NOTCH receptor expression as well as by changes in WNT ligands and their downstream effectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Dietrich
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Haider
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Pollheimer
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Maternal-Fetal Immunology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Knöfler
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tilston-Lunel A, Mazzilli S, Kingston NM, Szymaniak AD, Hicks-Berthet J, Kern JG, Abo K, Reid ME, Perdomo C, Wilson AA, Spira A, Beane J, Varelas X. Aberrant epithelial polarity cues drive the development of precancerous airway lesions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2019282118. [PMID: 33903236 PMCID: PMC8106308 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019282118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular events that drive the development of precancerous lesions in the bronchial epithelium, which are precursors of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), are poorly understood. We demonstrate that disruption of epithelial cellular polarity, via the conditional deletion of the apical determinant Crumbs3 (Crb3), initiates and sustains precancerous airway pathology. The loss of Crb3 in adult luminal airway epithelium promotes the uncontrolled activation of the transcriptional regulators YAP and TAZ, which stimulate intrinsic signals that promote epithelial cell plasticity and paracrine signals that induce basal-like cell growth. We show that aberrant polarity and YAP/TAZ-regulated gene expression associates with human bronchial precancer pathology and disease progression. Analyses of YAP/TAZ-regulated genes further identified the ERBB receptor ligand Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) as a key transcriptional target and therapeutic targeting of ERBB receptors as a means of preventing and treating precancerous cell growth. Our observations offer important molecular insight into the etiology of LUSC and provides directions for potential interception strategies of lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tilston-Lunel
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Sarah Mazzilli
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Nathan M Kingston
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | | | - Julia Hicks-Berthet
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Joseph G Kern
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Kristine Abo
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Mary E Reid
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203
| | - Catalina Perdomo
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Andrew A Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
- Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118
- Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine , Boston, MA 02118
| | - Avrum Spira
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
- Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine , Boston, MA 02118
- Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI), Johnson and Johnson, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Jennifer Beane
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118;
- Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine , Boston, MA 02118
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ojosnegros S, Seriola A, Godeau AL, Veiga A. Embryo implantation in the laboratory: an update on current techniques. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:501-530. [PMID: 33410481 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The embryo implantation process is crucial for the correct establishment and progress of pregnancy. During implantation, the blastocyst trophectoderm cells attach to the epithelium of the endometrium, triggering intense cell-to-cell crosstalk that leads to trophoblast outgrowth, invasion of the endometrial tissue, and formation of the placenta. However, this process, which is vital for embryo and foetal development in utero, is still elusive to experimentation because of its inaccessibility. Experimental implantation is cumbersome and impractical in adult animal models and is inconceivable in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A number of custom experimental solutions have been proposed to recreate different stages of the implantation process in vitro, by combining a human embryo (or a human embryo surrogate) and endometrial cells (or a surrogate for the endometrial tissue). In vitro models allow rapid high-throughput interrogation of embryos and cells, and efficient screening of molecules, such as cytokines, drugs, or transcription factors, that control embryo implantation and the receptivity of the endometrium. However, the broad selection of available in vitro systems makes it complicated to decide which system best fits the needs of a specific experiment or scientific question. To orient the reader, this review will explore the experimental options proposed in the literature, and classify them into amenable categories based on the embryo/cell pairs employed.The goal is to give an overview of the tools available to study the complex process of human embryo implantation, and explain the differences between them, including the advantages and disadvantages of each system. SEARCH METHODS We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to come up with different categories that mimic the different stages of embryo implantation in vitro, ranging from initial blastocyst apposition to later stages of trophoblast invasion or gastrulation. We will also review recent breakthrough advances on stem cells and organoids, assembling embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues. OUTCOMES We highlight the most relevant systems and describe the most significant experiments. We focus on in vitro systems that have contributed to the study of human reproduction by discovering molecules that control implantation, including hormones, signalling molecules, transcription factors and cytokines. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The momentum of this field is growing thanks to the use of stem cells to build embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues, and the use of bioengineering to extend the life of embryos in culture. We propose to merge bioengineering methods derived from the fields of stem cells and reproduction to develop new systems covering a wider window of the implantation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ojosnegros
