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De Bem THC, Bridi A, Tinning H, Sampaio RV, Malo-Estepa I, Wang D, Vasconcelos EJR, Nociti RP, de Ávila ACFCM, Rodrigues Sangalli J, Motta IG, Arantes Ataíde G, da Silva JCB, Fumie Watanabe Y, Gonella-Diaza A, da Silveira JC, Pugliesi G, Vieira Meirelles F, Forde N. Biosensor capability of the endometrium is mediated in part, by altered miRNA cargo from conceptus-derived extracellular vesicles. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23639. [PMID: 38742798 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302423rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that the biosensor capability of the endometrium is mediated in part, by the effect of different cargo contained in the extracellular vesicles secreted by the conceptus during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy. We transferred Bos taurus taurus embryos of different origin, in vivo (high developmental potential (IV)), in vitro (intermediate developmental potential (IVF)), or cloned (low developmental potential (NT)), into Bos taurus indicus recipients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) recovered from Day 16 conceptus-conditioned medium were characterized and their microRNA (miRNA) cargo sequenced alongside RNA sequencing of their respective endometria. There were substantial differences in the endometrial response to in vivo versus in vitro and in vivo versus cloned conceptuses (1153 and 334DEGs respectively) with limited differences between in vitro Vs cloned conceptuses (36 DEGs). The miRNA cargo contained in conceptus-derived EVs was similar between all three groups (426 miRNA in common). Only 8 miRNAs were different between in vivo and cloned conceptuses, while only 6 miRNAs were different between in vivo and in vitro-derived conceptuses. Treatment of endometrial epithelial cells with mimic or inhibitors for miR-128 and miR-1298 changed the proteomic content of target cells (96 and 85, respectively) of which mRNAs are altered in the endometrium in vivo (PLXDC2, COPG1, HSPA12A, MCM5, TBL1XR1, and TTF). In conclusion, we have determined that the biosensor capability of the endometrium is mediated in part, by its response to different EVs miRNA cargo produced by the conceptus during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago H C De Bem
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Bridi
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Haidee Tinning
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Rafael Vilar Sampaio
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Irene Malo-Estepa
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Dapeng Wang
- LeedsOmics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ricardo Perecin Nociti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Ana C F C M de Ávila
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Juliano Rodrigues Sangalli
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Igor Garcia Motta
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Gilmar Arantes Ataíde
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Júlio C B da Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Angela Gonella-Diaza
- North Florida Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Juliano C da Silveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- LeedsOmics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Raja Xavier JP, Rianna C, Hellwich E, Nikolou I, Lankapalli AK, Brucker SY, Singh Y, Lang F, Schäffer TE, Salker MS. Excessive endometrial PlGF- Rac1 signalling underlies endometrial cell stiffness linked to pre-eclampsia. Commun Biol 2024; 7:530. [PMID: 38704457 PMCID: PMC11069541 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell stiffness is regulated by dynamic interaction between ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and p21 protein-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) proteins, besides other biochemical and molecular regulators. In this study, we investigated how the Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) changes endometrial mechanics by modifying the actin cytoskeleton at the maternal interface. We explored the global effects of PlGF in endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) using the concerted approach of proteomics, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Proteomic analysis shows PlGF upregulated RhoGTPases activating proteins and extracellular matrix organization-associated proteins in EnSCs. Rac1 and PAK1 transcript levels, activity, and actin polymerization were significantly increased with PlGF treatment. AFM further revealed an increase in cell stiffness with PlGF treatment. The additive effect of PlGF on actin polymerization was suppressed with siRNA-mediated inhibition of Rac1, PAK1, and WAVE2. Interestingly, the increase in cell stiffness by PlGF treatment was pharmacologically reversed with pravastatin, resulting in improved trophoblast cell invasion. Taken together, aberrant PlGF levels in the endometrium can contribute to an altered pre-pregnancy maternal microenvironment and offer a unifying explanation for the pathological changes observed in conditions such as pre-eclampsia (PE).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmela Rianna
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Emily Hellwich
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Iliana Nikolou
- Department of Women's Health, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Sara Y Brucker
- Department of Women's Health, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yogesh Singh
- Department of Women's Health, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Lang
- Department of Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tilman E Schäffer
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Madhuri S Salker
- Department of Women's Health, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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3
