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Derisoud E, Jiang H, Zhao A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Deng Q. Revealing the molecular landscape of human placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing studies. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:410-441. [PMID: 38478759 PMCID: PMC11215163 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing significance of developmental programming effects associated with placental dysfunction, more investigations are devoted to improving the characterization and understanding of placental signatures in health and disease. The placenta is a transitory but dynamic organ adapting to the shifting demands of fetal development and available resources of the maternal supply throughout pregnancy. Trophoblasts (cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts) are placental-specific cell types responsible for the main placental exchanges and adaptations. Transcriptomic studies with single-cell resolution have led to advances in understanding the placenta's role in health and disease. These studies, however, often show discrepancies in characterization of the different placental cell types. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We aim to review the knowledge regarding placental structure and function gained from the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), followed by comparing cell-type-specific genes, highlighting their similarities and differences. Moreover, we intend to identify consensus marker genes for the various trophoblast cell types across studies. Finally, we will discuss the contributions and potential applications of scRNAseq in studying pregnancy-related diseases. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review to identify different cell types and their functions at the human maternal-fetal interface, focusing on all original scRNAseq studies on placentas published before March 2023 and published reviews (total of 28 studies identified) using PubMed search. Our approach involved curating cell types and subtypes that had previously been defined using scRNAseq and comparing the genes used as markers or identified as potential new markers. Next, we reanalyzed expression matrices from the six available scRNAseq raw datasets with cell annotations (four from first trimester and two at term), using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare gene expression among studies and annotate trophoblast cell markers in both first trimester and term placentas. Furthermore, we integrated scRNAseq raw data available from 18 healthy first trimester and nine term placentas, and performed clustering and differential gene expression analysis. We further compared markers obtained with the analysis of annotated and raw datasets with the literature to obtain a common signature gene list for major placental cell types. OUTCOMES Variations in the sampling site, gestational age, fetal sex, and subsequent sequencing and analysis methods were observed between the studies. Although their proportions varied, the three trophoblast types were consistently identified across all scRNAseq studies, unlike other non-trophoblast cell types. Notably, no marker genes were shared by all studies for any of the investigated cell types. Moreover, most of the newly defined markers in one study were not observed in other studies. These discrepancies were confirmed by our analysis on trophoblast cell types, where hundreds of potential marker genes were identified in each study but with little overlap across studies. From 35 461 and 23 378 cells of high quality in the first trimester and term placentas, respectively, we obtained major placental cell types, including perivascular cells that previously had not been identified in the first trimester. Importantly, our meta-analysis provides marker genes for major placental cell types based on our extensive curation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review and meta-analysis emphasizes the need for establishing a consensus for annotating placental cell types from scRNAseq data. The marker genes identified here can be deployed for defining human placental cell types, thereby facilitating and improving the reproducibility of trophoblast cell annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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Yi C, Song H, Liang H, Ran Y, Tang J, Chen E, Li F, Fu L, Wang Y, Chen F, Wang Y, Ding Y, Xie Y. TBX3 reciprocally controls key trophoblast lineage decisions in villi during human placenta development in the first trimester. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130220. [PMID: 38368983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130220] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Human trophoblastic lineage development is intertwined with placental development and pregnancy outcomes, but the regulatory mechanisms underpinning this process remain inadequately understood. In this study, based on single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) analysis of the human early maternal-fetal interface, we compared the gene expression pattern of trophoblast at different developmental stages. Our findings reveal a predominant upregulation of TBX3 during the transition from villous cytotrophoblast (VCT) to syncytiotrophoblast (SCT), but downregulation of TBX3 as VCT progresses into extravillous trophoblast cells (EVT). Immunofluorescence analysis verified the primary expression of TBX3 in SCT, partial expression in MKi67-positive VCT, and absence in HLA-G-positive EVT, consistent with our snRNA-seq results. Using immortalized trophoblastic cell lines (BeWo and HTR8/SVneo) and human primary trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), we observed that TBX3 knockdown impedes SCT formation through RAS-MAPK signaling, while TBX3 overexpression disrupts the cytoskeleton structure of EVT and hinders EVT differentiation by suppressing FAK signaling. In conclusion, our study suggests that the spatiotemporal expression of TBX3 plays a critical role in regulating trophoblastic lineage development via distinct signaling pathways. This underscores TBX3 as a key determinant during hemochorial placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Honglan Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hongxiu Liang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yujie Ran
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Enxiang Chen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lijuan Fu
- Department of Gynecology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China 400021; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changsha Medical University, Hunan 410219, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Fengming Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomics, Changsha Medical University, 410129, China
| | - Yingxiong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yubin Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Youlong Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Ravelojaona M, Girouard J, Kana Tsapi ES, Chambers M, Vaillancourt C, Van Themsche C, Thornton CA, Reyes-Moreno C. Oncostatin M and STAT3 Signaling Pathways Support Human Trophoblast Differentiation by Inhibiting Inflammatory Stress in Response to IFNγ and GM-CSF. Cells 2024; 13:229. [PMID: 38334621 PMCID: PMC10854549 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030229] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) superfamily cytokines play critical roles during human pregnancy by promoting trophoblast differentiation, invasion, and endocrine function, and maintaining embryo immunotolerance and protection. In contrast, the unbalanced activity of pro-inflammatory factors such as interferon gamma (IFNγ) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) at the maternal-fetal interface have detrimental effects on trophoblast function and differentiation. This study demonstrates how the IL-6 cytokine family member oncostatin M (OSM) and STAT3 activation regulate trophoblast fusion and endocrine function in response to pro-inflammatory stress induced by IFNγ and GM-CSF. Using human cytotrophoblast-like BeWo (CT/BW) cells, differentiated in villous syncytiotrophoblast (VST/BW) cells, we show that beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (βhCG) production and cell fusion process are affected in response to IFNγ or GM-CSF. However, those effects are abrogated with OSM by modulating the activation of IFNγ-STAT1 and GM-CSF-STAT5 signaling pathways. OSM stimulation enhances the expression of STAT3, the phosphorylation of STAT3 and SMAD2, and the induction of negative regulators of inflammation (e.g., IL-10 and TGFβ1) and cytokine signaling (e.g., SOCS1 and SOCS3). Using STAT3-deficient VST/BW cells, we show that STAT3 expression is required for OSM to regulate the effects of IFNγ in βhCG and E-cadherin expression. In contrast, OSM retains its modulatory effect on GM-CSF-STAT5 pathway activation even in STAT3-deficient VST/BW cells, suggesting that OSM uses STAT3-dependent and -independent mechanisms to modulate the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways IFNγ-STAT1 and GM-CSF-STAT5. Moreover, STAT3 deficiency in VST/BW cells leads to the production of both a large amount of βhCG and an enhanced expression of activated STAT5 induced by GM-CSF, independently of OSM, suggesting a key role for STAT3 in βhCG production and trophoblast differentiation through STAT5 modulation. In conclusion, our study describes for the first time the critical role played by OSM and STAT3 signaling pathways to preserve and regulate trophoblast biological functions during inflammatory stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Ravelojaona
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
| | - Julie Girouard
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
| | - Emmanuelle Stella Kana Tsapi
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | | | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Céline Van Themsche
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
| | | | - Carlos Reyes-Moreno
- Groupe de Recherche en Signalisation Cellulaire (GRSC), Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Centre de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Reproduction et Développement-Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (CIRD-RQR), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec (RISUQ), Université du Québec, Québec, QC G1K 9H7, Canada
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Zhou J, Sheridan MA, Tian Y, Dahlgren KJ, Messler M, Peng T, Ezashi T, Schulz LC, Ulery BD, Roberts RM, Schust DJ. Development of properly-polarized trophoblast stem cell-derived organoids to model early human pregnancy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.30.560327. [PMID: 37873440 PMCID: PMC10592868 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.30.560327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The development of human trophoblast stem cells (hTSC) and stem cell-derived trophoblast organoids has enabled investigation of placental physiology and disease and early maternal-fetal interactions during a stage of human pregnancy that previously had been severely restricted. A key shortcoming in existing trophoblast organoid methodologies is the non-physiologic position of the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) within the inner portion of the organoid, which neither recapitulates placental villous morphology in vivo nor allows for facile modeling of STB exposure to the endometrium or the contents of the intervillous space. Here we have successfully established properly-polarized human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC)-sourced organoids with STB forming on the surface of the organoid. These organoids can also be induced to give rise to the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage with HLA-G + migratory cells that invade into an extracellular matrix-based hydrogel. Compared to previous hTSC organoid methods, organoids created by this method more closely mimic the architecture of the developing human placenta and provide a novel platform to study normal and abnormal human placental development and to model exposures to pharmaceuticals, pathogens and environmental insults. Motivation Human placental organoids have been generated to mimic physiological cell-cell interactions. However, those published models derived from human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) or placental villi display a non-physiologic "inside-out" morphology. In vivo , the placental villi have an outer layer of syncytialized cells that are in direct contact with maternal blood, acting as a conduit for gas and nutrient exchange, and an inner layer of progenitor, single cytotrophoblast cells that fuse to create the syncytiotrophoblast layer. Existing "inside-out" models put the cytotrophoblast cells in contact with culture media and substrate, making physiologic interactions between syncytiotrophoblast and other cells/tissues and normal and pathogenic exposures coming from maternal blood difficult to model. The goal of this study was to develop an hTSC-derived 3-D human trophoblast organoid model that positions the syncytiotrophoblast layer on the outside of the multicellular organoid. Graphical abstract
