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Jiang H, Meng T, Li Z. Role of circular RNAs in preeclampsia (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 28:372. [PMID: 39091629 PMCID: PMC11292168 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation, which affects 3-8% of pregnant individuals worldwide each year. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of PE are some of the most important problems faced by obstetrics. There is growing evidence that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of PE. The present review summarizes the research progress of circRNAs and then describes the expression patterns of circRNAs in PE and their functional mechanisms affecting PE development. The role of circRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of PE, and the research status of circRNAs in PE are summarized in the hope of finding novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengxue Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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2
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Jiang P, Zhu X, Jiang Y, Li H, Luo Q. Targeting JUNB to modulate M2 macrophage polarization in preeclampsia. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167194. [PMID: 38663490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167194] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/17/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex disorder affecting pregnant women, leading to significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the cellular dynamics and molecular mechanisms underlying PE is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to delineate the cellular landscape of the placenta in PE, identifying 11 distinct cell subpopulations, with macrophages playing a pivotal role in mediating cell-cell communication. Specifically, the transcription factor JUNB was found to be a key gene in macrophages from PE samples, influencing the interaction between macrophages and both epithelial and endothelial cells. Functional experiments indicated that interference with JUNB expression promoted macrophage polarization towards an M2 phenotype, which facilitated trophoblast invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. Mechanistically, JUNB regulated the MIIP/PI3K/AKT pathway, as evidenced by gene expression analysis following JUNB knockdown. The study further demonstrated that targeting JUNB could activate the PI3K/AKT pathway by transcriptionally activating MIIP, thus promoting M2 polarization and potentially delaying the onset of PE. These findings present new insights into the pathogenesis of PE and suggest a novel therapeutic approach by modulating macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyue Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Xiaojun Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Hetong Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, PR China.
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Yun S, Noh M, Yu J, Kim HJ, Hui CC, Lee H, Son JE. Unlocking biological mechanisms with integrative functional genomics approaches. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100092. [PMID: 39019219 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100092] [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: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Reverse genetics offers precise functional insights into genes through the targeted manipulation of gene expression followed by phenotypic assessment. While these approaches have proven effective in model organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, large-scale genetic manipulations in human cells were historically unfeasible due to methodological limitations. However, recent advancements in functional genomics, particularly clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based screening technologies and next-generation sequencing platforms, have enabled pooled screening technologies that allow massively parallel, unbiased assessments of biological phenomena in human cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge functional genomic screening technologies applicable to human cells, ranging from short hairpin RNA screens to modern CRISPR screens. Additionally, we explore the integration of CRISPR platforms with single-cell approaches to monitor gene expression, chromatin accessibility, epigenetic regulation, and chromatin architecture following genetic perturbations at the omics level. By offering an in-depth understanding of these genomic screening methods, this review aims to provide insights into more targeted and effective strategies for genomic research and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehee Yun
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Minsoo Noh
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Genomics and Translational Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21565, Korea
| | - Jivin Yu
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jai Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Chi-Chung Hui
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hunsang Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Joe Eun Son
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea.
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4
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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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Ji K, Chen Y, Pan X, Chen L, Wang X, Wen B, Bao J, Zhong J, Lv Z, Zheng Z, Liu H. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal alterations in trophoblasts at invasion sites and disturbed myometrial immune microenvironment in placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Biomark Res 2024; 12:55. [PMID: 38831319 PMCID: PMC11149369 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00598-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) are a severe complication characterized by abnormal trophoblast invasion into the myometrium. The underlying mechanisms of PAS involve a complex interplay of various cell types and molecular pathways. Despite its significance, both the characteristics and intricate mechanisms of this condition remain poorly understood. METHODS Spatial transcriptomics (ST) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), were performed on the tissue samples from four PAS patients, including invasive tissues (ST, n = 3; scRNA-seq, n = 4), non-invasive normal placenta samples (ST, n = 1; scRNA-seq, n = 2). Three healthy term pregnant women provided normal myometrium samples (ST, n = 1; scRNA-seq, n = 2). ST analysis characterized the spatial expression landscape, and scRNA-seq was used to identify specific cellular components in PAS. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to validate the findings. RESULTS ST slices distinctly showed the myometrium in PAS was invaded by three subpopulations of trophoblast cells, extravillous trophoblast cells, cytotrophoblasts, and syncytiotrophoblasts, especially extravillous trophoblast cells. The pathways enriched by genes in trophoblasts, smooth muscle cells (SMC), and immune cells of PAS were mainly associated with immune and inflammation. We identified elevated expression of the angiogenesis-stimulating gene PTK2, alongside the cell proliferation-enhancing gene EGFR, within the trophoblasts of PAS group. Trophoblasts mainly contributed the enhancement of HLA-G and EBI3 signaling, which is crucial in establishing immune escape. Meanwhile, SMC regions in PAS exhibited upregulation of immunomodulatory markers such as CD274, HAVCR2, and IDO1, with CD274 expression experimentally verified to be increased in the invasive SMC areas of the PAS group. CONCLUSIONS This study provided information of cellular composition and spatial organization in PAS at single-cell and spatial level. The dysregulated expression of genes in PAS revealed a complex interplay between enhanced immune escape in trophoblasts and immune tolerance in SMCs during invasion in PAS. These findings will enhance our understanding of PAS pathogenesis for developing potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Ji
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunshan Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuyu Pan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lina Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodi Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bolun Wen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Bao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junmin Zhong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi Lv
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Zheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Huishu Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, China.