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Shukla R, Arshee MR, Laws MJ, Flaws JA, Bagchi MK, Wagoner Johnson AJ, Bagchi IC. Chronic exposure of mice to phthalates enhances TGF beta signaling and promotes uterine fibrosis. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 122:108491. [PMID: 37863342 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are synthetic chemicals widely used as plasticizers and stabilizers in various consumer products. Because of the extensive production and use of phthalates, humans are exposed to these chemicals daily. While most studies focus on a single phthalate, humans are exposed to a mixture of phthalates on a regular basis. The impact of continuous exposure to phthalate mixture on uterus is largely unknown. Thus, we conducted studies in which adult female mice were exposed for 6 months to 0.15 ppm and 1.5 ppm of a mixture of phthalates via chow ad libitum. Our studies revealed that consumption of phthalate mixture at 0.15 ppm and 1.5 ppm for 6 months led to a significant increase in the thickness of the myometrial layer compared to control. Further investigation employing RNA-sequencing revealed an elevated transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling in the uteri of mice fed with phthalate mixture. TGF-β signaling is associated with the development of fibrosis, a consequence of excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, such as collagen fibers in a tissue. Consistent with this observation, we found a higher incidence of collagen deposition in uteri of mice exposed to phthalate mixture compared to unexposed controls. Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging showed disorganized collagen fibers and nanoindentation indicated a local increase in uterine stiffness upon exposure to phthalate mixture. Collectively, our results demonstrate that chronic exposure to phthalate mixture can have adverse effects on uterine homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritwik Shukla
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Mahmuda R Arshee
- Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Mary J Laws
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carle R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Milan K Bagchi
- Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carle R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Amy J Wagoner Johnson
- Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carle R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carle R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Bhurke A, Davila J, Flaws JA, Bagchi MK, Bagchi IC. Exposure to di-isononyl phthalate during early pregnancy disrupts decidual angiogenesis and placental development in mice. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108446. [PMID: 37482143 PMCID: PMC10683654 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108446] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is found in numerous consumer products and human exposure to this phthalate is becoming inevitable. The impact of DiNP exposure on the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy remains largely unknown. Thus, we conducted studies in which pregnant mice were exposed to an environmentally relevant dose (20 µg/kg BW/day) of DiNP on days 1-7 of gestation, then analyzed the effects of this exposure on pregnancy outcome. Our studies revealed that exposure to DiNP during this window led to fetal loss towards the end of gestation. Further studies showed that, although embryos were able to attach to the uterus, implantation sites in DiNP-exposed uteri exhibited impaired differentiation of stromal cells to decidual cells and an underdeveloped angiogenic network in the decidual bed. We also found that exposure to this phthalate has a significant effect on trophoblast differentiation and causes disorganization of the placental layers. The labyrinth was significantly reduced, resulting in compromised expression of nutrient transporters in the placentas of mice exposed to DiNP. These placental defects in DiNP-exposed females were the cause of fetal loss during the later stages of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Bhurke
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Juanmahel Davila
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Milan K Bagchi
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Institute of Urbana, IL, USA.
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Sirohi VK, Medrano TI, Kannan A, Bagchi IC, Cooke PS. Uterine-specific Ezh2 deletion enhances stromal cell senescence and impairs placentation, resulting in pregnancy loss. iScience 2023; 26:107028. [PMID: 37360688 PMCID: PMC10285549 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal uterine remodeling facilitates embryo implantation, stromal cell decidualization and placentation, and perturbation of these processes may cause pregnancy loss. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase that epigenetically represses gene transcription; loss of uterine EZH2 affects endometrial physiology and induces infertility. We utilized a uterine Ezh2 conditional knockout (cKO) mouse to determine EZH2's role in pregnancy progression. Despite normal fertilization and implantation, embryo resorption occurred mid-gestation in Ezh2cKO mice, accompanied by compromised decidualization and placentation. Western blot analysis revealed Ezh2-deficient stromal cells have reduced amounts of the histone methylation mark H3K27me3, causing upregulation of senescence markers p21 and p16 and indicating that enhanced stromal cell senescence likely impairs decidualization. Placentas from Ezh2cKO dams on gestation day (GD) 12 show architectural defects, including mislocalization of spongiotrophoblasts and reduced vascularization. In summary, uterine Ezh2 loss impairs decidualization, increases decidual senescence, and alters trophoblast differentiation, leading to pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K. Sirohi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Theresa I. Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Athilakshmi Kannan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Indrani C. Bagchi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Paul S. Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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6