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Santos ED, Hernández MH, Sérazin V, Vialard F, Dieudonné MN. Human Placental Adaptive Changes in Response to Maternal Obesity: Sex Specificities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119770. [PMID: 37298720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity is increasingly prevalent and is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality rates in both mothers and children. At the interface between the mother and the fetus, the placenta mediates the impact of the maternal environment on fetal development. Most of the literature presents data on the effects of maternal obesity on placental functions and does not exclude potentially confounding factors such as metabolic diseases (e.g., gestational diabetes). In this context, the focus of this review mainly lies on the impact of maternal obesity (in the absence of gestational diabetes) on (i) endocrine function, (ii) morphological characteristics, (iii) nutrient exchanges and metabolism, (iv) inflammatory/immune status, (v) oxidative stress, and (vi) transcriptome. Moreover, some of those placental changes in response to maternal obesity could be supported by fetal sex. A better understanding of sex-specific placental responses to maternal obesity seems to be crucial for improving pregnancy outcomes and the health of mothers and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Dos Santos
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Service de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, F-78300 Poissy, France
| | - Marta Hita Hernández
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Valérie Sérazin
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Service de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, F-78300 Poissy, France
| | - François Vialard
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Service de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy-Saint Germain, F-78300 Poissy, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Dieudonné
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université de Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines-Université Paris Saclay (UVSQ), INRAE, BREED, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), BREED, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Cao D, Wang Y. Study on the Regulation of Trophoblast Activity by Abnormally Expressed lncRNA CCDC144NL-AS1 in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Horm Metab Res 2023; 55:432-438. [PMID: 37295416 DOI: 10.1055/a-2085-6171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication in pregnant women. The growth and differentiation of trophoblast cells determine the function of the placenta, and therefore further affect the transport of nutrients to the fetus. lncRNA Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 144 N-Terminal-Like antisense1 (CCDC144NL-AS1) was reported to be abnormally expressed in GDM, but its function and mechanism remain undefined. This study aimed to reveal the expression of CCDC144NL-AS1 in GDM and evaluate its significance in disease development. The expression of CCDC144NL-AS1 in serum and placenta tissues of GDM patients and healthy pregnant women was evaluated using PCR. The effect of CCDC144NL-AS1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells was evaluated with CCK8 and Transwell assay. The mechanism of the interaction between CCDC144NL-AS1 and miR-143-3p was assessed by luciferase reporter assay and cell transfection. CCDC144NL-AS1 was upregulated in GDM patients, which discriminated GDM patients from healthy pregnant women with high sensitivity and specificity and was positively correlated with the insulin resistance indexes. In trophoblast cells, high glucose exposure induced increased CCDC144NL-AS1 and suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing CCDC144NL-AS1 could alleviate the inhibitory effect of high glucose, while the knockdown of miR-143-3p reversed the effect of CCDC144NL-AS1. In conclusion, upregulated CCDC144NL-AS1 served as a diagnostic biomarker of GDM and regulated the development of trophoblast cells via negatively modulating miR-143-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital, Changzhou, China
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Huang CC, Hsueh YW, Chang CW, Hsu HC, Yang TC, Lin WC, Chang HM. Establishment of the fetal-maternal interface: developmental events in human implantation and placentation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1200330. [PMID: 37266451 PMCID: PMC10230101 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1200330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is a complex and well-orchestrated differentiation process that involves all the cellular elements of the fetal-maternal interface. Aberrant trophoblast-decidual interactions can lead to miscarriage and disorders that occur later in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, and preterm labor. A great deal of research on the regulation of implantation and placentation has been performed in a wide range of species. However, there is significant species variation regarding trophoblast differentiation as well as decidual-specific gene expression and regulation. Most of the relevant information has been obtained from studies using mouse models. A comprehensive understanding of the physiology and pathology of human implantation and placentation has only recently been obtained because of emerging advanced technologies. With the derivation of human trophoblast stem cells, 3D-organoid cultures, and single-cell analyses of differentiated cells, cell type-specific transcript profiles and functions were generated, and each exhibited a unique signature. Additionally, through integrative transcriptomic information, researchers can uncover the cellular dysfunction of embryonic and placental cells in peri-implantation embryos and the early pathological placenta. In fact, the clinical utility of fetal-maternal cellular trafficking has been applied for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies and the prediction of pregnancy complications. Furthermore, recent studies have proposed a viable path toward the development of therapeutic strategies targeting placenta-enriched molecules for placental dysfunction and diseases.
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Karakis V, Jabeen M, Britt JW, Cordiner A, Mischler A, Li F, San Miguel A, Rao BM. Laminin switches terminal differentiation fate of human trophoblast stem cells under chemically defined culture conditions. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104650. [PMID: 36972789 PMCID: PMC10176266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) have emerged as a powerful tool to model early placental development in vitro. Analogous to the epithelial cytotrophoblast in the placenta, hTSCs can differentiate into cells of the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage or the multinucleate syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Here we present a chemically defined culture system for STB and EVT differentiation of hTSCs. Notably, in contrast to current approaches, we neither utilize forskolin for STB formation nor transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) inhibitors or a passage step for EVT differentiation. Strikingly, the presence of a single additional extracellular cue-laminin-111-switched the terminal differentiation of hTSCs from STB to the EVT lineage under these conditions. In the absence of laminin-111, STB formation occurred, with cell fusion comparable to that obtained with differentiation mediated by forskolin; however, in the presence of laminin-111, hTSCs differentiated to the EVT lineage. Protein expression of nuclear hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF1α and HIF2α) was upregulated during EVT differentiation mediated by laminin-111 exposure. A heterogeneous mixture of Notch1+ EVTs in colonies and HLA-G+ single-cell EVTs were obtained without a passage step, reminiscent of heterogeneity in vivo. Further analysis showed that inhibition of TGFβ signaling affected both STB and EVT differentiation mediated by laminin-111 exposure. TGFβ inhibition during EVT differentiation resulted in decreased HLA-G expression and increased Notch1 expression. On the other hand, TGFβ inhibition prevented STB formation. The chemically defined culture system for hTSC differentiation established herein facilitates quantitative analysis of heterogeneity that arises during hTSC differentiation and will enable mechanistic studies in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Karakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mahe Jabeen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - John W Britt
- Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Abigail Cordiner
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adam Mischler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adriana San Miguel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Balaji M Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
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Mice Placental ECM Components May Provide A Three-Dimensional Placental Microenvironment. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:bioengineering10010016. [PMID: 36671588 PMCID: PMC9855196 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bioethical limitations impair deeper studies in human placental physiology, then most studies use human term placentas or murine models. To overcome these challenges, new models have been proposed to mimetize the placental three-dimensional microenvironment. The placental extracellular matrix plays an essential role in several processes, being a part of the establishment of materno-fetal interaction. Regarding these aspects, this study aimed to investigate term mice placental ECM components, highlighting its collagenous and non-collagenous content, and proposing a potential three-dimensional model to mimetize the placental microenvironment. For that, 18.5-day-old mice placenta, both control and decellularized (n = 3 per group) were analyzed on Orbitrap Fusion Lumos spectrometer (ThermoScientific) and LFQ intensity generated on MaxQuant software. Proteomic analysis identified 2317 proteins. Using ECM and cell junction-related ontologies, 118 (5.1%) proteins were filtered. Control and decellularized conditions had no significant differential expression on 76 (64.4%) ECM and cell junction-related proteins. Enriched ontologies in the cellular component domain were related to cell junction, collagen and lipoprotein particles, biological process domain, cell adhesion, vasculature, proteolysis, ECM organization, and molecular function. Enriched pathways were clustered in cell adhesion and invasion, and labyrinthine vasculature regulation. These preserved ECM proteins are responsible for tissue stiffness and could support cell anchoring, modeling a three-dimensional structure that may allow placental microenvironment reconstruction.