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Fu T, Wang X, Zhao X, Jiang Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Ren Y, Li Z, Hu X. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of decidual immune cell landscape in the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:213. [PMID: 38730500 PMCID: PMC11088043 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06266-w] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in early pregnancy. Previous studies have illustrated the landscape of decidual immune cells. However, the landscape of decidual immune cells in the maternal-fetal microenvironment during T. gondii infection remains unknown. METHODS In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the changes in human decidual immune cells following T. gondii infection. The results of scRNA-seq were further validated with flow cytometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Our results showed that the proportion of 17 decidual immune cell clusters and the expression levels of 21 genes were changed after T. gondii infection. Differential gene analysis demonstrated that T. gondii infection induced the differential expression of 279, 312, and 380 genes in decidual NK cells (dNK), decidual macrophages (dMφ), and decidual T cells (dT), respectively. Our results revealed for the first time that several previously unknown molecules in decidual immune cells changed following infection. This result revealed that the function of maternal-fetal immune tolerance declined, whereas the killing ability of decidual immune cells enhanced, eventually contributing to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable resource for uncovering several novel molecules that play an important role in the occurrence of abnormal pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Fu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medial University, Yantai, 264100, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Shu C, Street K, Breton CV, Bastain TM, Wilson ML. A review of single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics studies in maternal and child health. Epigenomics 2024; 16:775-793. [PMID: 38709139 DOI: 10.1080/17501911.2024.2343276] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing technologies enhance our understanding of cellular dynamics throughout pregnancy. We outlined the workflow of single-cell sequencing techniques and reviewed single-cell studies in maternal and child health. We conducted a literature review of single cell studies on maternal and child health using PubMed. We summarized the findings from 16 single-cell atlases of the human and mammalian placenta across gestational stages and 31 single-cell studies on maternal exposures and complications including infection, obesity, diet, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, environmental exposure and preterm birth. Single-cell studies provides insights on novel cell types in placenta and cell type-specific marks associated with maternal exposures and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Shu
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Division of Epidemiology & Genetics, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Kelly Street
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Melissa L Wilson
- Division of Disease Prevention, Policy, & Global Health, Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles,CA USA
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Ge Q, Zhao J, Qu F. Investigating the progression of preeclampsia through a comprehensive analysis of genes associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024; 34:444-453. [PMID: 38166544 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2299485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals utilized in the production of various products that possess water and dirt-repellent properties. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to numerous diseases, such as cancer and preeclampsia (PE). However, whether PFAS contributes to the advancement of PE remains uncertain. In this study, we conducted an extensive bioinformatics analysis using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, leading us to discover a connection between PE and four specific PFAS. Moreover, further examination revealed that six genes associated with PFAS exhibited significant diagnostic potential for individuals with PE. By employing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, our PFAS-related gene-based nomogram model demonstrated outstanding predictive efficacy for diagnosing PE. Immune infiltration analysis showed that six PFAS-related genes were significantly associated with the level of immune cell infiltration. The expression of PFAS-related genes in PE patients was confirmed by collecting clinical samples. This research has offered fresh perspectives on comprehending the impact of PFAS on PE, drawing attention to the connection between environmental factors and the risks and development of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Ge
- Department of Obstetrics, Nantong Tongzhou People's Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Ju Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, Nantong Tongzhou People's Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Fujuan Qu
- Department of Obstetrics, Nantong Tongzhou People's Hospital, Nantong, China
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Park J, Lee H, Kweon J, Park S, Ham J, Bazer FW, Song G. Mechanisms of female reproductive toxicity in pigs induced by exposure to environmental pollutants. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100065. [PMID: 38679414 PMCID: PMC11143778 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100065] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollutants, including endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, nanomaterials, and pesticides, have been detected in various ecosystems and are of growing global concern. The potential for toxicity to non-target organisms has consistently been raised and is being studied using various animal models. In this review, we focus on pesticides frequently detected in the environment and investigate their potential exposure to livestock. Owing to the reproductive similarities between humans and pigs, various in vitro porcine models, such as porcine oocytes, trophectoderm cells, and luminal epithelial cells, are used to verify reproductive toxicity. These cell lines are being used to study the toxic mechanisms induced by various environmental toxicants, including organophosphate insecticides, pyrethroid insecticides, dinitroaniline herbicides, and diphenyl ether herbicides, which persist in the environment and threaten livestock health. Collectively, these results indicate that these pesticides can induce female reproductive toxicity in pigs and suggest the possibility of adverse effects on other livestock species. These results also indicate possible reproductive toxicity in humans, which requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junho Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojun Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhun Kweon