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Seriola
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amélie L Godeau
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- B arcelona Stem Cell Bank, Regenerative Medicine Programme, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain.,Reproductive Medicine Service, Dexeus Mujer, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shibata S, Kobayashi EH, Kobayashi N, Oike A, Okae H, Arima T. Unique features and emerging in vitro models of human placental development. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:301-313. [PMID: 33071632 PMCID: PMC7542016 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The placenta is an essential organ for the normal development of mammalian fetuses. Most of our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of placental development has come from the analyses of mice, especially histopathological examination of knockout mice. Choriocarcinoma and immortalized cell lines have also been used for basic research on the human placenta. However, these cells are quite different from normal trophoblast cells. Methods In this review, we first provide an overview of mouse and human placental development with particular focus on the differences in the anatomy, transcription factor networks, and epigenetic characteristics between these species. Next, we discuss pregnancy complications associated with abnormal placentation. Finally, we introduce emerging in vitro models to study the human placenta, including human trophoblast stem (TS) cells, trophoblast and endometrium organoids, and artificial embryos. Main findings The placental structure and development differ greatly between humans and mice. The recent establishment of human TS cells and trophoblast and endometrial organoids enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying human placental development. Conclusion These in vitro models will greatly advance our understanding of human placental development and potentially contribute to the elucidation of the causes of infertility and other pregnancy complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Eri H Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Arutjunyan AV, Milyutina YP, Shcherbitskaia AD, Kerkeshko GO, Zalozniaia IV, Mikhel AV. Neurotrophins of the Fetal Brain and Placenta in Prenatal Hyperhomocysteinemia. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2020; 85:213-223. [PMID: 32093597 DOI: 10.1134/s000629792002008x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia (PHHC) in pregnant rats was induced by chronic L-methionine loading, resulting in a significant increase in the L-homocysteine content both in the mothers' blood and blood and brain of fetuses. Significant decrease in the weight of the placenta, fetus, and fetal brain was detected by the morphometric studies on day 20 of pregnancy. PHHC also activated maternal immune system due to the increase in the content of proinflammatory interleukin-1β in the rat blood and fetal part of the placenta. PHHC elevated the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, 29 kDa) and nerve growth factor (NGF, 31 kDa) precursors in the placenta and the content of the BDNF isoform (29 kDa) in the fetal brain. The content of neuregulin 1 (NRG1) decreased in the placenta and increased in the fetal brain on day 20 of embryonic development. An increase in the caspase-3 activity was detected in the brains of fetuses subjected to PHHC. It was suggested that changes in the processing of neurotrophins induced by PPHC, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes initiated by it, as well as apoptosis, play an important role in the development of brain disorders in the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A V Arutjunyan
- Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
| | - Yu P Milyutina
- Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - A D Shcherbitskaia
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 194223, Russia
| | - G O Kerkeshko
- Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - I V Zalozniaia
- Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - A V Mikhel
- Ott Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Treissman J, Yuan V, Baltayeva J, Le HT, Castellana B, Robinson WP, Beristain AG. Low oxygen enhances trophoblast column growth by potentiating differentiation of the extravillous lineage and promoting LOX activity. Development 2020; 147:dev.181263. [PMID: 31871275 DOI: 10.1242/dev.181263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Early placental development and the establishment of the invasive trophoblast lineage take place within a low oxygen environment. However, conflicting and inconsistent findings have obscured the role of oxygen in regulating invasive trophoblast differentiation. In this study, the effect of hypoxic, normoxic and atmospheric oxygen on invasive extravillous pathway progression was examined using a human placental explant model. Here, we show that exposure to low oxygen enhances extravillous column outgrowth and promotes the expression of genes that align with extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage commitment. By contrast, supra-physiological atmospheric levels of oxygen promote trophoblast proliferation while simultaneously stalling EVT progression. Low oxygen-induced EVT differentiation coincided with elevated transcriptomic levels of lysyl oxidase (LOX) in trophoblast anchoring columns, in which functional experiments established a role for LOX activity in promoting EVT column outgrowth. The findings of this work support a role for low oxygen in potentiating the differentiation of trophoblasts along the extravillous pathway. In addition, these findings generate insight into new molecular processes controlled by oxygen during early placental development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Treissman
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Victor Yuan
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Jennet Baltayeva
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Hoa T Le
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Barbara Castellana
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Wendy P Robinson