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Liu Z, Zhai M, Zhang Q, Yang T, Wan Z, Li J, Liu X, Xu B, Du L, Chan RWS, Zhang L, Yeung WSB, Cheung KW, Chiu PCN, Wang WJ, Lee CL, Gao Y. Resolving the gene expression maps of human first-trimester chorionic villi with spatial transcriptome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1060298. [PMID: 36561369 PMCID: PMC9763897 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1060298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is important for fetal development in mammals, and spatial transcriptomic profiling of placenta helps to resolve its structure and function. In this study, we described the landscape of spatial transcriptome of human placental villi obtained from two pregnant women at the first trimester using the modified Stereo-seq method applied for paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixation samples. The PFA fixation of human placenta villi was better than fresh villi embedded in optimum cutting temperature (OCT) compound, since it greatly improved tissue morphology and the specificity of RNA signals. The main cell types in chorionic villi such as syncytiotrophoblasts (SCT), villous cytotrophoblasts (VCT), fibroblasts (FB), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) were identified with the spatial transcriptome data, whereas the minor cell types of Hofbauer cells (HB) and endothelial cells (Endo) were spatially located by deconvolution of scRNA-seq data. We demonstrated that the Stereo-seq data of human villi could be used for sophisticated analyses such as spatial cell-communication and regulatory activity. We found that the SCT and VCT exhibited the most ligand-receptor pairs that could increase differentiation of the SCT, and that the spatial localization of specific regulons in different cell types was associated with the pathways related to hormones transport and secretion, regulation of mitotic cell cycle, and nutrient transport pathway in SCT. In EVT, regulatory pathways such as the epithelial to mesenchyme transition, epithelial development and differentiation, and extracellular matrix organization were identified. Finally, viral receptors and drug transporters were identified in villi according to the pathway analysis, which could help to explain the vertical transmission of several infectious diseases and drug metabolism efficacy. Our study provides a valuable resource for further investigation of the placenta development, physiology and pathology in a spatial context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingyu Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, Shenzhen, China,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Libei Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rachel W. S. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Wen-Jing Wang, ; Cheuk-Lun Lee, ; Ya Gao,
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Wen-Jing Wang, ; Cheuk-Lun Lee, ; Ya Gao,
| | - Ya Gao
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Wen-Jing Wang, ; Cheuk-Lun Lee, ; Ya Gao,
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11
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Wei XW, Zhang YC, Wu F, Tian FJ, Lin Y. The role of extravillous trophoblasts and uterine NK cells in vascular remodeling during pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:951482. [PMID: 37408837 PMCID: PMC10319396 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.951482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful embryo implantation requires both a receptive endometrium and competent blastocysts. After implantation, the maternal decidua undergoes a series of changes, including uterine spiral artery (SA) remodeling to accommodate the fetus and provide nutrients and oxygen for the fetus to survive. Uterine spiral arteries transform from small-diameter, high-resistance arteries to large-diameter and low-resistance arteries during pregnancy. This transformation includes many changes, such as increased permeability and dilation of vessels, phenotypic switching and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), transient loss of endothelial cells (ECs), endovascular invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), and presence of intramural EVT, which are regulated by uterine NK (uNK) cells and EVTs. In this review, we mainly focus on the separate and combined roles of uNK cells and EVTs in uterine SA remodeling in establishing and maintaining pregnancy. New insight into related mechanisms will help us better understand the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications such as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and preeclampsia (PE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Wei
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Wu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Ju Tian
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Renaud SJ, Jeyarajah MJ. How trophoblasts fuse: an in-depth look into placental syncytiotrophoblast formation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:433. [PMID: 35859055 PMCID: PMC11072895 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04475-z] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In humans, cell fusion is restricted to only a few cell types under normal conditions. In the placenta, cell fusion is a critical process for generating syncytiotrophoblast: the giant multinucleated trophoblast lineage containing billions of nuclei within an interconnected cytoplasm that forms the primary interface separating maternal blood from fetal tissue. The unique morphology of syncytiotrophoblast ensures that nutrients and gases can be efficiently transferred between maternal and fetal tissue while simultaneously restricting entry of potentially damaging substances and maternal immune cells through intercellular junctions. To maintain integrity of the syncytiotrophoblast layer, underlying cytotrophoblast progenitor cells terminate their capability for self-renewal, upregulate expression of genes needed for differentiation, and then fuse into the overlying syncytium. These processes are disrupted in a variety of obstetric complications, underscoring the importance of proper syncytiotrophoblast formation for pregnancy health. Herein, an overview of key mechanisms underlying human trophoblast fusion and syncytiotrophoblast development is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
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13
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Zhao D, Liu Y, Jia S, He Y, Wei X, Liu D, Ma W, Luo W, Gu H, Yuan Z. Influence of maternal obesity on the multi-omics profiles of the maternal body, gestational tissue, and offspring. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113103. [PMID: 35605294 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies show that obesity during pregnancy affects more than half of the pregnancies in the developed countries and is associated with obstetric problems and poor outcomes. Obesity tends to increase the incidence of complications. Furthermore, the resulting offspring are also adversely affected. However, the molecular mechanisms of obesity leading to poor pregnancy outcomes remain unclear. Omics methods are used for genetic diagnosis and marker discovery. The aim of this review was to summarize the maternal and fetal pathophysiological alterations induced by gestational obesity,identified using multi-omics detection techniques, and to generalize the biological functions and potential mechanisms of the differentially expressed molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Yusi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Shanshan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Yiwen He
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Wei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Wenting Luo
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Hui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
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14
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Zhang Y, Zhong Y, Zou L, Liu X. Significance of Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cell in Placenta Development and Implications for Preeclampsia. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:896531. [PMID: 35721156 PMCID: PMC9198303 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.896531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The well-developed placentation is fundamental for the reproductive pregnancy while the defective placental development is the pathogenetic basis of preeclampsia (PE), a dangerous complication of pregnancy comprising the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) are a group of multipotent stem cells that own a potent capacity of differentiating into constitutive cells of vessel walls. Additionally, with the paracrine secretion of various factors, PMSCs inextricably link and interact with other component cells in the placenta, collectively improving the placental vasculature, uterine spiral artery remolding, and uteroplacental interface immunoregulation. Recent studies have further indicated that preeclamptic PMSCs, closely implicated in the abnormal crosstalk between other ambient cells, disturb the homeostasis and development in the placenta. Nevertheless, PMSCs transplantation or PMSCs exosome therapies tend to improve the placental vascular network and trophoblastic functions in the PE model, suggesting PMSCs may be a novel and putative therapeutic strategy for PE. Herein, we provide an overview of the multifaceted contributions of PMSCs in early placental development. Thereinto, the intensive interactions between PMSCs and other component cells in the placenta were particularly highlighted and further extended to the implications in the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqi Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Chae SA, Son JS, Zhao L, Gao Y, Liu X, Marie de Avila J, Zhu MJ, Du M. Exerkine apelin reverses obesity-associated placental dysfunction by accelerating mitochondrial biogenesis in mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2022; 322:E467-E479. [PMID: 35403440 PMCID: PMC9126223 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00023.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Maternal exercise (ME) protects against adverse effects of maternal obesity (MO) on fetal development. As a cytokine stimulated by exercise, apelin (APN) is elevated due to ME, but its roles in mediating the effects of ME on placental development remain to be defined. Two studies were conducted. In the first study, 18 female mice were assigned to control (CON), obesogenic diet (OB), or OB with exercise (OB/Ex) groups (n = 6); in the second study, the same number of female mice were assigned to three groups; CON with PBS injection (CD/PBS), OB/PBS, or OB with apelin injection (OB/APN). In the exercise study, daily treadmill exercise during pregnancy significantly elevated the expression of PR domain 16 (PRDM16; P < 0.001), which correlated with enhanced oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in the placenta (P < 0.05). More importantly, these changes were partially mirrored in the apelin study. Apelin administration upregulated PRDM16 protein level (P < 0.001), mitochondrial biogenesis (P < 0.05), placental nutrient transporter expression (P < 0.001), and placental vascularization (P < 0.01), which were impaired due to MO (P < 0.05). In summary, MO impairs oxidative phosphorylation in the placenta, which is improved by ME; apelin administration partially mimics the beneficial effects of exercise on improving placental function, which prevents placental dysfunction due to MO.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maternal exercise prevents metabolic disorders of mothers and offspring induced by high-fat diet. Exercise intervention enhances PRDM16 activation, oxidative metabolism, and vascularization of placenta, which are inhibited due to maternal obesity. Similar to maternal exercise, apelin administration improves placental function of obese dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ah Chae
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Jun Seok Son
- Laboratory of Perinatal Kinesioepigenetics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Liang Zhao
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Yao Gao
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Jeanene Marie de Avila
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Mei-Jun Zhu
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Min Du
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
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16
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Ruane PT, Garner T, Parsons L, Babbington PA, Wangsaputra I, Kimber SJ, Stevens A, Westwood M, Brison DR, Aplin JD. Trophectoderm differentiation to invasive syncytiotrophoblast is promoted by endometrial epithelial cells during human embryo implantation. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:777-792. [PMID: 35079788 PMCID: PMC9398450 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does the human embryo breach the endometrial epithelium at implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER Embryo attachment to the endometrial epithelium promotes the formation of multinuclear syncytiotrophoblast from trophectoderm, which goes on to breach the epithelial layer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A significant proportion of natural conceptions and assisted reproduction treatments fail due to unsuccessful implantation. The trophectoderm lineage of the embryo attaches to the endometrial epithelium before breaching this barrier to implant into the endometrium. Trophectoderm-derived syncytiotrophoblast has been observed in recent in vitro cultures of peri-implantation embryos, and historical histology has shown invasive syncytiotrophoblast in embryos that have invaded beyond the epithelium, but the cell type mediating invasion of the epithelial layer at implantation is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Fresh and frozen human blastocyst-stage embryos (n = 46) or human trophoblast stem cell (TSC) spheroids were co-cultured with confluent monolayers of the Ishikawa endometrial epithelial cell line to model the epithelial phase of implantation in vitro. Systems biology approaches with published transcriptomic datasets were used to model the epithelial phase of implantation in silico. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human embryos surplus to treatment requirements were consented for research. Day 6 blastocysts were co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers until Day 8, and human TSC spheroids modelling blastocyst trophectoderm were co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers for 48 h. Embryo and TSC morphology was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy, and TSC differentiation by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and ELISA. Single-cell human blastocyst transcriptomes, and bulk transcriptomes of TSC and primary human endometrial epithelium were used to model the trophectoderm-epithelium interaction in silico. Hypernetworks, pathway analysis, random forest machine learning and RNA velocity were employed to identify gene networks associated with implantation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The majority of embryos co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers from Day 6 to 8 breached the epithelial layer (37/46), and syncytiotrophoblast was seen in all of these. Syncytiotrophoblast was observed at the embryo-epithelium interface before breaching, and syncytiotrophoblast mediated all pioneering breaching events observed (7/7 events). Multiple independent syncytiotrophoblast regions were seen in 26/46 embryos, suggesting derivation from different regions of trophectoderm. Human TSC spheroids co-cultured with Ishikawa layers also exhibited syncytiotrophoblast formation upon invasion into the epithelium. RT-qPCR comparison of TSC spheroids in isolated culture and co-culture demonstrated epithelium-induced upregulation of syncytiotrophoblast genes CGB (P = 0.03) and SDC1 (P = 0.008), and ELISA revealed the induction of hCGβ secretion (P = 0.03). Secretory-phase primary endometrial epithelium surface transcriptomes were used to identify trophectoderm surface binding partners to model the embryo-epithelium interface. Hypernetwork analysis established a group of 25 epithelium-interacting trophectoderm genes that were highly connected to the rest of the trophectoderm transcriptome, and epithelium-coupled gene networks in cells of the polar region of the trophectoderm exhibited greater connectivity (P < 0.001) and more organized connections (P < 0.0001) than those in the mural region. Pathway analysis revealed a striking similarity with syncytiotrophoblast differentiation, as 4/6 most highly activated pathways upon TSC-syncytiotrophoblast differentiation (false discovery rate (FDR < 0.026)) were represented in the most enriched pathways of epithelium-coupled gene networks in both polar and mural trophectoderm (FDR < 0.001). Random forest machine learning also showed that 80% of the endometrial epithelium-interacting trophectoderm genes identified in the hypernetwork could be quantified as classifiers of TSC-syncytiotrophoblast differentiation. This multi-model approach suggests that invasive syncytiotrophoblast formation from both polar and mural trophectoderm is promoted by attachment to the endometrial epithelium to enable embryonic invasion. LARGE SCALE DATA No omics datasets were generated in this study, and those used from previously published studies are cited. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In vitro and in silico models may not recapitulate the dynamic embryo-endometrial interactions that occur in vivo. The influence of other cellular compartments in the endometrium, including decidual stromal cells and leukocytes, was not represented in these models. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Understanding the mechanism of human embryo breaching of the epithelium and the gene networks involved is crucial to improve implantation success rates after assisted reproduction. Moreover, early trophoblast lineages arising at the epithelial phase of implantation form the blueprint for the placenta and thus underpin foetal growth trajectories, pregnancy health and offspring health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by grants from Wellbeing of Women, Diabetes UK, the NIHR Local Comprehensive Research Network and Manchester Clinical Research Facility, and the Department of Health Scientist Practitioner Training Scheme. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Ruane