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Kannan A, Beal JR, Neff AM, Bagchi MK, Bagchi IC. Runx1 regulates critical factors that control uterine angiogenesis and trophoblast differentiation during placental development. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad215. [PMID: 37416873 PMCID: PMC10321400 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
During early pregnancy in humans and rodents, uterine stromal cells undergo a remarkable differentiation to form the decidua, a transient maternal tissue that supports the growing fetus. It is important to understand the key decidual pathways that orchestrate the proper development of the placenta, a key structure at the maternal-fetal interface. We discovered that ablation of expression of the transcription factor Runx1 in decidual stromal cells in a conditional Runx1-null mouse model (Runx1d/d) causes fetal lethality during placentation. Further phenotypic analysis revealed that uteri of pregnant Runx1d/d mice exhibited severely compromised decidual angiogenesis and a lack of trophoblast differentiation and migration, resulting in impaired spiral artery remodeling. Gene expression profiling using uteri from Runx1d/d and control mice revealed that Runx1 directly controls the decidual expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (also known as GJA1), which was previously shown to be essential for decidual angiogenesis. Our study also revealed that Runx1 controls the expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 2 and IGF-binding protein 4 (IGFBP4) during early pregnancy. While Runx1 deficiency drastically reduced the production of IGF2 by the decidual cells, we observed concurrent elevated expression of the IGFBP4, which regulates the bioavailability of IGFs, thereby controlling trophoblast differentiation. We posit that dysregulated expression of GJA1, IGF2, and IGFBP4 in Runx1d/d decidua contributes to the observed defects in uterine angiogenesis, trophoblast differentiation, and vascular remodeling. This study therefore provides unique insights into key maternal pathways that control the early phases of maternal-fetal interactions within a critical window during placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athilakshmi Kannan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 S Lincoln, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Jacob R Beal
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 407 S Goodwin, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Alison M Neff
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 407 S Goodwin, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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7
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Kannan A, Beal JR, Neff AM, Bagchi MK, Bagchi IC. Runx1 regulates critical factors that control uterine angiogenesis and trophoblast differentiation during placental development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.21.532831. [PMID: 36993295 PMCID: PMC10055213 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.21.532831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED During early pregnancy in humans and rodents, uterine stromal cells undergo a remarkable differentiation to form the decidua, a transient maternal tissue that supports the growing fetus. It is important to understand the key decidual pathways that orchestrate the proper development of the placenta, a key structure at the maternal-fetal interface. We discovered that ablation of expression of the transcription factor Runx1 in decidual stromal cells in a conditional Runx1 -null mouse model ( Runx1 d/d ) causes fetal lethality during placentation. Further phenotypic analysis revealed that uteri of pregnant Runx1 d/d mice exhibited severely compromised decidual angiogenesis, and a lack of trophoblast differentiation and migration, resulting in impaired spiral artery remodeling. Gene expression profiling using uteri from Runx1 d/d and control mice revealed that Runx1 directly controls the decidual expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (also known as GJA1), which was previously shown to be essential for decidual angiogenesis. Our study also revealed a critical role of Runx1 in controlling insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling at the maternal-fetal interface. While Runx1-deficiency drastically reduced the production of IGF2 by the decidual cells, we observed concurrent elevated expression of the IGF-binding protein 4 (IGFBP4), which regulates the bioavailability of IGFs thereby controlling trophoblast differentiation. We posit that dysregulated expression of GJA1, IGF2, and IGFBP4 in Runx1 d/d decidua contributes to the observed defects in uterine angiogenesis, trophoblast differentiation, and vascular remodeling. This study therefore provides unique insights into key maternal pathways that control the early phases of maternal-fetal interactions within a critical window during placental development. SIGNIFICANCE A clear understanding of the maternal pathways that ensure coordination of uterine differentiation and angiogenesis with embryonic growth during the critical early stages of placenta formation still eludes us. The present study reveals that the transcription factor Runx1 controls a set of molecular, cellular, and integrative mechanisms that mediate maternal adaptive responses controlling uterine angiogenesis, trophoblast differentiation, and resultant uterine vascular remodeling, which are essential steps during placenta development.