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoo Park
- Department of Plant & Biomaterials Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongnam 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Ham
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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10
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González-Rojas A, Valencia-Narbona M. Neurodevelopmental Disruptions in Children of Preeclamptic Mothers: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3632. [PMID: 38612445 PMCID: PMC11012011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073632] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder characterized by elevated blood pressure in the mother, typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation and posing risks to both maternal and fetal health. PE causes placental changes that can affect the fetus, particularly neurodevelopment. Its key pathophysiological mechanisms encompass hypoxia, vascular and angiogenic dysregulation, inflammation, neuronal and glial alterations, and disruptions in neuronal signaling. Animal models indicate that PE is correlated with neurodevelopmental alterations and cognitive dysfunctions in offspring and in humans, an association between PE and conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and sexual dimorphism has been observed. Considering the relevance for mothers and children, we conducted a narrative literature review to describe the relationships between the pathophysiological mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental alterations in the offspring of PE mothers, along with their potential consequences. Furthermore, we emphasize aspects pertinent to the prevention/treatment of PE in pregnant mothers and alterations observed in their offspring. The present narrative review offers a current, complete, and exhaustive analysis of (i) the pathophysiological mechanisms that can affect neurodevelopment in the children of PE mothers, (ii) the relationship between PE and neurological alterations in offspring, and (iii) the prevention/treatment of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea González-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Aplicadas, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2950, Valparaíso 2340025, Chile;
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11
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Slaby EM, Plaisier SB, Brady SR, Hiremath SC, Weaver JD. Controlling placental spheroid growth and phenotype using engineered synthetic hydrogel matrices. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:933-948. [PMID: 38204396 PMCID: PMC10922805 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01393f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The human placenta is a complex organ comprised of multiple trophoblast subtypes, and inadequate models to study the human placenta in vitro limit the current understanding of human placental behavior and development. Common in vitro placental models rely on two-dimensional culture of cell lines and primary cells, which do not replicate the native tissue microenvironment, or poorly defined three-dimensional hydrogel matrices such as Matrigel™ that provide limited environmental control and suffer from high batch-to-batch variability. Here, we employ a highly defined, synthetic poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel system with tunable degradability and presentation of extracellular matrix-derived adhesive ligands native to the placenta microenvironment to generate placental spheroids. We evaluate the capacity of a hydrogel library to support the viability, function, and phenotypic protein expression of three human trophoblast cell lines modeling varied trophoblast phenotypes and find that degradable synthetic hydrogels support the greatest degree of placental spheroid viability, proliferation, and function relative to standard Matrigel controls. Finally, we show that trophoblast culture conditions modulate cell functional phenotype as measured by proteomics analysis and functional secretion assays. Engineering precise control of placental spheroid development in vitro may provide an important new tool for the study of early placental behavior and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Slaby
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Seema B Plaisier
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
| | - Sarah R Brady
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Shivani C Hiremath
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Jessica D Weaver
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
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Li Q, Sharkey A, Sheridan M, Magistrati E, Arutyunyan A, Huhn O, Sancho-Serra C, Anderson H, McGovern N, Esposito L, Fernando R, Gardner L, Vento-Tormo R, Turco MY, Moffett A. Human uterine natural killer cells regulate differentiation of extravillous trophoblast early in pregnancy. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:181-195.e9. [PMID: 38237587 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In humans, balanced invasion of trophoblast cells into the uterine mucosa, the decidua, is critical for successful pregnancy. Evidence suggests that this process is regulated by uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, but how they influence reproductive outcomes is unclear. Here, we used our trophoblast organoids and primary tissue samples to determine how uNK cells affect placentation. By locating potential interaction axes between trophoblast and uNK cells using single-cell transcriptomics and in vitro modeling of these interactions in organoids, we identify a uNK cell-derived cytokine signal that promotes trophoblast differentiation at the late stage of the invasive pathway. Moreover, it affects transcriptional programs involved in regulating blood flow, nutrients, and inflammatory and adaptive immune responses, as well as gene signatures associated with disorders of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia. Our findings suggest mechanisms on how optimal immunological interactions between uNK cells and trophoblast enhance reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Andrew Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Megan Sheridan
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Elisa Magistrati
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Arutyunyan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Oisin Huhn
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Carmen Sancho-Serra
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Holly Anderson
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Naomi McGovern
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Laura Esposito
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ridma Fernando
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
| | | | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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13
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Zhou W, Chen Y, Zheng Y, Bai Y, Yin J, Wu XX, Hong M, Liang L, Zhang J, Gao Y, Sun N, Li J, Zhang Y, Wu L, Jin X, Niu J. Characterizing immune variation and diagnostic indicators of preeclampsia by single-cell RNA sequencing and machine learning. Commun Biol 2024; 7:32. [PMID: 38182876 PMCID: PMC10770323 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05669-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multifactorial and heterogeneous complication of pregnancy. Here, we utilize single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect the involvement of circulating immune cells in preeclampsia. Our findings reveal downregulation of immune response in lymphocyte subsets in preeclampsia, such as reduction in natural killer cells and cytotoxic genes expression, and expansion of regulatory T cells. But the activation of naïve T cell and monocyte subsets, as well as increased MHC-II-mediated pathway in antigen-presenting cells were still observed in preeclampsia. Notably, we identified key monocyte subsets in preeclampsia, with significantly increased expression of angiogenesis pathways and pro-inflammatory S100 family genes in VCAN+ monocytes and IFN+ non-classical monocytes. Furthermore, four cell-type-specific machine-learning models have been developed to identify potential diagnostic indicators of preeclampsia. Collectively, our study demonstrates transcriptomic alternations of circulating immune cells and identifies immune components that could be involved in pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhou
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Yuhui Zheng
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong Bai
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | | | - Xiao-Xia Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Mei Hong
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Langchao Liang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- BGI Research, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Ya Gao
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | | | - Yiwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Linlin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Xin Jin
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China.
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Transomics Biotechnologies, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Jianmin Niu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China.
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14
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Yang Y, Peng Y, Yu B, Wang H. ABHD5-CPT1B: An Important Way of Regulating Placental Lipid Metabolism in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Arch Med Res 2024; 55:102925. [PMID: 38042031 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2023.102925] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders in pregnancy, and a novel association of maternal lipid profile has been suggested to play an important role. However, the molecular mechanism is not clear. METHODS Bio-analyzed combined with placental metabonomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) successfully identified a potentially important molecule: α-β hydrolase domain-containing protein 5 (ABHD5). The syncytiotrophoblast (SCT) cell model was adopted as a fusion of BeWo cells in response to forskolin. On this basis, the high glucose-stimulated cell experiment was carried out. 15 women with GDM and 15 normal pregnant women were recruited for validation experiments. RESULTS ABHD5 was mainly expressed in the trophoblast cells, especially in SCT cells, and significantly decreased in the GDM placenta. After stimulation by high glucose, the expression of ABHD5 was downregulated in a time-dependent manner in BeWo cells treated with forskolin. At the same time, lipid droplets (LDs) were increased in the SCT. LD storage was also increased in the SCT with siABHD5, while it was significantly reduced in SCT cells with high ABHD5 expression. However, this effect could be attenuated by downregulated carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B). CONCLUSIONS ABHD5-CPT1B is confirmed as an important regulator of placental lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, No.16 Ding Xiang Road, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yue Peng
- Department of Obstetrics, Changzhou maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, No.16 Ding Xiang Road, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, No.16 Ding Xiang Road, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Huiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Changzhou maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, No.16 Ding Xiang Road, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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15
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Owen DM, Kwon M, Huang X, Nagari A, Nandu T, Kraus WL. Genome-wide identification of transcriptional enhancers during human placental development and association with function, differentiation, and disease†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:965-981. [PMID: 37694817 PMCID: PMC10724456 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad119] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a dynamic organ that must perform a remarkable variety of functions during its relatively short existence in order to support a developing fetus. These functions include nutrient delivery, gas exchange, waste removal, hormone production, and immune barrier protection. Proper placenta development and function are critical for healthy pregnancy outcomes, but the underlying genomic regulatory events that control this process remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that mapping sites of transcriptional enhancer activity and associated changes in gene expression across gestation in human placenta tissue would identify genomic loci and predicted transcription factor activity related to critical placenta functions. We used a suite of genomic assays [i.e., RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), Precision run-on-sequencing (PRO-seq), and Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq)] and computational pipelines to identify a set of >20 000 enhancers that are active at various time points in gestation. Changes in the activity of these enhancers correlate with changes in gene expression. In addition, some of these enhancers encode risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. We further show that integrating enhancer activity, transcription factor motif analysis, and transcription factor expression can identify distinct sets of transcription factors predicted to be more active either in early pregnancy or at term. Knockdown of selected identified transcription factors in a trophoblast stem cell culture model altered the expression of key placental marker genes. These observations provide a framework for future mechanistic studies of individual enhancer-transcription factor-target gene interactions and have the potential to inform genetic risk prediction for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Owen