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK,Correspondence address. Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1476-1666
| | - Terence Garner
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Lydia Parsons
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Phoebe A Babbington
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Ivan Wangsaputra
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Stevens
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - John D Aplin
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
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Cui K, Zhu Y, Shi Y, Chen T, Wang H, Guo Y, Deng P, Liu H, Shao X, Qin J. Establishment of Trophoblast-Like Tissue Model from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Three-Dimensional Culture System. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2100031. [PMID: 34813178 PMCID: PMC8787386 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The placenta has a lifelong impact on the health of both the mother and fetus. Despite its significance, human early placental development is poorly understood due to the limited models. The models that can reflect the key features of early human placental development, especially at early gestation, are still lacking. Here, the authors report the generation of trophoblast-like tissue model from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in three-dimensional (3D) cultures. hPSCs efficiently self-organize into blastocoel-like cavities under defined conditions, which produce different trophoblast subtypes, including cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). The 3D cultures can exhibit microvilli structure and secrete human placenta-specific hormone. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis further identifies the presence of major cell types of trophoblast-like tissue as existing in vivo. The results reveal the feasibility to establish 3D trophoblast-like tissue model from hPSCs in vitro, which is not obtained by monolayer culture. This new model system can not only facilitate to dissect the underlying mechanisms of early human placental development, but also imply its potential for study in developmental biology and gestational disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangli Cui
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yujuan Zhu
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yang Shi
- Dalian Municipal Women and Children's Medical CenterDalian116037China
| | - Tingwei Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchInstitute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunming650031China
| | - Hui Wang
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Pengwei Deng
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Xiaoguang Shao
- Dalian Municipal Women and Children's Medical CenterDalian116037China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of BiotechnologyDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
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18
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Ding J, Zhang Y, Cai X, Diao L, Yang C, Yang J. Crosstalk Between Trophoblast and Macrophage at the Maternal-Fetal Interface: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2021; 12:758281. [PMID: 34745133 PMCID: PMC8566971 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.758281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune tolerance microenvironment is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy at the maternal-fetal interface. The maternal-fetal interface is a complex system containing various cells, including lymphocytes, decidual stromal cells, and trophoblasts. Macrophages are the second-largest leukocytes at the maternal-fetal interface, which has been demonstrated to play essential roles in remodeling spiral arteries, maintaining maternal-fetal immune tolerance, and regulating trophoblast's biological behaviors. Many researchers, including us, have conducted a series of studies on the crosstalk between macrophages and trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface: on the one hand, macrophages can affect the invasion and migration of trophoblasts; on the other hand, trophoblasts can regulate macrophage polarization and influence the state of the maternal-fetal immune microenvironment. In this review, we systemically introduce the functions of macrophages and trophoblasts and the cell-cell interaction between them for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Advances in this area will further accelerate the basic research and clinical translation of reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinli Ding
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Periimplantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chaogang Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Clinical Medical Research Center of Peritoneal Cancer of Wuhan, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
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19
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Chaubey I, Vignesh R, Babu H, Wagoner I, Govindaraj S, Velu V. SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnant Women: Consequences of Vertical Transmission. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:717104. [PMID: 34568094 PMCID: PMC8458876 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.717104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ishaan Chaubey
- The Center for Advanced Studies in Science, Math, and Technology at Wheeler High School, Marietta, GA, United States
| | - Ramachandran Vignesh
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Malaysia
| | - Hemalatha Babu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Isabelle Wagoner
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sakthivel Govindaraj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Vijayakumar Velu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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20
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Aplin JD, Jones CJP. Cell dynamics in human villous trophoblast. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:904-922. [PMID: 34125187 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Villous cytotrophoblast (vCTB) is a precursor cell population that supports the development of syncytiotrophoblast (vSTB), the high surface area barrier epithelium of the placental villus, and the primary interface between maternal and fetal tissue. In light of increasing evidence that the placenta can adapt to changing maternal environments or, under stress, can trigger maternal disease, we consider what properties of these cells empower them to exert a controlling influence on pregnancy progression and outcome. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE How are cytotrophoblast proliferation and differentiation regulated in the human placental villus to allow for the increasing demands of the fetal and environmental challenges and stresses that may arise during pregnancy? SEARCH METHODS PubMed was interrogated using relevant keywords and word roots combining trophoblast, villus/villous, syncytio/syncytium, placenta, stem, transcription factor (and the individual genes), signalling, apoptosis, autophagy (and the respective genes) from 1960 to the present. Since removal of trophoblast from its tissue environment is known to fundamentally change cell growth and differentiation kinetics, research that relied exclusively on cell culture has not been the main focus of this review, though it is mentioned where appropriate. Work on non-human placenta is not systematically covered, though mention is made where relevant hypotheses have emerged. OUTCOMES The synthesis of data from the literature has led to a new hypothesis for vCTB dynamics. We propose that a reversible transition can occur from a reserve population in G0 to a mitotically active state. Cells from the in-cycle population can then differentiate irreversibly to intermediate cells that leave the cycle and turn on genes that confer the capacity to fuse with the overlying vSTB as well as other functions associated with syncytial barrier and transport function. We speculate that alterations in the rate of entry to the cell cycle, or return of cells in the mitotic fraction to G0, can occur in response to environmental challenge. We also review evidence on the life cycle of trophoblast from the time that fusion occurs, and point to gaps in knowledge of how large quantities of fetal DNA arrive in maternal circulation. We critique historical methodology and make a case for research to re-address questions about trophoblast lifecycle and dynamics in normal pregnancy and the common diseases of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, where altered trophoblast kinetics have long been postulated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The hypothesis requires experimental testing, moving research away from currently accepted methodology towards a new standard that includes representative cell and tissue sampling, assessment of cell cycle and differentiation parameters, and robust classification of cell subpopulations in villous trophoblast, with due attention to gestational age, maternal and fetal phenotype, disease and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Carolyn J P Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Kolkova Z, Holubekova V, Grendar M, Nachajova M, Zubor P, Pribulova T, Loderer D, Zigo I, Biringer K, Hornakova A. Association of Circulating miRNA Expression with Preeclampsia, Its Onset, and Severity. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:476. [PMID: 33800458 PMCID: PMC8001188 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one of the important regulators of cellular functions fundamental for healthy pregnancy processes, including angiogenesis and differentiation of trophoblast cells, and their deregulation could be implicated in the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE). The aim of this study was to assess the association of miRNA expression in plasma samples with PE, its onset, and severity. Our study enrolled 59 pregnant women, 27 in the preeclamptic study group and 32 in the control group with physiological pregnancy. Preeclamptic pregnancies were divided into subgroups based on the severity and onset of disease. Relative expression of miR-21-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-210-5p, miR-16-5p, and miR-650 isolated from plasma samples was analysed by quantitative real-time PCR and normalised to experimentally established reference genes. Our results revealed upregulation of miR-21-5p (1.16-fold change, p = 0.0015), miR-155-5p (1.62-fold change, p = 0.0005) in preeclamptic pregnancies, compared to controls. Overexpression of these two miRNAs was observed, especially in subgroups of severe and late-onset PE compared to healthy pregnancies. Although we hypothesised that the expression level of studied miRNAs could vary between PE subtypes (mild vs. severe, early onset vs. late-onset), no obvious differences were detected. In conclusion, our study could contribute to the large-scale studies for the identification of non-invasive biomarkers for PE detection to improve outcomes for women and their new-borns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kolkova
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (V.H.); (M.G.); (D.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Veronika Holubekova
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (V.H.); (M.G.); (D.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Marian Grendar
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (V.H.); (M.G.); (D.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Marcela Nachajova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin University Hospital, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (M.N.); (T.P.); (I.Z.); (K.B.)
| | - Pavol Zubor
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
- OBGY Health & Care, Ltd., 010 01 Zilina, Slovakia
| | - Terezia Pribulova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin University Hospital, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (M.N.); (T.P.); (I.Z.); (K.B.)
| | - Dusan Loderer
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (V.H.); (M.G.); (D.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Imrich Zigo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin University Hospital, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (M.N.); (T.P.); (I.Z.); (K.B.)
| | - Kamil Biringer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin University Hospital, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (M.N.); (T.P.); (I.Z.); (K.B.)
| | - Andrea Hornakova
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (V.H.); (M.G.); (D.L.); (A.H.)
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22
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Li S, Hu YW. Pathogenesis of uteroplacental acute atherosis: An update on current research. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 85:e13397. [PMID: 33533529 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Uteroplacental acute atherosis is a type of arterial vascular disease that affects the placenta during pregnancy and predominates in the maternal spiral arteries in the decidua basalis layer of the pregnant uterus. This condition is characterized by fibrin-like necrosis of the blood vessel walls, the accumulation of macrophages containing fat (foam cells), and the infiltration of macrophages around blood vessels. Uteroplacental acute atherosis is rare in normal pregnancy but occurs more frequently in patients with pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, spontaneous preterm labor, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, mid-trimester spontaneous abortion, fetal death, and small-for-gestational age. It is believed that the mechanisms underlying the development of uteroplacental acute atherosis are related to the incomplete physiological transformation of spiral arteries, placental inflammation, abnormal lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. In this review, we describe the pathogenesis of uteroplacental acute atherosis to provide reference guidelines for the future prevention and treatment of uteroplacental acute atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Women & Children Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Wei Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Women & Children Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Tremaine TD, Fouladi-Nashta AA. Steroid regulation of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression in ovine endometrium. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:257-269. [PMID: 33541520 DOI: 10.1071/rd20184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is highly expressed at the maternal-fetal interface and is a critical mediator of embryo implantation. The objectives of this study were to examine the spatial and temporal cyclical expression patterns and steroid regulation of SPP1 mRNA and protein in ovine endometrium, which may be further indicative of their functionality in embryo implantation. Uterine tissue was obtained following hysterectomy from ovariectomised ewes treated with ovarian steroids. In parallel, invitro culture of endometrial cells was used to investigate the effects of ovarian steroids on SPP1 expression in endometrial and luminal epithelial (LE) cells. A significant sustained mid-luteal phase increase in SPP1 mRNA in intercaruncular regions of the endometrium was observed, indicating that glandular epithelium is likely to be the primary source of SPP1 production. This increase in SPP1 was induced by progesterone treatment and was shown at the protein level by immunohistochemistry analysis. Similarly, treatment of stromal cells with 10ng mL-1 progesterone or in combination with 1ng mL-1 oestradiol significantly increased SPP1 expression (P<0.05). Collectively, expression levels of SPP1 are cycle-dependent and peak in the progesterone-dominant luteal phase. They are dependent on the interaction of uterine LE and stromal cells and may involve paracrine signalling by progesterone receptor-positive stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina D Tremaine
- Reproduction Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Ali A Fouladi-Nashta
- Reproduction Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; and Corresponding author.