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Ma Q, Beal JR, Song X, Bhurke A, Bagchi IC, Bagchi MK. Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Mouse Decidual Cells Carry Critical Information for the Establishment of Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6758297. [PMID: 36219207 PMCID: PMC9761388 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mouse decidua secretes many factors that act in a paracrine/autocrine manner to critically control uterine decidualization, neovascularization, and tissue remodeling that ensure proper establishment of pregnancy. The precise mechanisms that dictate intercellular communications among the uterine cells during early pregnancy remain unknown. We recently reported that conditional deletion of the gene encoding the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 2 alpha (Hif2α) in mouse uterus led to infertility. Here, we report that HIF2α in mouse endometrial stromal cells (MESCs) acts via the cellular trafficking regulator RAB27b to control the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) during decidualization. We also found that Hif2α-regulated pathways influence the biogenesis of EVs. Proteomic analysis of EVs secreted by decidualizing MESCs revealed that they harbor a wide variety of protein cargoes whose composition changed as the decidualization process progressed. The EVs enhanced the differentiation capacity of MESCs and the production of angiogenic factors by these cells. We also established that matrix metalloproteinase-2, a prominent EV cargo protein, modulates uterine remodeling during decidualization. Collectively, our results support the concept that EVs are central to the mechanisms by which the decidual cells communicate with each other and other cell types within the uterus to facilitate successful establishment of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Ma
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jacob R Beal
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Xiangning Song
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Arpita Bhurke
- Carle Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Correspondence: Indrani C. Bagchi, PhD, Departments of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. ; or Milan K. Bagchi, PhD, Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Milan K Bagchi
- Correspondence: Indrani C. Bagchi, PhD, Departments of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. ; or Milan K. Bagchi, PhD, Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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9
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Extracellular vesicles secreted by human uterine stromal cells regulate decidualization, angiogenesis, and trophoblast differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200252119. [PMID: 36095212 PMCID: PMC9499590 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200252119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the uterus undergoes a dramatic transformation to form an endometrial stroma-derived secretory tissue, termed decidua, during early pregnancy. The decidua secretes various factors that act in an autocrine/paracrine manner to promote stromal differentiation, facilitate maternal angiogenesis, and influence trophoblast differentiation and development, which are critical for the formation of a functional placenta. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which decidual cells communicate with each other and with other cell types within the uterine milieu. We discovered that primary human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) during decidualization and that this process is controlled by a conserved HIF2α-RAB27B pathway. Mass spectrometry revealed that the decidual EVs harbor a variety of protein cargo, including cell signaling molecules, growth modulators, metabolic regulators, and factors controlling endothelial cell expansion and remodeling. We tested the hypothesis that EVs secreted by the decidual cells mediate functional communications between various cell types within the uterus. We demonstrated that the internalization of EVs, specifically those carrying the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), promotes glucose uptake in recipient HESCs, supporting and advancing the decidualization program. Additionally, delivery of HESC-derived EVs into human endothelial cells stimulated their proliferation and led to enhanced vascular network formation. Strikingly, stromal EVs also promoted the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells into the extravillous trophoblast lineage. Collectively, these findings provide a deeper understanding of the pleiotropic roles played by EVs secreted by the decidual cells to ensure coordination of endometrial differentiation and angiogenesis with trophoblast function during the progressive phases of decidualization and placentation.
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Maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy with concurrent phthalate exposure leads to abnormal placentation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16602. [PMID: 34400704 PMCID: PMC8368193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a synthetic chemical commonly used for its plasticizing capabilities. Because of the extensive production and use of DEHP, humans are exposed to this chemical daily. Diet is a significant exposure pathway and fatty food contain the highest level of phthalates. The impact on pregnancy following DEHP exposure and the associated interaction of high fat (HF) diet remains unknown. Here we report that exposure of pregnant mice to an environmentally relevant level of DEHP did not affect pregnancy. In contrast, mice fed a HF diet during gestation and exposed to the same level of DEHP display marked impairment in placental development, resulting in poor pregnancy outcomes. Our study further reveals that DEHP exposure combined with a HF diet interfere with the signaling pathway controlled by nuclear receptor PPARγ to adversely affect differentiation of trophoblast cells, leading to compromised vascularization and glucose transport in the placenta. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that maternal diet during pregnancy is a critical factor that determines whether exposure to an environmental toxicant results in impaired placental and fetal development, causing intrauterine growth restriction, fetal morbidity, and mortality.
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11