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada .,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Knöfler M, Haider S, Saleh L, Pollheimer J, Gamage TKJB, James J. Human placenta and trophoblast development: key molecular mechanisms and model systems. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3479-3496. [PMID: 31049600 PMCID: PMC6697717 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03104-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 344] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal placentation is considered as an underlying cause of various pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, the latter increasing the risk for the development of severe disorders in later life such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Despite their importance, the molecular mechanisms governing human placental formation and trophoblast cell lineage specification and differentiation have been poorly unravelled, mostly due to the lack of appropriate cellular model systems. However, over the past few years major progress has been made by establishing self-renewing human trophoblast stem cells and 3-dimensional organoids from human blastocysts and early placental tissues opening the path for detailed molecular investigations. Herein, we summarize the present knowledge about human placental development, its stem cells, progenitors and differentiated cell types in the trophoblast epithelium and the villous core. Anatomy of the early placenta, current model systems, and critical key regulatory factors and signalling cascades governing placentation will be elucidated. In this context, we will discuss the role of the developmental pathways Wingless and Notch, controlling trophoblast stemness/differentiation and formation of invasive trophoblast progenitors, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Knöfler
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sandra Haider
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leila Saleh
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Pollheimer
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Teena K J B Gamage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Black LE, Longo JF, Carroll SL. Mechanisms of Receptor Tyrosine-Protein Kinase ErbB-3 (ERBB3) Action in Human Neoplasia. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:1898-1912. [PMID: 31351986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (ERBB2)/human EGF receptor 2 (HER2), and, to a lesser extent, ERBB4/HER4, promote the pathogenesis of many types of human cancers. In contrast, the role that ERBB3/HER3, the fourth member of the ERBB family of receptor tyrosine kinases, plays in these diseases is poorly understood and, until recently, underappreciated. In large part, this was because early structural and functional studies suggested that ERBB3 had little, if any, intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and, thus, was unlikely to be an important therapeutic target. Since then, however, numerous publications have demonstrated an important role for ERBB3 in carcinogenesis, metastasis, and acquired drug resistance. Furthermore, somatic ERBB3 mutations are frequently encountered in many types of human cancers. Dysregulation of ERBB3 trafficking as well as cooperation with other receptor tyrosine kinases further enhance ERBB3's role in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. As a result of these advances in our understanding of the structure and biochemistry of ERBB3, and a growing focus on the development of precision and combinatorial therapeutic regimens, ERBB3 is increasingly considered to be an important therapeutic target in human cancers. In this review, we discuss the unique structural and functional features of ERBB3 and how this information is being used to develop effective new therapeutic agents that target ERBB3 in human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurel E Black
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jody F Longo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Steven L Carroll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wong FT, Lin C, Cox BJ. Cellular systems biology identifies dynamic trophoblast populations in early human placentas. Placenta 2019; 76:10-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
16
|
Pollheimer J, Vondra S, Baltayeva J, Beristain AG, Knöfler M. Regulation of Placental Extravillous Trophoblasts by the Maternal Uterine Environment. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2597. [PMID: 30483261 PMCID: PMC6243063 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During placentation invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) migrate into the maternal uterus and modify its vessels. In particular, remodeling of the spiral arteries by EVTs is critical for adapting blood flow and nutrient transport to the developing fetus. Failures in this process have been noticed in different pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, or recurrent abortion. Upon invasion into the decidua, the endometrium of pregnancy, EVTs encounter different maternal cell types such as decidual macrophages, uterine NK (uNK) cells and stromal cells expressing a plethora of growth factors and cytokines. Here, we will summarize development of the EVT lineage, a process occurring independently of the uterine environment, and formation of its different subtypes. Further, we will discuss interactions of EVTs with arteries, veins and lymphatics and illustrate how the decidua and its different immune cells regulate EVT differentiation, invasion and survival. The present literature suggests that the decidual environment and its soluble factors critically modulate EVT function and reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Pollheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigrid Vondra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jennet Baltayeva
- British Columbia's Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander Guillermo Beristain