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Minjung Kwon
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xuan Huang
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anusha Nagari
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tulip Nandu
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - W Lee Kraus
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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16
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Elkin ER, Campbell KA, Lapehn S, Harris SM, Padmanabhan V, Bakulski KM, Paquette AG. Placental single cell transcriptomics: Opportunities for endocrine disrupting chemical toxicology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112066. [PMID: 37690473 PMCID: PMC10591899 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The placenta performs essential biologic functions for fetal development throughout pregnancy. Placental dysfunction is at the root of multiple adverse birth outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy can cause placental dysfunction, and many prior human studies have examined molecular changes in bulk placental tissues. Placenta-specific cell types, including cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, extravillous trophoblasts, and placental resident macrophage Hofbauer cells play unique roles in placental development, structure, and function. Toxicant-induced changes in relative abundance and/or impairment of these cell types likely contribute to placental pathogenesis. Although gene expression insights gained from bulk placental tissue RNA-sequencing data are useful, their interpretation is limited because bulk analysis can mask the effects of a chemical on individual populations of placental cells. Cutting-edge single cell RNA-sequencing technologies are enabling the investigation of placental cell-type specific responses to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Moreover, in situ bioinformatic cell deconvolution enables the estimation of cell type proportions in bulk placental tissue gene expression data. These emerging technologies have tremendous potential to provide novel mechanistic insights in a complex heterogeneous tissue with implications for toxicant contributions to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana R Elkin
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Kyle A Campbell
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha Lapehn
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sean M Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alison G Paquette
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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17
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Dong Y, Zhang M, OuYang J, Zhou W, Yu B. Tumor-derived Endothelial Cell: Important Etiological Factors in Endometriosis. Arch Med Res 2023; 54:102891. [PMID: 37738888 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2023.102891] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Endometriosis (EMS) is a very complex disease with high heterogeneity. Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been applied to comprehensively characterize cellular heterogeneity. Here, we built a new transcriptomic profile of EMS cellular signatures. METHODS Three women diagnosed with endometriosis were recruited. Their fresh eutopic endometrium (EM) and ectopic endometrium (EC) tissues were sampled during surgery. ScRNA-seq was performed on 10x Genomics Chromium. RESULTS Thirty cell clusters were identified as more than ten different cell types using cell type-specific marker genes. Re-clustering analysis revealed five subtypes of endothelial cells (ECs). Compared to EM, the proportion of tumor-derived ECs (IGFBP3+) was significantly increased in EC (43.8 vs. 16.0%). 63 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor-derived ECs and normal ECs were enriched in "angiogenesis", such as EFNB2, DLL4, and THSD7A. Subsequently, 114 retrospective EMS cases were included in clinical validation studies of EFNB2. It was co-expressed with PECAM1 and IGFBP3 and significantly increased in EC. Meanwhile, the recurrence rate of women with EFNB2++ expression was significantly higher than that of EFNB2+ cases (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The significant increase in tumor-derived ECs characterized by neovascularization may be an important pathological feature of EMS. In addition, EFNB2 plays an important role and is closely related to the recurrence of EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishan Dong
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun OuYang
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenbai Zhou
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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18
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Admati I, Skarbianskis N, Hochgerner H, Ophir O, Weiner Z, Yagel S, Solt I, Zeisel A. Two distinct molecular faces of preeclampsia revealed by single-cell transcriptomics. MED 2023; 4:687-709.e7. [PMID: 37572658 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.07.005] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is a multisystemic, pregnancy-specific disorder united by new-onset hypertension but with considerable variation in clinical manifestation, onset, and severity. For symptoms to regress, delivery of the placenta is required. For symptoms to regress, delivery of the placenta is required, making the placenta central to preeclampsia pathophysiology. To dissect which placental functions were impacted in two forms of preeclampsia, we studied molecular changes across the cell types of the placenta. METHODS We performed a transcriptomic survey of single-cells and single-nuclei on cases of early- and late-onset preeclampsia with gestation-matched controls. FINDINGS Our data revealed massive dysregulation of gene expression in all cell classes that was almost exclusive to early preeclampsia. For example, an important known receptor/ligand imbalance hallmarking angiogenic disfunction, sFLT1/placental growth factor (PGF), was reflected in striking, cell-autonomous dysregulation of FLT1 and PGF transcription in the syncytium in early preeclampsia only. Stromal cells and vasculature echoed an inflamed, stressed, anti-angiogenic environment. Finally, the placental immune niche set the tone for inflammation in early but not late preeclampsia. Here, fetal-origin Hofbauer and maternal-origin TREM2 macrophages were revealed as surprising main actors, while local cells of the adaptive immune system were largely unaffected. Late preeclampsia showed minimal cellular impact on the placenta. CONCLUSIONS Our survey provides systematic molecular evidence for two distinct diseases. We resolved systematic molecular dysregulation to individual cell types with strong implications for definition, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. FUNDING Funded by the Preeclampsia Foundation through the Peter Joseph Pappas Research Grant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Admati