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Baker MJ, Cooke M, Kreider-Letterman G, Garcia-Mata R, Janmey PA, Kazanietz MG. Evaluation of active Rac1 levels in cancer cells: A case of misleading conclusions from immunofluorescence analysis. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:13698-13710. [PMID: 32817335 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of aggressive cancer cell lines display elevated levels of activated Rac1, a small GTPase widely implicated in cytoskeleton reorganization, cell motility, and metastatic dissemination. A commonly accepted methodological approach for detecting Rac1 activation in cancer cells involves the use of a conformation-sensitive antibody that detects the active (GTP-bound) Rac1 without interacting with the GDP-bound inactive form. This antibody has been extensively used in fixed cell immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Taking advantage of prostate and pancreatic cancer cell models known to have high basal Rac1-GTP levels, here we have established that this antibody does not recognize Rac1 but rather detects the intermediate filament protein vimentin. Indeed, Rac1-null PC3 prostate cancer cells or cancer models with low levels of Rac1 activation still show a high signal with the anti-Rac1-GTP antibody, which is lost upon silencing of vimentin expression. Moreover, this antibody was unable to detect activated Rac1 in membrane ruffles induced by epidermal growth factor stimulation. These results have profound implications for the study of this key GTPase in cancer, particularly because a large number of cancer cell lines with characteristic mesenchymal features show simultaneous up-regulation of vimentin and high basal Rac1-GTP levels when measured biochemically. This misleading correlation can lead to assumptions about the validity of this antibody and inaccurate conclusions that may affect the development of appropriate therapeutic approaches for targeting the Rac1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Baker
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Paul A Janmey
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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12
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Leiva NL, Nolly MB, Ávila Maniero M, Losinno AD, Damiani MT. Rab Proteins: Insights into Intracellular Trafficking in Endometrium. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:12-22. [PMID: 32638281 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00256-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Rab proteins belong to the Ras superfamily of small monomeric GTPases. These G proteins are the main controllers of vesicular transport in every tissue, among them, the endometrium. They are in charge of to the functional subcellular compartmentalization and cargo transport between organelles and the plasma membrane. In turn, intracellular trafficking contributes to endometrial changes during the menstrual cycle, secretion to the uterine fluid, and trophoblast implantation; however, few reports analyze the role of Rab proteins in the uterus. In general, Rab proteins control the release of cytokines, growth factors, enzymes, hormones, cell adhesion molecules, and mucus. Further, the secretion of multiple compounds into the uterine cavity is required for successful implantation. Therefore, alterations in Rab-controlled intracellular transport likely impair secretory processes to the uterine fluid that may correlate with abnormal endometrial development and failed reproductive outcomes. Overall, they could explain recurrent miscarriages, female infertility, and/or assisted reproductive failure. Interestingly, estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P) regulate gene expression of Rab proteins involved in secretory pathways. This review aims to gather information regarding the role of Rab proteins and intracellular trafficking in the endometrium during the different menstrual phases, and in the generation of a receptive stage for embryo implantation, modulated by E2 and P. This knowledge might be useful for the development of novel reproductive therapies that overcome low implantation rates of assisted reproductive procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L Leiva
- CONICET-UNCuyo-IMBECU, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Mariela B Nolly
- CONICET-UNCuyo-IMBECU, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Instituto de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Laboratorio de Bioquímica e Inmunidad, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Mariángeles Ávila Maniero
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Instituto de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Laboratorio de Bioquímica e Inmunidad, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Antonella D Losinno
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Instituto de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Laboratorio de Bioquímica e Inmunidad, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Maria Teresa Damiani
- CONICET-UNCuyo-IMBECU, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina. .,Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Instituto de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Laboratorio de Bioquímica e Inmunidad, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina. .,Instituto de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, IMBECU-CONICET-UNCuyo, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Centro Universitario, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina.
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13
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A hypoxia-induced Rab pathway regulates embryo implantation by controlled trafficking of secretory granules. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:14532-14542. [PMID: 32513733 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000810117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation is initiated when an embryo attaches to the uterine luminal epithelium and subsequently penetrates into the underlying stroma to firmly embed in the endometrium. These events are followed by the formation of an extensive vascular network in the stroma that supports embryonic growth and ensures successful implantation. Interestingly, in many mammalian species, these processes of early pregnancy occur in a hypoxic environment. However, the mechanisms underlying maternal adaptation to hypoxia during early pregnancy remain unclear. In this study, using a knockout mouse model, we show that the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (Hif2α), which is induced in subluminal stromal cells at the time of implantation, plays a crucial role during early pregnancy. Indeed, when preimplantation endometrial stromal cells are exposed to hypoxic conditions in vitro, we observed a striking enhancement in HIF2α expression. Further studies revealed that HIF2α regulates the expression of several metabolic and protein trafficking factors, including RAB27B, at the onset of implantation. RAB27B is a member of the Rab family of GTPases that allows controlled release of secretory granules. These granules are involved in trafficking MMP-9 from the stroma to the epithelium to promote luminal epithelial remodeling during embryo invasion. As pregnancy progresses, the HIF2α-RAB27B pathway additionally mediates crosstalk between stromal and endothelial cells via VEGF granules, developing the vascular network critical for establishing pregnancy. Collectively, our study provides insights into the intercellular communication mechanisms that operate during adaptation to hypoxia, which is essential for embryo implantation and establishment of pregnancy.