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24
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Silini AR, Di Pietro R, Lang-Olip I, Alviano F, Banerjee A, Basile M, Borutinskaite V, Eissner G, Gellhaus A, Giebel B, Huang YC, Janev A, Kreft ME, Kupper N, Abadía-Molina AC, Olivares EG, Pandolfi A, Papait A, Pozzobon M, Ruiz-Ruiz C, Soritau O, Susman S, Szukiewicz D, Weidinger A, Wolbank S, Huppertz B, Parolini O. Perinatal Derivatives: Where Do We Stand? A Roadmap of the Human Placenta and Consensus for Tissue and Cell Nomenclature. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:610544. [PMID: 33392174 PMCID: PMC7773933 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.610544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Progress in the understanding of the biology of perinatal tissues has contributed to the breakthrough revelation of the therapeutic effects of perinatal derivatives (PnD), namely birth-associated tissues, cells, and secreted factors. The significant knowledge acquired in the past two decades, along with the increasing interest in perinatal derivatives, fuels an urgent need for the precise identification of PnD and the establishment of updated consensus criteria policies for their characterization. The aim of this review is not to go into detail on preclinical or clinical trials, but rather we address specific issues that are relevant for the definition/characterization of perinatal cells, starting from an understanding of the development of the human placenta, its structure, and the different cell populations that can be isolated from the different perinatal tissues. We describe where the cells are located within the placenta and their cell morphology and phenotype. We also propose nomenclature for the cell populations and derivatives discussed herein. This review is a joint effort from the COST SPRINT Action (CA17116), which broadly aims at approaching consensus for different aspects of PnD research, such as providing inputs for future standards for the processing and in vitro characterization and clinical application of PnD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosa Silini
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza-Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Di Pietro
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- StemTeCh Group, G. d’Annunzio Foundation, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ingrid Lang-Olip
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Francesco Alviano
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Unit of Histology, Embryology and Applied Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Asmita Banerjee
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mariangela Basile
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- StemTeCh Group, G. d’Annunzio Foundation, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Veronika Borutinskaite
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Günther Eissner
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernd Giebel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yong-Can Huang
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Orthopaedic Regenerative Technologies, Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Aleksandar Janev
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Erdani Kreft
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ana Clara Abadía-Molina
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Enrique G. Olivares
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica Laboratorios, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
| | - Assunta Pandolfi
- StemTeCh Group, G. d’Annunzio Foundation, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Vascular and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, CAST (Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, ex CeSI-MeT), Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Papait
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza-Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Pozzobon
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Carmen Ruiz-Ruiz
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Olga Soritau
- The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Susman
- Department of Morphological Sciences-Histology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Pathology, IMOGEN Research Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Department of General and Experimental Pathology with Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adelheid Weidinger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Wolbank
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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25
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Li Y, Zhuang J. miR-345-3p serves a protective role during gestational diabetes mellitus by targeting BAK1. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:2. [PMID: 33235611 PMCID: PMC7678625 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRs) serve a crucial role during the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the mechanisms underlying miR-345-3p and its protective role during GDM have not been previously reported. The present study investigated miR-345-3p expression and function in vitro, and the possible molecular mechanisms underlying GDM. Compared with healthy pregnant women, miR-345-3p was downregulated in the placental tissue and peripheral blood of patients with GDM. Further investigation revealed that BCL2-antagonist/killer 1 (BAK1) was a predicted target gene of miR-345-3p, and the expression of BAK1 was significantly increased in patients with GDM compared with healthy pregnant women. In vitro analysis revealed that miR-345-3p mimic significantly increased cell viability, migration and invasion, inhibited apoptosis, upregulated Bcl-2 and matrix metallopeptidase 9 expression, and decreased Bax expression compared with the control group. Furthermore, miR-245-3p mimic-induced alterations were reversed by BAK1 overexpression. The results suggested that miR-345-3p overexpression exhibited a protective role in patients with GDM by inhibiting HTR8-/SVneo cell apoptosis, and promoting cell proliferation and migration via targeting BAK1. The use of miR-345-3p for the diagnosis of GDM requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430010, P.R. China
| | - Jun Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics, Lianshui County People's Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223400, P.R. China
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Three types of HLA-G+ extravillous trophoblasts that have distinct immune regulatory properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:15772-15777. [PMID: 32581122 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000484117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, invading HLA-G+ extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) play a key role in placental development, uterine spiral artery remodeling, and prevention of detrimental maternal immune responses to placental and fetal antigens. Failures of these processes are suggested to play a role in the development of pregnancy complications, but very little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here we present validated methods to purify and culture primary HLA-G+ EVT from the placental disk and chorionic membrane from healthy term pregnancy. Characterization of HLA-G+ EVT from term pregnancy compared to first trimester revealed their unique phenotypes, gene expression profiles, and differing capacities to increase regulatory T cells (Treg) during coculture assays, features that cannot be captured by using surrogate cell lines or animal models. Furthermore, clinical variables including gestational age and fetal sex significantly influenced EVT biology and function. These methods and approaches form a solid basis for further investigation of the role of HLA-G+ EVT in the development of detrimental placental inflammatory responses associated with pregnancy complications, including spontaneous preterm delivery and preeclampsia.
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27
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Early pregnancy loss: the default outcome for fertilized human oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1057-1063. [PMID: 32193767 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01749-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy loss is by far the most frequent outcome of human reproduction. It occurs when despite the timely interaction of gametes and initiation of embryogenesis and implantation of the conceptus, pregnancy continuance fails. From a clinical perspective, early pregnancy loss represents a neglected but relevant issue because of the high incidence, the evolving and yet not fully elucidated mechanism, the possible association with other relevant medical conditions, and the potential psychological sequelae. Our growing understanding of the dialog established between the embryo and the endometrium provides new insights into the etiology of pregnancy loss. Aneuploidies as a cause of early pregnancy loss are known for a long time, but there is now evidence that endometrium is not a passive player. An active selection aimed at impeding implantation of unhealthy embryos actually occurs at the endometrial interface. The concept of selectivity is substituting the one of mere receptivity.
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28
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Merech F, Soczewski E, Hauk V, Paparini D, Ramhorst R, Vota D, Pérez Leirós C. Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide induces glucose and neutral amino acid uptake through mTOR signalling in human cytotrophoblast cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17152. [PMID: 31748639 PMCID: PMC6868285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53676-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The transport of nutrients across the placenta involves trophoblast cell specific transporters modulated through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has embryotrophic effects in mice and regulates human cytotrophoblast cell migration and invasion. Here we explored the effect of VIP on glucose and System A amino acid uptake by human trophoblast-derived cells (Swan 71 and BeWo cell lines). VIP activated D-glucose specific uptake in single cytotrophoblast cells in a concentration-dependent manner through PKA, MAPK, PI3K and mTOR signalling pathways. Glucose uptake was reduced in VIP-knocked down cytotrophoblast cells. Also, VIP stimulated System A amino acid uptake and the expression of GLUT1 glucose transporter and SNAT1 neutral amino acid transporter. VIP increased mTOR expression and mTOR/S6 phosphorylation whereas VIP silencing reduced mTOR mRNA and protein expression. Inhibition of mTOR signalling with rapamycin reduced the expression of endogenous VIP and of VIP-induced S6 phosphorylation. Our findings support a role of VIP in the transport of glucose and neutral amino acids in cytotrophoblast cells through mTOR-regulated pathways and they are instrumental for understanding the physiological regulation of nutrient sensing by endogenous VIP at the maternal-foetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Merech
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth Soczewski
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Hauk
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Paparini
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daiana Vota
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pérez Leirós
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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29
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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: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.4] [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.