- British Columbia's Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Haider S, Meinhardt G, Saleh L, Kunihs V, Gamperl M, Kaindl U, Ellinger A, Burkard TR, Fiala C, Pollheimer J, Mendjan S, Latos PA, Knöfler M. Self-Renewing Trophoblast Organoids Recapitulate the Developmental Program of the Early Human Placenta. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 11:537-551. [PMID: 30078556 PMCID: PMC6092984 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Defective placentation is the underlying cause of various pregnancy complications, such as severe intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia. However, studies on human placental development are hampered by the lack of a self-renewing in vitro model that would recapitulate formation of trophoblast progenitors and differentiated subtypes, syncytiotrophoblast (STB) and invasive extravillous trophoblast (EVT), in a 3D orientation. Hence, we established long-term expanding organoid cultures from purified first-trimester cytotrophoblasts (CTBs). Molecular analyses revealed that the CTB organoid cultures (CTB-ORGs) express markers of trophoblast stemness and proliferation and are highly similar to primary CTBs at the level of global gene expression. Whereas CTB-ORGs spontaneously generated STBs, withdrawal of factors for self-renewal induced trophoblast outgrowth, expressing the EVT progenitor marker NOTCH1, and provoked formation of adjacent, distally located HLA-G+ EVTs. In summary, we established human CTB-ORGs that grow and differentiate under defined culture conditions, allowing future human placental disease modeling. Derivation of cytotrophoblast organoids from human placenta Long-term expansion of trophoblast organoids in a chemically defined medium Formation of the extravillous trophoblast lineage under defined culture conditions
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Reproductive Biology Unit, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Reproductive Biology Unit, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Leila Saleh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Reproductive Biology Unit, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Viktoria Kunihs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Reproductive Biology Unit, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdalena Gamperl
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich Kaindl
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adolf Ellinger
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas R Burkard
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jürgen Pollheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Reproductive Biology Unit, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sasha Mendjan
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Paulina A Latos
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Reproductive Biology Unit, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Computational Approach to Investigating Key GO Terms and KEGG Pathways Associated with CNV. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:8406857. [PMID: 29850576 PMCID: PMC5925134 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8406857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a severe eye disease that leads to blindness, especially in the elderly population. Various endogenous and exogenous regulatory factors promote its pathogenesis. However, the detailed molecular biological mechanisms of CNV have not been fully revealed. In this study, by using advanced computational tools, a number of key gene ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways were selected for CNV. A total of 29 validated genes associated with CNV and 17,639 nonvalidated genes were encoded based on the features derived from the GO terms and KEGG pathways by using the enrichment theory. The widely accepted feature selection method-maximum relevance and minimum redundancy (mRMR)-was applied to analyze and rank the features. An extensive literature review for the top 45 ranking features was conducted to confirm their close associations with CNV. Identifying the molecular biological mechanisms of CNV as described by the GO terms and KEGG pathways may contribute to improving the understanding of the pathogenesis of CNV.
Collapse
|
19
|
Okae H, Toh H, Sato T, Hiura H, Takahashi S, Shirane K, Kabayama Y, Suyama M, Sasaki H, Arima T. Derivation of Human Trophoblast Stem Cells. Cell Stem Cell 2017; 22:50-63.e6. [PMID: 29249463 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 484] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblast cells play an essential role in the interactions between the fetus and mother. Mouse trophoblast stem (TS) cells have been derived and used as the best in vitro model for molecular and functional analysis of mouse trophoblast lineages, but attempts to derive human TS cells have so far been unsuccessful. Here we show that activation of Wingless/Integrated (Wnt) and EGF and inhibition of TGF-β, histone deacetylase (HDAC), and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) enable long-term culture of human villous cytotrophoblast (CT) cells. The resulting cell lines have the capacity to give rise to the three major trophoblast lineages, which show transcriptomes similar to those of the corresponding primary trophoblast cells. Importantly, equivalent cell lines can be derived from human blastocysts. Our data strongly suggest that the CT- and blastocyst-derived cell lines are human TS cells, which will provide a powerful tool to study human trophoblast development and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Hidehiro Toh
- 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
| | - Hitoshi Hiura
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Sota Takahashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Shirane
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuka Kabayama
- Division of Epigenomics and Development, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, 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
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chowdhury I, Branch A, Mehrabi S, Ford BD, Thompson WE. Gonadotropin-Dependent Neuregulin-1 Signaling Regulates Female Rat Ovarian Granulosa Cell Survival. Endocrinology 2017; 158:3647-3660. [PMID: 28938399 PMCID: PMC5659703 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian ovarian follicular development and maturation of an oocyte competent to be fertilized and develop into an embryo depends on tightly regulated, spatiotemporally orchestrated crosstalk among cell death, survival, and differentiation signals through extra- and intraovarian signals, as well as on a permissive ovarian follicular microenvironment. Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) is a member of the epidermal growth factor-like factor family that mediates its effects by binding to a member of the erythroblastoma (ErbB) family. Our experimental results suggest gonadotropins promote differential expression of NRG1 and erbB receptors in granulosa cells (GCs), and NRG1 in theca cells during follicular development, and promote NRG1 secretions in the follicular fluid (FF) of rat ovaries. During the estrous cycle of rat, NRG1 and erbB receptors are differentially expressed in GCs and correlate positively with serum gonadotropins and steroid hormones. Moreover, in vitro experimental studies suggest that the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine (STS) causes the physical destruction of GCs by the activation of caspase-3. Exogenous NRG1 treatment of GCs delayed onset of STS-induced apoptosis and inhibited cleaved caspase-3 expressions. Moreover, exogenous NRG1 treatment of GCs alters STS-induced death by maintaining the expression of ErbB2, ErbB3, pAkt, Bcl2, and BclxL proteins. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that NRG1 is gonadotropin dependent, differentially regulated in GCs and theca cells, and secreted in ovarian FF as an intracellular survival factor that may govern follicular maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Chowdhury