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Niv Skarbianskis
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hannah Hochgerner
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Osnat Ophir
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zeev Weiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Simcha Yagel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hadassah, Hebrew University Medical Centers, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ido Solt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Amit Zeisel
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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19
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Luo F, Liu F, Guo Y, Xu W, Li Y, Yi J, Fournier T, Degrelle S, Zitouni H, Hernandez I, Liu X, Huang Y, Yue J. Single-cell profiling reveals immune disturbances landscape and HLA-F-mediated immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface in preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1234577. [PMID: 37854606 PMCID: PMC10579943 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1234577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder that always causes maternal and fetal serious adverse outcome. Disturbances in maternal immune tolerance to embryo at the maternal-fetal interface (MFI) may be associated with preeclampsia onset. Recent studies have revealed the reduced expression pattern of HLA-F at the MFI in preeclampsia, while the mechanism of it mediating maternal fetal immune tolerance has not been revealed. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing on placental decidua was performed to reveal the immune disturbances landscape at the MFI in preeclampsia. Human Jar cells and NK-92MI cells were employed to study the role of HLA-F in trophoblasts and lymphocyte. Results A total of 101,250 cells were classified into 22 cell clusters. Disease-related IGFBP1+SPP1+ extracellular villus trophoblast (EVT) was identified in the preeclamptic placental decidua, accompanied by newly discovered immune cellular dysfunction such as reduced ribosomal functions of NK populations and abnormal expression of antigen-presenting molecules in most cell clusters. Certain genes that are characteristic of the intermediate stage of myeloid or EVT cell differentiation were found to have unexplored but important functions in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia; specifically, we detected enhanced cell cross-talk between IGFBP1+SPP1+ EVT2 or SPP1+M1 cells and their receptor cell populations at the MFI of PE patients compared to controls. With respect to HLA-F, mIF staining confirmed its reduced expression in PE samples compared to controls. Over-expression of HLA-F in Jar cells promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration while under-expression had the opposite effect. In NK-92MI cells, over-expression of HLA-F increased the secretion of immunoregulation cytokines such as CSF1 and CCL22, and promoted adaptive NKG2C+NK cell transformation. Conclusions We revealed the immune disturbance landscape at the MFI in preeclampsia. Our findings regarding cellular heterogeneity and immune cellular dysfunction, as revealed by scRNA-seq, and the function of HLA-F in cells provide new perspectives for further investigation of their roles in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, and then provide potential new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fulin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingzhe Guo
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Thierry Fournier
- Pathophysiology & Pharmacotoxicology of the Human Placenta, Pre & Postnatal Microbiota, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Hedia Zitouni
- Laboratory of Human Genome and Multi-factorial Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Isabelle Hernandez
- Pathophysiology & Pharmacotoxicology of the Human Placenta, Pre & Postnatal Microbiota, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Xinghui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Yue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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20
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Jiao B, Wang Y, Li S, Lu J, Liu J, Xia J, Li Y, Xu J, Tian X, Qi B. Dissecting human placental cells heterogeneity in preeclampsia and gestational diabetes using single-cell sequencing. Mol Immunol 2023; 161:104-118. [PMID: 37572508 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are pregnancy-specific complications, which affect maternal health and fetal outcomes. Currently, clinical and pathological studies have shown that placenta homeostasis is affected by these two maternal diseases. In this study, we aimed to gain insight into the heterogeneous changes in cell types in placental tissue-isolated from cesarean section by single-cell sequencing, including those patients diagnosed with PE (n = 5), GDM (n = 5) and healthy control (n = 5). A total of 96,048 cells (PE: 31,672; GDM: 25,294; control: 39,082) were identified in six cell types, dominated by trophoblast cells and immune cells. In addition, trophoblast cells were divided into four subtypes, including cytotrophoblast cells (CTBs), villous cytotrophoblasts (VCTs), syncytiotrophoblast (STB), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Immune cells are divided into lymphocytes and macrophages, of which macrophages have 3 subtypes (decidual macrophages, Hofbauer cells and macrophages), and lymphocytes have 4 subtypes (BloodNK, T cells, plasma cells, and decidual natural killer cells). Meanwhile, we also proved the orderly differentiation sequence of CTB into VCT, then STB and EVT. By pair-wise analysis of the expression and enrichment of differentially expressed genes in trophoblast cells between PE, GDM and control, it was found that these cells were involved in immune, nutrient transfer, hormone and oxidative stress pathways. In addition, T cells and macrophages play an immune defense role in both PE and GDM. The proportion of CTB and EVT cells in placental tissue was confirmed by flow cytometry. Taken together, our results suggested that the human placenta is a dynamic heterogenous organ dominated by trophoblast and immune cells, which perform their respective roles and interact with other cells in the environment to maintain normal placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Jiao
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Shenghua Li
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Jianan Lu
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Ji Xia
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Yisha Li
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Juanjuan Xu
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China
| | - Xiujuan Tian
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China.