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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
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30
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Herrera-Van Oostdam AS, Salgado-Bustamante M, López JA, Herrera-Van Oostdam DA, López-Hernández Y. Placental exosomes viewed from an 'omics' perspective: implications for gestational diabetes biomarkers identification. Biomark Med 2019; 13:675-684. [PMID: 31157549 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2018-0468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are defined as extracellular vesicles that are released from cells upon fusion of an intermediate endocytic compartment - the multivesicular body - with the plasma membrane. Recently, placenta-derived exosomes have gained special attention, since they play a crucial role in the communication between the mother and fetus. It is known that the concentration of placenta-derived exosomes in the maternal bloodstream is higher in patients with preeclampsia or gestational diabetes mellitus. However, their composition in terms of the content of proteins, nucleic acids or lipids is uncertain. In this work, we reviewed the recent advances in placental exosomes characterization through omics-based methods, and their potential to predict gestational diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Herrera-Van Oostdam
- Department of Biochemistry, Medicine Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, PC 78210, Mexico
| | - Mariana Salgado-Bustamante
- Department of Biochemistry, Medicine Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, PC 78210, Mexico
| | - Jesús Adrián López
- MicroRNAs Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, PC 98610, Mexico
| | - David A Herrera-Van Oostdam
- Department of Rheumatology & Pathology, Hospital Central 'Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto,' Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, PC 78210, Mexico
| | - Yamilé López-Hernández
- CONACyT-Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Unidad Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Zacatecas, PC 98610, Mexico
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31
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Menkhorst EM, Van Sinderen M, Correia J, Dimitriadis E. Trophoblast function is altered by decidual factors in gestational-dependant manner. Placenta 2019; 80:8-11. [PMID: 31103068 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate implantation and placentation is associated with miscarriage and placental insufficiency. The decidual environment is thought to regulate trophoblast invasion, however this is poorly defined in humans. We aimed to determine the effect of decidualization on trophoblast function. In vitro decidualized primary human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) significantly enhanced first-trimester extravillous trophoblast (EVT) (6-8-weeks gestation) adhesion, outgrowth/invasion. In EVTs from 10 to 12-weeks gestation this effect was absent (adhesion, invasion) or reversed (outgrowth). HESC conditioned media had no effect on trophoblast MMP9 production/activity. Decidualization regulated EVT function in a gestational-dependent manner. This study highlights the importance of trophoblast-decidual synchrony.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Menkhorst
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3186, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - M Van Sinderen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3186, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - J Correia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3186, Australia
| | - E Dimitriadis
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3186, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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32
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Paparini DE, Choudhury RH, Vota DM, Karolczak-Bayatti M, Finn-Sell S, Grasso EN, Hauk VC, Ramhorst R, Pérez Leirós C, Aplin JD. Vasoactive intestinal peptide shapes first-trimester placenta trophoblast, vascular, and immune cell cooperation. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:964-980. [PMID: 30726565 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells are responsible for decidual stromal invasion, vascular transformation, and the recruitment and functional modulation of maternal leukocytes in the first-trimester pregnant uterus. An early disruption of EVT function leads to placental insufficiency underlying pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a vasodilating and immune modulatory factor synthesized by trophoblast cells. However, its role in first-trimester placenta has not been explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that VIP is involved in first-trimester EVT outgrowth, spiral artery remodelling, balancing angiogenesis, and maintenance of immune homeostasis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH First-trimester placental tissue (five to nine weeks of gestation) was collected, and was used for EVT outgrowth experiments, immunofluorescence, isolation of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells and decidual macrophages (dMA), and functional assays. Peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated with GM-CSF and used for angiogenesis assays. KEY RESULTS In decidua basalis, VIP+ EVT were observed sprouting from cell columns and lining spiral arterioles. EVT migrating from placental explants were also VIP+. VIP increased EVT outgrowth and IL-10 release, whereas it decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production in EVT, dNK cells, and dMA. VIP disrupted endothelial cell networks, both directly and indirectly via an effect on macrophages. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The results suggest that VIP assists the progress of EVT invasion and vessel remodelling in first-trimester placental bed in an immunologically "silent" milieu. The effects of VIP in the present ex vivo human placental model endorse its potential as a therapeutic candidate for deep placentation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Paparini
- IQUIBICEN-CONICET, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Ruhul H Choudhury
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Daiana M Vota
- IQUIBICEN-CONICET, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Magdalena Karolczak-Bayatti
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Finn-Sell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Esteban N Grasso
- IQUIBICEN-CONICET, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa C Hauk
- IQUIBICEN-CONICET, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- IQUIBICEN-CONICET, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pérez Leirós
- IQUIBICEN-CONICET, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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33
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Mansell E, Zareian N, Malouf C, Kapeni C, Brown N, Badie C, Baird D, Lane J, Ottersbach K, Blair A, Case CP. DNA damage signalling from the placenta to foetal blood as a potential mechanism for childhood leukaemia initiation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4370. [PMID: 30867444 PMCID: PMC6416312 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
For many diseases with a foetal origin, the cause for the disease initiation remains unknown. Common childhood acute leukaemia is thought to be caused by two hits, the first in utero and the second in childhood in response to infection. The mechanism for the initial DNA damaging event are unknown. Here we have used in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models to show that a placental barrier will respond to agents that are suspected of initiating childhood leukaemia by releasing factors that cause DNA damage in cord blood and bone marrow cells, including stem cells. We show that DNA damage caused by in utero exposure can reappear postnatally after an immune challenge. Furthermore, both foetal and postnatal DNA damage are prevented by prenatal exposure of the placenta to a mitochondrially-targeted antioxidant. We conclude that the placenta might contribute to the first hit towards leukaemia initiation by bystander-like signalling to foetal haematopoietic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Mansell
- School of Clinical Science, University of Bristol, Learning and Research Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.
| | - Nahid Zareian
- School of Clinical Science, University of Bristol, Learning and Research Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Camille Malouf
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, SCRM Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Bioquarter 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chrysa Kapeni
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, SCRM Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Bioquarter 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Natalie Brown
- Cancer Mecanisms and Biomarkers, Department of Radiation Effects, Public Health England's Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE), Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, UK
| | - Christophe Badie
- Cancer Mecanisms and Biomarkers, Department of Radiation Effects, Public Health England's Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE), Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, UK
| | - Duncan Baird
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jon Lane
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Katrin Ottersbach
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, SCRM Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Bioquarter 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Allison Blair
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences, NHS Blood and Transplant, Filton, UK
| | - C Patrick Case
- School of Clinical Science, University of Bristol, Learning and Research Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
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34
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Gerbaud P, Murthi P, Guibourdenche J, Guimiot F, Sarazin B, Evain-Brion D, Badet J, Pidoux G. Study of Human T21 Placenta Suggests a Potential Role of Mesenchymal Spondin-2 in Placental Vascular Development. Endocrinology 2019; 160:684-698. [PMID: 30715257 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Placental development is particularly altered in trisomy of chromosome 21 (T21)-affected pregnancies. We previously described in T21-affected placentae an abnormal paracrine crosstalk between the villus mesenchymal core and villus trophoblasts. T21-affected placentae are known to be characterized by their hypovascularity. However, the causes of this anomaly remain not fully elucidated. Therefore, the hypothesis of an abnormal paracrine crosstalk between fetal mesenchymal core and placental endothelial cells (PLECs) was evocated. Villus mesenchymal cells from control (CMCs) and T21 placentae (T21MCs) were isolated and grown in culture to allow their characterization and collection of conditioned media for functional analyses (CMC-CM and T21MC-CM, respectively). Interestingly, PLEC proliferation and branching ability were less stimulated by T21MC-CM than by CMC-CM. Protein array analysis identified secreted proangiogenic growth factors in CMC-CM, which were reduced in T21MC-CM. Combined mass spectrometry and biochemical analysis identified spondin-2 as a factor decreased in T21MC-CM compared with CMC-CM. We found that exogenous spondin-2 stimulated PLEC proliferation and established that T21MC-CM supplemented with spondin-2 recovered conditioned media ability to induce PLEC proliferation and angiogenesis. Hence, this study demonstrates a crosstalk between villus mesenchymal and fetal endothelial cells, in which spondin-2 secreted from mesenchymal cells plays a central role in placental vascular functions. Furthermore, our results also suggest that a reduction in spondin-2 secretion may contribute to the pathogenesis of T21 placental hypovascularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Gerbaud
- INSERM, UMR-S 1139, Paris, France
- INSERM, UMR-S 1180, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jean Guibourdenche
- INSERM, UMR-S 1139, Paris, France
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Service d'Hormonologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, CHU Cochin, Paris, France
- Fondation PremUP, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Guimiot
- Unité de Foetopathologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, CHU Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | | | - Danièle Evain-Brion
- INSERM, UMR-S 1139, Paris, France
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Fondation PremUP, Paris, France
| | - Josette Badet
- INSERM, UMR-S 1139, Paris, France
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Pidoux
- INSERM, UMR-S 1139, Paris, France
- INSERM, UMR-S 1180, Châtenay-Malabry, France
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35
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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.
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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
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36
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Nishiguchi A, Gilmore C, Sood A, Matsusaki M, Collett G, Tannetta D, Sargent IL, McGarvey J, Halemani ND, Hanley J, Day F, Grant S, Murdoch-Davis C, Kemp H, Verkade P, Aplin JD, Akashi M, Case CP. In vitro placenta barrier model using primary human trophoblasts, underlying connective tissue and vascular endothelium. Biomaterials 2018; 192:140-148. [PMID: 30448698 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Fetal development may be compromised by adverse events at the placental interface between mother and fetus. However, it is still unclear how the communication between mother and fetus occurs through the placenta. In vitro - models of the human placental barrier, which could help our understanding and which recreate three-dimensional (3D) structures with biological functionalities and vasculatures, have not been reported yet. Here we present a 3D-vascularized human primary placental barrier model which can be constructed in 1 day. We illustrate the similarity of our model to first trimester human placenta, both in its structure and in its ability to respond to altered oxygen and to secrete factors that cause damage cells across the barrier including embryonic cortical neurons. We use this model to highlight the possibility that both the trophoblast and the endothelium within the placenta might play a role in the fetomaternal dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Nishiguchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Catherine Gilmore
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Aman Sood
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Michiya Matsusaki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Gavin Collett
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dionne Tannetta
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ian L Sargent
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Jon Hanley
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Fiona Day
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Simon Grant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Helena Kemp
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Verkade
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, University of Manchester, 5th Floor Research, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Mitsuru Akashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - C Patrick Case
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
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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: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [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
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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.