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Reproductive Science Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Alicia Branch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Reproductive Science Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Sharifeh Mehrabi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Reproductive Science Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Byron D. Ford
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California-Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, California 92521
| | - Winston E. Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Reproductive Science Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jeong W, Bae H, Lim W, Bazer FW, Song G. Differential expression of neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and candidate miRNA regulating NRG1 transcription in the chicken oviduct in response to hormonal changes1. J Anim Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2017.1663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
22
|
Haider S, Kunihs V, Fiala C, Pollheimer J, Knöfler M. Expression pattern and phosphorylation status of Smad2/3 in different subtypes of human first trimester trophoblast. Placenta 2017; 57:17-25. [PMID: 28864007 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION TGF-β superfamily members are thought to play a pivotal role in placental development and differentiation. However, their downstream effectors, the Smad transcription factors, have been poorly investigated in human trophoblasts. METHODS Expression and localisation of the canonical TGF-β targets Smad2/3 and their regulators (Smad4 and Smad7) were investigated in first trimester placenta and purified cytotrophoblast (CTB) subtypes using immunofluorescence, western blotting and qPCR. Canonical and non-canonical activation was analysed in nuclear/cytoplasmic extracts of trophoblast subtypes as well as in tissue sections using antibodies against Smad2/3, phosphorylated either at the C-terminus (pSmad2C/3C) or in their linker regions (pSmad2L/3L). Smad phosphorylation was also examined in differentiating extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in the absence or presence of decidual stromal cell (DSC)-conditioned medium. RESULTS Smad2, Smad4 and Smad7 protein were uniformly expressed between 6th and 12th week placentae and the different isolated CTB subtypes. Activated pSmad2L was mainly detected in nuclei and cytoplasm of villous CTBs, whereas pSmad2C was absent from these cells. In contrast, pSmad2C could be detected in the cytoplasm of cell column trophoblasts and in the cytoplasm/nuclei of EVTs. Smad3 and its phosphorylated forms pSmad3C and pSmad3L specifically localised to EVT nuclei. During EVT differentiation autocrine activation of pSmad2C/3C and pSmad3L was observed. DSC-conditioned medium further increased Smad2/3 phosphorylation in EVTs. DISCUSSION The lack of pSmad2C in villous CTBs suggests that other mitogens than TGF-β could promote Smad2 linker phosphorylation under homeostatic conditions. Whereas autocrine signalling activates Smad2/3 in differentiating EVTs, paracrine factors contribute to Smad phosphorylation in these cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Haider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - V Kunihs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Fiala
- Gynmed Clinic, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Pollheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trophoblast progenitor cell differentiation towards the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage initiates within proximal regions of anchoring columns of first trimester placental villi. While molecular processes controlling the initial stages of progenitor cell differentiation along the EVT pathway have been described, much remains unknown about factors important in distal column cell differentiation into invasive EVTs. ADAMs are proteases that regulate growth factor signaling, cell-matrix adhesion, and matrix proteolysis, and thus impact many processes relevant in placentation. Global gene expression studies identified the ADAM subtype, ADAM28, to be highly expressed in EVT-like trophoblasts, suggesting that it may play a role in EVT function. This study aims to test the functional importance of ADAM28 in column cell outgrowth and maintenance. METHODS ADAM28 mRNA levels and protein localization were determined by qPCR and immunofluorescence microscopy analyses in purified placental villi cell populations and tissues. ADAM28 function in trophoblast column outgrowth was examined using ADAM28-targetting siRNAs in Matrigel-imbedded placental explant cultures. RESULTS Within placental villi, ADAM28 mRNA levels were highest in HLA-G+ column trophoblasts, and consistent with this, ADAM28 was preferentially localized to HLA-G+ trophoblasts within distal anchoring columns and decidual tissue. siRNA-directed loss of ADAM28 impaired trophoblast column outgrowth and resulted in increased apoptosis in matrix-invading trophoblasts. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that ADAM28 promotes column outgrowth by providing survival cues within anchoring column cells. This study also provides insight into a possible role for ADAM28 in driving differentiation of column trophoblasts into invasive HLA-G+ EVT subsets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C De Luca
- British Columbia's Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - H T Le
- British Columbia's Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - D L Mara
- British Columbia's Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - A G Beristain
- British Columbia's Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|