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14
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Esmaeilzadeh S, Mohammadi A, Mahdinejad N, Ghofrani F, Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M. Receptivity markers in endometrial mesenchymal stem cells of recurrent implantation failure and non-recurrent implantation failure women: A pilot study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:1393-1402. [PMID: 32485783 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSC) have a vital role in regeneration of endometrium during menstrual cycles. Since it has been suggested that (eMSC) likely play a role in uterine receptivity and establishment of pregnancy, we aimed to evaluate the expression levels of five most known receptivity markers-Integrin (ITG) β1, Rac1, HoxA11, ITGβ3 and Noggin-in eMSC of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and non-RIF women. METHODS Human eMSC were isolated from menstrual blood (MB) of RIF and non-RIF women. The isolated eMSC characterized based on their morphological and behavioral characteristics, expression of MSC-specific surface CD markers and their capacity of differentiation into osteocytes and adipocytes. The expression levels of the five mentioned receptivity markers were analyzed with real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Our findings revealed that RIF and non-RIF eMSC expressed all tested genes at different levels. ITGb1 expression in RIF eMSC was lower than its expression in non-RIF cells. On the other hand, all the other markers were expressed at higher levels in RIF eMSC than in non-RIF cells although only HOXA11 and ITG β3 showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) higher expression levels. CONCLUSION This pilot study on determination of the expression levels of uterine receptivity markers in eMSC interestingly indicated that RIF and non-RIF eMSC were different regarding the expression of these markers. Future studies using these findings can brighten up more the role of eMSC in the endometrium receptivity and establishment of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedighe Esmaeilzadeh
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Akbar Mohammadi
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Neda Mahdinejad
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Faezeh Ghofrani
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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15
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Soares MJ, Varberg KM, Iqbal K. Hemochorial placentation: development, function, and adaptations. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:196-211. [PMID: 29481584 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Placentation is a reproductive adaptation that permits fetal growth and development within the protected confines of the female reproductive tract. Through this important role, the placenta also determines postnatal health and susceptibility to disease. The hemochorial placenta is a prominent feature in primate and rodent development. This manuscript provides an overview of the basics of hemochorial placental development and function, provides perspectives on major discoveries that have shaped placental research, and thoughts on strategies for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA and the Center for Perinatal Research, Children΄s Research Institute, Children΄s Mercy, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Kaela M Varberg
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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16
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Böing M, Brand-Saberi B, Napirei M. Murine transcription factor Math6 is a regulator of placenta development. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14997. [PMID: 30301918 PMCID: PMC6177472 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33387-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The murine basic helix-loop-helix transcription (bHLH) factor mouse atonal homolog 6 (Math6) is expressed in numerous organs and supposed to be involved in several developmental processes. However, so far neither all aspects nor the molecular mechanisms of Math6 function have been explored exhaustively. To analyze the in vivo function of Math6 in detail, we generated a constitutive knockout (KO) mouse (Math6−/−) and performed an initial histological and molecular biological investigation of its main phenotype. Pregnant Math6−/− females suffer from a disturbed early placental development leading to the death of the majority of embryos independent of the embryonic Math6 genotype. A few placentas and fetuses survive the severe uterine hemorrhagic events at late mid-gestation (E13.5) and subsequently develop regularly. However, these fetuses could not be born due to obstructions within the gravid uterus, which hinder the birth process. Characterization of the endogenous spatiotemporal Math6 expression during placenta development reveals that Math6 is essential for an ordered decidualization and an important regulator of the maternal-fetal endocrine crosstalk regulating endometrial trophoblast invasion and differentiation. The strongly disturbed vascularization observed in the maternal placenta appears as an additional consequence of the altered endocrine status and as the main cause for the general hemorrhagic crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Böing
- Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Beate Brand-Saberi
- Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Markus Napirei
- Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Bochum, Germany
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17
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Nogueira V, Brito-Alves J, Fontes D, Oliveira L, Lucca W, Tourneur Y, Wanderley A, da Silva GSF, Leandro C, Costa-Silva JH. Carotid body removal normalizes arterial blood pressure and respiratory frequency in offspring of protein-restricted mothers. Hypertens Res 2018; 41:1000-1012. [PMID: 30242293 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-018-0104-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term and long-term effects elicited by carotid body removal (CBR) on ventilatory function and the development of hypertension in the offspring of malnourished rats. Wistar rats were fed a normo-protein (NP, 17% casein) or low-protein (LP, 8% casein) diet during pregnancy and lactation. At 29 days of age, the animals were submitted to CBR or a sham surgery, according to the following groups: NP-cbr, LP-cbr, NP-sham, or LP-sham. In the short-term, at 30 days of age, the respiratory frequency (RF) and immunoreactivity for Fos on the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN; brainstem site containing CO2 sensitive neurons) after exposure to CO2 were evaluated. In the long term, at 90 days of age, arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR), and cardiovascular variability were evaluated. In the short term, an increase in the baseline RF (~6%), response to CO2 (~8%), and Fos in the RTN (~27%) occurred in the LP-sham group compared with the NP-sham group. Interestingly, the CBR in the LP group normalized the RF in response to CO2 as well as RTN cell activation. In the long term, CBR reduced the mean AP by ~20 mmHg in malnourished rats. The normalization of the arterial pressure was associated with a decrease in the low-frequency (LF) oscillatory component of AP (~58%) and in the sympathetic tonus to the cardiovascular system (~29%). In conclusion, carotid body inputs in malnourished offspring may be responsible for the following: (i) enhanced respiratory frequency and CO2 chemosensitivity in early life and (ii) the production of autonomic imbalance and the development of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Nogueira