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Kolben TM, Rogatsch E, Vattai A, Hester A, Kuhn C, Schmoeckel E, Mahner S, Jeschke U, Kolben T. PPARγ Expression Is Diminished in Macrophages of Recurrent Miscarriage Placentas. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071872. [PMID: 29949879 PMCID: PMC6073463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PPARγ belongs to the group of nuclear receptors which is expressed in the trophoblast and together with other factors is responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy. Apart from that PPARγ is also a main factor for macrophage polarization. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined expression pattern and frequency of PPARγ under physiological circumstances and in spontaneous and recurrent miscarriages in the trophoblast and in maternal macrophages of the decidua. Human placental tissues of the first trimester (15 physiologic pregnancies, 15 spontaneous abortion and 16 recurrent miscarriage placentas) were analyzed for expression of the nuclear receptor PPARγ. Expression changes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and real time PCR (RT-PCR) in trophoblast and in maternal macrophages of the decidua. Maternal macrophages were identified by double immunofluorescence using cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) as marker for macrophages and further characterized regarding their M1/M2 polarization status. The intermediate villous trophoblast revealed a significantly lower PPARγ expression in spontaneous and recurrent abortion. Maternal macrophages express PPARγ. Their number is significantly enhanced in the decidua of spontaneous miscarriages whereas in recurrent miscarriages maternal macrophages seem to express PPARγ only in very few cases. PPARγ is associated with an M2 polarization state that is common for decidual macrophages. The lack of PPARγ in recurrent miscarriage decidual macrophages seems to be associated with a specific inflammatory response against the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Maria Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Rogatsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Aurelia Vattai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Anna Hester
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Christina Kuhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Elisa Schmoeckel
- Department of Pathology, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 27, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Thomas Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Gene expression profiles of HTR8-S/Vneo cells after changes in ABCA1 expression. Funct Integr Genomics 2018; 18:725-735. [PMID: 29931611 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-018-0621-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
ABCA1 is expressed in placental trophoblasts, such that when the expression level of ABCA1 changes, the function of trophoblasts dramatically changes. However, the mechanism by which ABCA1 affects the function of trophoblast cells remains unclear. Here, we used biochemical and transcriptomic to uncover the potential mechanism of the effect of ABCA1 on trophoblast function. HTR8/SVneo cells were either treated with the agonist T0901317 or transfected with siRNA to regulate ABCA1 expression levels. A human gene expression microarray was used to analyze the expression spectrum of ABCA1. Microarray results were confirmed by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Immunofluorescence allowed detection of the cellular localization of ABCA1, CCL8, CXCL10, CXCL11, and S1PR1 in HTR8/SVneo cells. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to test interactions among these proteins. Concomitant with an increase in ABCA1 expression, S1PR1 expression increased, whereas expression of CCL8, CXCL10, and CXCL11 decreased significantly; opposite effects were observed with a decrease in ABCA1 expression. Thus, changes in ABCA1 expression may lead to changes in downstream gene expression. Whereas the interaction between ABCA1 and S1PR1 was direct, interactions among ABCA1 and CCL8, CXCL10, and CXCL11 were indirect. We propose that, in conjunction with S1PR1, ABCA1 regulates expression levels of CCL8, CXCL10, and CXCL11; this may lead to changes in the immune function of trophoblastic cells. Thus, we suspect that the effect of ABCA1 on trophoblast function may involve many biological processes, molecular function changes, and the activation of multiple signaling pathways.
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang XH, Zhou WJ, Jin LP, Li MQ. Crosstalk between human endometrial stromal cells and decidual NK cells promotes decidualization in vitro by upregulating IL‑25. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:2869-2878. [PMID: 29257317 PMCID: PMC5783502 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is essential for a successful pregnancy, and leads to the decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. It has previously been demonstrated that decidual stromal cells (DSCs) co‑express interleukin (IL)‑25/IL‑17RB and that IL‑25 further promotes the proliferation of DSCs via activating c‑Jun n‑terminal kinase and protein kinase B signals, therefore the present study primarily focused on the role of IL‑25 in the process of decidualization in vitro. It was demonstrated that the expression of IL‑25/IL‑17RB in ESCs was decreased compared with DSCs. In addition, following decidualization, the expression levels of IL‑25/IL‑17RB in ESCs were significantly elevated. Recombinant human (rh) IL‑25 promoted the decidualization of ESCs in the presence of 8‑bromoadenosine 3',5'‑cyclic monophosphate sodium salt and 6α‑methyl17α‑acetoxyprogesterone, which was partially inhibited by anti‑human IL‑25 neutralizing antibody (anti‑IL‑25) or anti‑IL‑17RB. In addition, decidual natural killer (dNK) cells not only secreted IL‑25, however also further accelerated the decidualization in vitro. Therefore, these findings indicated that ESCs differentiate into DSCs in the presence of ovarian hormones, resulting in the upregulation of IL‑25/IL‑17RB expression in ESCs. Furthermore, IL‑25 secreted by ESCs and dNK cells further facilitates the decidualization of ESCs, which may form a positive feedback mechanism at the maternal‑fetal interface and thus contribute to the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ping Jin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
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Chiarello DI, Salsoso R, Toledo F, Mate A, Vázquez CM, Sobrevia L. Foetoplacental communication via extracellular vesicles in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 60:69-80. [PMID: 29222068 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication is a critical process in biological mechanisms. During pregnancy foetoplacental tissues release a heterogeneous group of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that include exosomes, microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, and syncytial nuclear aggregates. These vesicles contain a complex cargo (proteins, DNA, mRNA transcripts, microRNAs, noncoding RNA, lipids, and other molecules) that actively participate in the maternal-foetal communication by modulating different processes during gestation for a successful foetal development. Each stage of human gestation is marked by events such as immunomodulation, proliferation, invasion, migration, and differentiation, among others, requiring EVs-mediated signalling to be nearby or distant target cells. Furthermore, EVs also associate with pregnancy pathologies such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. This review addresses the role of EVs in human foetomaternal communication in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia I Chiarello
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile.
| | - Rocío Salsoso
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain
| | - Fernando Toledo
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Del Bío-Bío, Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Alfonso Mate
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain
| | - Carmen M Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029 Queensland, Australia.
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Tesfaye D, Salilew-Wondim D, Gebremedhn S, Sohel MMH, Pandey HO, Hoelker M, Schellander K. Potential role of microRNAs in mammalian female fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:8-23. [PMID: 28278789 DOI: 10.1071/rd16266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first evidence for the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in various reproductive processes through conditional knockout of DICER, several studies have been conducted to investigate the expression pattern and role of miRNAs in ovarian follicular development, oocyte maturation, embryo development, embryo-maternal communication, pregnancy establishment and various reproductive diseases. Although advances in sequencing technology have fuelled miRNA studies in mammalian species, the presence of extracellular miRNAs in various biological fluids, including follicular fluid, blood plasma, urine and milk among others, has opened a new door in miRNA research for their use as diagnostic markers. This review presents data related to the identification and expression analysis of cellular miRNA in mammalian female fertility associated with ovarian folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, preimplantation embryo development and embryo implantation. In addition, the relevance of miRNAs to female reproductive disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometritis and abnormal pregnancies, is discussed for various mammalian species. Most importantly, the mechanism of release and the role of extracellular miRNAs in cell-cell communication and their potential role as non-invasive markers in female fertility are discussed in detail. Understanding this layer of regulation in female reproduction processes will pave the way to understanding the genetic regulation of female fertility in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Tesfaye
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Samuel Gebremedhn
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Md Mahmodul Hasan Sohel
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Genome and Stem Cell Centre, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Hari Om Pandey
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Schellander
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Invasive trophoblast promote stromal fibroblast decidualization via Profilin 1 and ALOX5. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8690. [PMID: 28821715 PMCID: PMC5562808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05947-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the establishment of pregnancy, extravillous trophoblast (EVT) must invade into the uterine decidua to facilitate decidual artery remodelling to create the placental blood supply. The local decidual environment is thought to regulate trophoblast invasion, however these interactions are poorly defined in humans. Recent evidence in women suggests impaired decidualization is associated with miscarriage and preeclampsia. Primary human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) and first trimester extravillous trophoblast (EVTs) were used to assess the effect of EVT-secreted factors on HESC decidualization, adhesion, proliferation and migration. We determined the role of profilin (PFN)1, an EVT-secreted factor, on HESC function and identified a downstream target of PFN1. EVT-secreted factors induced HESC decidualization and enhanced decidualized HESC adhesion, proliferation and migration. Recombinant PFN1 enhanced methoxyprogesterone acetate-induced HESC decidualization and proliferation. PFN1 down-regulated the expression of lipoxygenase arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5) in HESC and THP-1 macrophages. ALOX5 localised to decidual cells and CD68+macrophages in 1st trimester decidua. This study demonstrated that EVT secretions, including PFN1, enhanced HESC decidualization and motility. This study has identified a new pathway that facilitates appropriate decidualization during the establishment of pregnancy.
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Ramezanzadeh M, Khosravi S, Salehi R. Cell-free Fetal Nucleic Acid Identifier Markers in Maternal Circulation. Adv Biomed Res 2017; 6:89. [PMID: 28828340 PMCID: PMC5549546 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.211800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
From the discovery of cell-free fetal (cff)-DNA in 1997 so far, many studies have been performed on various aspects of cff-nucleic acid. It is undoubted that currently, invasive prenatal diagnosis progresses to the noninvasive test. However, there are many problems. One of the most challenging issues in this field is differentiation and detection of the small amount of cff-nucleic acid in maternal plasma. Many markers and methods have been used for this purpose. This review makes an attempt to review and compare the studies in the field. Six identifier markers including Y-specific sequence, polymorphisms, epigenetic difference, DNA size difference, fetal mRNA, and microRNA as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each marker are discussed. This review provides a relatively perfect set on cff-nucleic acid biomarkers in various physiological and pathological status of pregnancy, helping to review and compare the prior obtained results, and improving designation in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Ramezanzadeh
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 751463341, Iran
| | - Sharifeh Khosravi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81744-176, Iran
| | - Rasoul Salehi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81744-176, Iran
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Beards F, Jones LE, Charnock J, Forbes K, Harris LK. Placental Homing Peptide-microRNA Inhibitor Conjugates for Targeted Enhancement of Intrinsic Placental Growth Signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:2940-2955. [PMID: 28824727 PMCID: PMC5562227 DOI: 10.7150/thno.18845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Suboptimal placental growth and development are the underlying cause of many pregnancy complications. No treatments are available, primarily due to the risk of causing fetal teratogenicity. microRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA sequences that regulate multiple downstream genes; miR-145 and miR675 have previously been identified as negative regulators of placental growth. In this proof of principle study, we explored the feasibility of delivering miRNA inhibitors to the placentas of pregnant mice and developed novel placental homing peptide-microRNA inhibitor conjugates for targeted enhancement of intrinsic placental growth signalling. Scrambled-, miR-145- or miR-675 inhibitor sequences were synthesised from peptide nucleic acids and conjugated to the placental homing peptide CCGKRK. Intravenous administration of the miR-145- and miR-675 conjugates to pregnant C57BL/6J mice significantly increased fetal and placental weights compared to controls; the miR-675 conjugate significantly reduced placental miR-675 expression. When applied to human first trimester placental explants, the miR-145 conjugate significantly reduced placental miR-145 expression, and both conjugates induced significant enhancement of cytotrophoblast proliferation; no effect was observed in term placental explants. This study demonstrates that homing peptide-miRNA inhibitor conjugates can be exploited to promote placental growth; these novel therapeutics may represent an innovative strategy for targeted treatment of compromised placental development.