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Jose Brito-Alves
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Danilo Fontes
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Larissa Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracajú, SE, Brazil
| | - Waldecy Lucca
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracajú, SE, Brazil
| | - Yves Tourneur
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Almir Wanderley
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Glauber S F da Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carol Leandro
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Costa-Silva
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
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18
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Ngo TTM, Moufarrej MN, Rasmussen MLH, Camunas-Soler J, Pan W, Okamoto J, Neff NF, Liu K, Wong RJ, Downes K, Tibshirani R, Shaw GM, Skotte L, Stevenson DK, Biggio JR, Elovitz MA, Melbye M, Quake SR. Noninvasive blood tests for fetal development predict gestational age and preterm delivery. Science 2018; 360:1133-1136. [PMID: 29880692 PMCID: PMC7734383 DOI: 10.1126/science.aar3819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive blood tests that provide information about fetal development and gestational age could potentially improve prenatal care. Ultrasound, the current gold standard, is not always affordable in low-resource settings and does not predict spontaneous preterm birth, a leading cause of infant death. In a pilot study of 31 healthy pregnant women, we found that measurement of nine cell-free RNA (cfRNA) transcripts in maternal blood predicted gestational age with comparable accuracy to ultrasound but at substantially lower cost. In a related study of 38 women (25 full-term and 13 preterm deliveries), all at elevated risk of delivering preterm, we identified seven cfRNA transcripts that accurately classified women who delivered preterm up to 2 months in advance of labor. These tests hold promise for prenatal care in both the developed and developing worlds, although they require validation in larger, blinded clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy T M Ngo
- Departments of Bioengineering and Applied Physics, Stanford University and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mira N Moufarrej
- Departments of Bioengineering and Applied Physics, Stanford University and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Joan Camunas-Soler
- Departments of Bioengineering and Applied Physics, Stanford University and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wenying Pan
- Departments of Bioengineering and Applied Physics, Stanford University and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jennifer Okamoto
- Departments of Bioengineering and Applied Physics, Stanford University and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Norma F Neff
- Departments of Bioengineering and Applied Physics, Stanford University and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Keli Liu
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Katheryne Downes
- Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert Tibshirani
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Line Skotte
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joseph R Biggio
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Michal A Elovitz
- Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mads Melbye
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark. .,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Stephen R Quake
- Departments of Bioengineering and Applied Physics, Stanford University and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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19
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Inside the Endometrial Cell Signaling Subway: Mind the Gap(s). Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092477. [PMID: 30134622 PMCID: PMC6164241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cells perceive and respond to their microenvironment forming the basis of endometrial homeostasis. Errors in endometrial cell signaling are responsible for a wide spectrum of endometrial pathologies ranging from infertility to cancer. Intensive research over the years has been decoding the sophisticated molecular means by which endometrial cells communicate to each other and with the embryo. The objective of this review is to provide the scientific community with the first overview of key endometrial cell signaling pathways operating throughout the menstrual cycle. On this basis, a comprehensive and critical assessment of the literature was performed to provide the tools for the authorship of this narrative review summarizing the pivotal components and signaling cascades operating during seven endometrial cell fate “routes”: proliferation, decidualization, implantation, migration, breakdown, regeneration, and angiogenesis. Albeit schematically presented as separate transit routes in a subway network and narrated in a distinct fashion, the majority of the time these routes overlap or occur simultaneously within endometrial cells. This review facilitates identification of novel trajectories of research in endometrial cellular communication and signaling. The meticulous study of endometrial signaling pathways potentiates both the discovery of novel therapeutic targets to tackle disease and vanguard fertility approaches.
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20
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Almiron Bonnin DA, Havrda MC, Lee MC, Liu H, Zhang Z, Nguyen LN, Harrington LX, Hassanpour S, Cheng C, Israel MA. Secretion-mediated STAT3 activation promotes self-renewal of glioma stem-like cells during hypoxia. Oncogene 2018; 37:1107-1118. [PMID: 29155422 PMCID: PMC5851110 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
High-grade gliomas (HGGs) include the most common and the most aggressive primary brain tumor of adults and children. Despite multimodality treatment, most high-grade gliomas eventually recur and are ultimately incurable. Several studies suggest that the initiation, progression, and recurrence of gliomas are driven, at least partly, by cancer stem-like cells. A defining characteristic of these cancer stem-like cells is their capacity to self-renew. We have identified a hypoxia-induced pathway that utilizes the Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1α (HIF-1α) transcription factor and the JAK1/2-STAT3 (Janus Kinase 1/2 - Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3) axis to enhance the self-renewal of glioma stem-like cells. Hypoxia is a commonly found pathologic feature of HGGs. Under hypoxic conditions, HIF-1α levels are greatly increased in glioma stem-like cells. Increased HIF-1α activates the JAK1/2-STAT3 axis and enhances tumor stem-like cell self-renewal. Our data further demonstrate the importance of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) secretion for this pathway of hypoxia-mediated self-renewal. Brefeldin A and EHT-1864, agents that significantly inhibit VEGF secretion, decreased stem cell self-renewal, inhibited tumor growth, and increased the survival of mice allografted with S100β-v-erbB/p53-/- glioma stem-like cells. These agents also inhibit the expression of a hypoxia gene expression signature that is associated with decreased survival of HGG patients. These findings suggest that targeting the secretion of extracellular, autocrine/paracrine mediators of glioma stem-like cell self-renewal could potentially contribute to the treatment of HGGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Almiron Bonnin