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Carreras-Badosa G, Bonmatí A, Ortega FJ, Mercader JM, Guindo-Martínez M, Torrents D, Prats-Puig A, Martinez-Calcerrada JM, de Zegher F, Ibáñez L, Fernandez-Real JM, Lopez-Bermejo A, Bassols J. Dysregulation of Placental miRNA in Maternal Obesity Is Associated With Pre- and Postnatal Growth. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:2584-2594. [PMID: 28368446 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Human placenta exhibits a specific microRNA (miRNA) expression pattern. Some of these miRNAs are dysregulated in pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction and are potential biomarkers for these pathologies. OBJECTIVE To study the placental miRNA profile in pregnant women with pregestational overweight/obesity (preOB) or gestational obesity (gestOB) and explore the associations between placental miRNAs dysregulated in maternal obesity and prenatal and postnatal growth. METHODS TaqMan Low Density Arrays and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to profile the placental miRNAs in 70 pregnant women (20 preOB, 25 gestOB, and 25 control). Placentas and newborns were weighed at delivery, and infants were weighed at 1, 4, and 12 months of age. RESULTS Eight miRNAs were decreased in placentas from preOB or gestOB (miR-100, miR-1269, miR-1285, miR-181, miR-185, miR-214, miR-296, and miR-487) (all P < 0.05). Among them, miR-100, miR-1285, miR-296, and miR-487 were associated with maternal metabolic parameters (all P < 0.05) and were predictors of lower birth weight (all P < 0.05; R2 > 30%) and increased postnatal weight gain (all P < 0.05; R2 > 20%). In silico analysis showed that these miRNAs were related to cell proliferation and insulin signaling pathways. miR-296 was also present in plasma samples and associated with placental expression and prenatal and postnatal growth parameters (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We identified a specific placental miRNA profile in maternal obesity. Placental miRNAs dysregulated in maternal obesity may be involved in mediation of growth-promoting effects of maternal obesity on offspring and could be used as early markers of prenatal and postnatal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Carreras-Badosa
- Pediatric Endocrinology Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Dr. Trueta University Hospital, Girona 17007, Spain
| | - Alexandra Bonmatí
- Department of Gynecology, Dr. Trueta University Hospital, Girona 17007, Spain
| | - Francisco-Jose Ortega
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Dr. Trueta University Hospital, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Girona 17007, Spain
| | - Josep-Maria Mercader
- Joint Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (BSC-CRG-IRB) Research Program in Computational Biology, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Marta Guindo-Martínez
- Joint Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (BSC-CRG-IRB) Research Program in Computational Biology, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - David Torrents
- Joint Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (BSC-CRG-IRB) Research Program in Computational Biology, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Prats-Puig
- Department of Physical Therapy, Escola Universitària de la Salut i l'Esport, University of Girona, 17007 Girona, Spain
| | | | - Francis de Zegher
- Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lourdes Ibáñez
- Endocrinology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, 08950 Esplugues, Barcelona
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose-Manuel Fernandez-Real
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Dr. Trueta University Hospital, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Girona 17007, Spain
| | - Abel Lopez-Bermejo
- Pediatric Endocrinology Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Dr. Trueta University Hospital, Girona 17007, Spain
| | - Judit Bassols
- Pediatric Endocrinology Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Dr. Trueta University Hospital, Girona 17007, Spain
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Menkhorst E, Winship A, Van Sinderen M, Dimitriadis E. Human extravillous trophoblast invasion: intrinsic and extrinsic regulation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:406-15. [PMID: 25163485 DOI: 10.1071/rd14208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the establishment of pregnancy, a human blastocyst implants into the uterine endometrium to facilitate the formation of a functional placenta. Implantation involves the blastocyst adhering to the uterine luminal epithelium before the primitive syncytiotrophoblast and subsequently specialised cells, the extravillous trophoblast (EVT), invade into the decidua in order to engraft and remodel uterine spiral arteries, creating the placental blood supply at the end of the first trimester. Defects in EVT invasion lead to abnormal placentation and thus adverse pregnancy outcomes. The local decidual environment is thought to play a key role in regulating trophoblast invasion. Here we describe the major cell types present in the decidua during the first trimester of pregnancy and review what is known about their regulation of EVT invasion. Overall, the evidence suggests that in a healthy pregnancy almost all cell types in the decidua actively promote EVT invasion and, further, that reduced EVT invasion towards the end of the first trimester is regulated, in part, by the reduced invasive capacity of EVTs shown at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Menkhorst
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - A Winship
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - M Van Sinderen
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - E Dimitriadis
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright St, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
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Notch1 controls development of the extravillous trophoblast lineage in the human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E7710-E7719. [PMID: 27849611 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1612335113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of the human placenta and its different epithelial trophoblasts is crucial for a successful pregnancy. Besides fusing into a multinuclear syncytium, the exchange surface between mother and fetus, progenitors develop into extravillous trophoblasts invading the maternal uterus and its spiral arteries. Migration into these vessels promotes remodelling and, as a consequence, adaption of blood flow to the fetal-placental unit. Defects in remodelling and trophoblast differentiation are associated with severe gestational diseases, such as preeclampsia. However, mechanisms controlling human trophoblast development are largely unknown. Herein, we show that Notch1 is one such critical regulator, programming primary trophoblasts into progenitors of the invasive differentiation pathway. At the 12th wk of gestation, Notch1 is exclusively detected in precursors of the extravillous trophoblast lineage, forming cell columns anchored to the uterine stroma. At the 6th wk, Notch1 is additionally expressed in clusters of villous trophoblasts underlying the syncytium, suggesting that the receptor initiates the invasive differentiation program in distal regions of the developing placental epithelium. Manipulation of Notch1 in primary trophoblast models demonstrated that the receptor promotes proliferation and survival of extravillous trophoblast progenitors. Notch1 intracellular domain induced genes associated with stemness of cell columns, myc and VE-cadherin, in Notch1- fusogenic precursors, and bound to the myc promoter and enhancer region at RBPJκ cognate sequences. In contrast, Notch1 repressed syncytialization and expression of TEAD4 and p63, two regulators controlling self-renewal of villous cytotrophoblasts. Our results revealed Notch1 as a key factor promoting development of progenitors of the extravillous trophoblast lineage in the human placenta.
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Dos Santos E, Duval F, Vialard F, Dieudonné MN. The roles of leptin and adiponectin at the fetal-maternal interface in humans. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2016; 24:47-63. [PMID: 26509784 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2015-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Infertility now affects one in seven couples, and the prevalence of this condition continues to increase. Ovulatory defects and unknown causes account for more than half of the cases of infertility. It has been postulated that a significant proportion of these cases are directly or indirectly related to obesity, since the presence of excess adipose tissue has a variety of effects on reproductive function. Here, we review on the effects of the two major adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) on fertility, with a focus on the first steps in embryo implantation and the key components of fetal-maternal interface (the placenta and the endometrium). These adipokines are reportedly involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, and as such affect local angiogenesis, immune tolerance and inflammatory processes in placental and endometrial tissues. In placental cells, leptin and adiponectin also modulate trophoblast invasiveness and the nutrient supply. These observations strongly suggest by interfering with the placenta and endometrium, adipokines can create a favorable environment for embryo implantation and have a key role in fetal-maternal metabolism, fetal-maternal communication, and gestation. Given that reproductive functions are tightly coupled to the energy balance, metabolic abnormalities may lead to the development of complications of pregnancy and changes in fetal growth. In this context, we suggest that the leptin/adiponectin ratio may be a clinically valuable marker for detecting a number of pathologies in pregnancy.
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50
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Calvert SJ, Longtine MS, Cotter S, Jones CJP, Sibley CP, Aplin JD, Nelson DM, Heazell AEP. Studies of the dynamics of nuclear clustering in human syncytiotrophoblast. Reproduction 2016; 151:657-71. [PMID: 27002000 PMCID: PMC4911178 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Syncytial nuclear aggregates (SNAs), clusters of nuclei in the syncytiotrophoblast of
the human placenta, are increased as gestation advances and in pregnancy pathologies.
The origins of increased SNAs are unclear; however, a better appreciation of the
mechanism may give insight into placental ageing and factors underpinning
dysfunction. We developed three models to investigate whether SNA formation results
from a dynamic process of nuclear movement and to generate alternative hypotheses.
SNA count and size were measured in placental explants cultured over 16 days and
particles released into culture medium were quantified. Primary trophoblasts were
cultured for 6 days. Explants and trophoblasts were cultured with and without
cytoskeletal inhibitors. An in silico model was developed to examine
the effects of modulating nuclear behaviour on clustering. In explants, neither
median SNA number (108 SNA/mm2 villous area) nor size (283
μm2) changed over time. Subcellular particles from conditioned
culture medium showed a wide range of sizes that overlapped with those of SNAs.
Nuclei in primary trophoblasts did not change position relative to other nuclei;
apparent movement was associated with positional changes of the syncytial cell
membrane. In both models, SNAs and nuclear clusters were stable despite
pharmacological disruption of cytoskeletal activity. In silico,
increased nuclear movement, adhesiveness and sites of cytotrophoblast fusion were
related to nuclear clustering. The prominence of SNAs in pregnancy disorders may not
result from an active process involving cytoskeleton-mediated rearrangement of
syncytial nuclei. Further insights into the mechanism(s) of SNA formation will aid
understanding of their increased presence in pregnancy pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Calvert
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research CentreInstitute of Human Development, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK St Mary's HospitalCentral Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - M S Longtine
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - S Cotter
- School of MathematicsAlan Turing Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - C J P Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research CentreInstitute of Human Development, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK St Mary's HospitalCentral Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - C P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research CentreInstitute of Human Development, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK St Mary's HospitalCentral Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - J D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research CentreInstitute of Human Development, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK St Mary's HospitalCentral Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - D M Nelson
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - A E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research CentreInstitute of Human Development, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK St Mary's HospitalCentral Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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