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - M C Havrda
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - M C Lee
- Department of Biology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - H Liu
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Z Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - L N Nguyen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - L X Harrington
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - S Hassanpour
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - C Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - M A Israel
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
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21
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Nakamura K, Kusama K, Bai R, Ishikawa S, Fukushima S, Suda Y, Imakawa K. Increase in complement iC3b is associated with anti-inflammatory cytokine expression during late pregnancy in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178442. [PMID: 28542608 PMCID: PMC5444827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological tolerance between fetal allograft and mother is crucial for pregnancy establishment and maintenance; however, these mechanisms particularly those during the latter part of pregnancy have not been definitively elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the presence and potential function of innate immunity characteristic to the middle to late pregnancy. We first characterized up-regulated proteins in decidua from day 11 pregnant (P11) mice using 2D-PAGE, followed by MALDI-TOF/MS analysis. These analyses identified increased complement component 3 (C3) and its derivatives in P11 decidua. We then found that in the decidual tissues, C3 mRNA increased on P15 and remained high on P19. C3 is converted to C3b and then iC3b by complement component factor I (Cfi) and complement receptor 1-like protein (Crry), both of which were present in P19 placentas. In addition, iC3b proteins and its receptor CR3 (Cd11b/Cd18) in decidual and placental tissues increased toward the latter phase of pregnancy. Moreover, CR3 subunit CD11b protein was predominantly localized to spongiotrophoblast layer in the P19 placenta. Because iC3b is known to induce anti-inflammatory cytokine production, the analysis was extended to examine changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Il12, Il10, and Tgfb1. Il12 expression decreased in P15 and P19 placenta, while high mRNA expression of Il10 and Tgfb1 was found in P19 placental tissues. Furthermore, placental Il10 and Tgfb1 mRNAs were down-regulated when pregnant mice were treated with an anti-C3 antibody, detecting C3, C3b and iC3b. These results indicated that C3 derivatives, in particular, iC3b and its receptor CR3 were up-regulated at the fetal-maternal interface, and suggest that iC3b may regulate the placental expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL10 and TGFB1, during the latter phase of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Nakamura
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kusama
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Rulan Bai
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Sadamasa Ishikawa
- Department of Food, Agriculture and Environment, Miyagi University, Taihaku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Sayuri Fukushima
- Department of Food, Agriculture and Environment, Miyagi University, Taihaku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Suda
- Department of Food, Agriculture and Environment, Miyagi University, Taihaku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- * E-mail: (YS); (KI)
| | - Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
- * E-mail: (YS); (KI)
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22
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Mikamori M, Yamada D, Eguchi H, Hasegawa S, Kishimoto T, Tomimaru Y, Asaoka T, Noda T, Wada H, Kawamoto K, Gotoh K, Takeda Y, Tanemura M, Mori M, Doki Y. MicroRNA-155 Controls Exosome Synthesis and Promotes Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42339. [PMID: 28198398 PMCID: PMC5309735 DOI: 10.1038/srep42339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer drug gemcitabine (GEM) is a key drug for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but PDAC cells develop chemoresistance after long-term administration. Since the tolerance was immediately spread to every PDAC tissue in a patient, it is assumed that some certain efficient mechanisms underlay in the development of chemoresistance. Changes in the levels of particular microRNAs or alterations in intercellular communication play a dominant role in chemoresistance development, and recent data also suggest that exosomes play an important role in this process. In this study, we revealed that the loop conferred chemoresistance in PDAC cells. The loop was as follows; 1, The long-term exposure of GEM increased miR-155 expression in PDAC cells. 2, The increase of miR-155 induced two different functions; exosome secretion and chemoresistance ability via facilitating the anti-apoptotic activity. 3, Exosome deliver the miR-155 into the other PDAC cells and induce the following function. The target therapy to miR-155 or the exosome secretion effectively attenuated the chemoresistance, and these results were validated with both clinical samples and in vivo experiments. This mechanism represents a novel therapeutic target in GEM treatment to PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Mikamori
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisaku Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Hasegawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshito Tomimaru
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tadafumi Asaoka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takehiro Noda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Wada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Koichi Kawamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kunihito Gotoh
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takeda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Rosai Hospital, Inabasou 3-1-69, Amagasaki, Hyogo, 660-8511, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tanemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Osaka Police Hospital, Tennoji-ku Kitayamacho 10-31, Osaka, 543-0035, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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