| | - Bangruo Qi
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children' s Medical Center, Sanya, China.
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21
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Liu Z, Tang Y, Zhang X, Pei J, Wang C, Liu H, Yu Y, Luo S, Gu W. Crosstalk between Placental Trophoblast and Decidual Immune Cells in Recurrent Miscarriage. Int J Med Sci 2023; 20:1174-1188. [PMID: 37575278 PMCID: PMC10416716 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.86533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a pregnancy complication associated with dysregulation of the maternal-fetal interface. We aimed to identify dysfunctional interactions between trophoblast cells and decidual immune cells in RM. We downloaded single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets (GSE214607) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets for further analysis using the R software. The data comprised of paired placental and decidual tissues, including those from patients diagnosed with RM and matched healthy controls. A total of 22976 cells were identified in 11 cell types, including trophoblasts, immune cells, and other cells. We divided trophoblast cells into three types and analyzed their interactions with decidual immune cells. Additionally, we re-clustered NK&T cells and macrophages, identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), enriched their functions, and compared the cell interactions with trophoblast cells in each cell type. Our single-cell atlas of the maternal-fetal interface revealed alterations in the cellular organization of the decidua and placenta, cell type-specific transcriptome, and cell communication between immune and non-immune cells in RM, which are critical for illuminating the pathophysiology of RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiangnan Pei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Chengjie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Shouling Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Weirong Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
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22
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Deng J, Zhao HJ, Zhong Y, Hu C, Meng J, Wang C, Lan X, Wang X, Chen ZJ, Yan J, Wang W, Li Y. H3K27me3-modulated Hofbauer cell BMP2 signalling enhancement compensates for shallow trophoblast invasion in preeclampsia. EBioMedicine 2023; 93:104664. [PMID: 37331163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia (PE) is a common hypertensive pregnancy disorder associated with shallow trophoblast invasion. Although bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been shown to promote trophoblast invasion in vitro, its cellular origin and molecular regulation in placenta, as well as its potential role in PE, has yet to be established. Additionally, whether BMP2 and/or its downstream molecules could serve as potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets for PE has not been explored. METHODS Placentas and sera from PE and healthy pregnant women were subjected to multi-omics analyses, immunoblots, qPCR, and ELISA assays. Immortalized trophoblast cells, primary cultures of human trophoblasts, and first-trimester villous explants were used for in vitro experiments. Adenovirus expressing sFlt-1 (Ad Flt1)-induced PE rat model was used for in vivo studies. FINDINGS We find globally decreased H3K27me3 modifications and increased BMP2 signalling in preeclamptic placentas, which is negatively correlated with clinical manifestations. BMP2 is derived from Hofbauer cells and epigenetically regulated by H3K27me3 modification. BMP2 promotes trophoblast invasion and vascular mimicry by upregulating BMP6 via BMPR1A-SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signalling. BMP2 supplementation alleviates high blood pressure and fetal growth restriction phenotypes in Ad Flt1-induced rat PE model. INTERPRETATION Our findings demonstrate that epigenetically regulated Hofbauer cell-derived BMP2 signalling enhancement in late gestation could serve as a compensatory response for shallow trophoblast invasion in PE, suggesting opportunities for diagnostic marker and therapeutic target applications in PE clinical management. FUNDING National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFC2702400), National Natural Science Foundation of China (82101784, 82171648, 31988101), and Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2020QH051, ZR2020MH039).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianye Deng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Hong-Jin Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China; Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Cardiovascular Research Center of the General Medical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Cuiping Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jinlai Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Chunling Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiangxin Lan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiyao Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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23
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Naydenov DD, Vashukova ES, Barbitoff YA, Nasykhova YA, Glotov AS. Current Status and Prospects of the Single-Cell Sequencing Technologies for Revealing the Pathogenesis of Pregnancy-Associated Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:756. [PMID: 36981026 PMCID: PMC10048492 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030756] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a method that focuses on the analysis of gene expression profile in individual cells. This method has been successfully applied to answer the challenging questions of the pathogenesis of multifactorial diseases and open up new possibilities in the prognosis and prevention of reproductive diseases. In this article, we have reviewed the application of scRNA-seq to the analysis of the various cell types and their gene expression changes in normal pregnancy and pregnancy complications. The main principle, advantages, and limitations of single-cell technologies and data analysis methods are described. We discuss the possibilities of using the scRNA-seq method for solving the fundamental and applied tasks related to various pregnancy-associated disorders. Finally, we provide an overview of the scRNA-seq findings for the common pregnancy-associated conditions, such as hyperglycemia in pregnancy, recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm labor, polycystic ovary syndrome, and pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry D. Naydenov
- Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elena S. Vashukova
- D. O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductology, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yury A. Barbitoff
- Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- D. O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductology, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yulia A. Nasykhova
- D. O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductology, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrey S. Glotov
- Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- D. O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductology, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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24
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Campbell KA, Colacino JA, Puttabyatappa M, Dou JF, Elkin ER, Hammoud SS, Domino SE, Dolinoy DC, Goodrich JM, Loch-Caruso R, Padmanabhan V, Bakulski KM. Placental cell type deconvolution reveals that cell proportions drive preeclampsia gene expression differences. Commun Biol 2023; 6:264. [PMID: 36914823 PMCID: PMC10011423 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04623-6] [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: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta mediates adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, which is characterized by gestational hypertension and proteinuria. Placental cell type heterogeneity in preeclampsia is not well-understood and limits mechanistic interpretation of bulk gene expression measures. We generated single-cell RNA-sequencing samples for integration with existing data to create the largest deconvolution reference of 19 fetal and 8 maternal cell types from placental villous tissue (n = 9 biological replicates) at term (n = 40,494 cells). We deconvoluted eight published microarray case-control studies of preeclampsia (n = 173 controls, 157 cases). Preeclampsia was associated with excess extravillous trophoblasts and fewer mesenchymal and Hofbauer cells. Adjustment for cellular composition reduced preeclampsia-associated differentially expressed genes (log2 fold-change cutoff = 0.1, FDR < 0.05) from 1154 to 0, whereas downregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, aerobic respiration, and ribosome biogenesis were robust to cell type adjustment, suggesting direct changes to these pathways. Cellular composition mediated a substantial proportion of the association between preeclampsia and FLT1 (37.8%, 95% CI [27.5%, 48.8%]), LEP (34.5%, 95% CI [26.0%, 44.9%]), and ENG (34.5%, 95% CI [25.0%, 45.3%]) overexpression. Our findings indicate substantial placental cellular heterogeneity in preeclampsia contributes to previously observed bulk gene expression differences. This deconvolution reference lays the groundwork for cellular heterogeneity-aware investigation into placental dysfunction and adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Campbell
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - John F Dou
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elana R Elkin
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saher S Hammoud
- Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven E Domino
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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25
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Chen Q, Shan D, Xie Y, Luo X, Wu Y, Chen Q, Dong R, Hu Y. Single cell RNA sequencing research in maternal fetal interface. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1079961. [PMID: 36704195 PMCID: PMC9871254 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1079961] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal-fetal interface is an essential environment for embryonic growth and development, and a successful pregnancy depends on the dynamic balance of the microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. Single-cell sequencing, which unlike bulk sequencing that provides averaged data, is a robust method for interpreting the cellular and molecular landscape at single-cell resolution. With the support of single-cell sequencing, the issue of maternal-fetal interface heterogeneity during pregnancy has been more deeply elaborated and understood, which is important for a deeper understanding of physiological and pathological pregnancy. In this paper, we analyze the recent studies of single-cell transcriptomics in the maternal-fetal interface, and provide new directions for understanding and treating various pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Qian Chen, ; Yayi Hu,
| | - Dan Shan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yupei Xie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingrong Luo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxia Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuhe Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruihong Dong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yayi Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China,Qingbaijiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Qian Chen, ; Yayi Hu,
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26
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Li H, Peng H, Hong W, Wei Y, Tian H, Huang X, Jia L, Zheng J, Duan T, He Q, Wang K. Human Placental Endothelial Cell and Trophoblast Heterogeneity and Differentiation Revealed by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010087. [PMID: 36611882 PMCID: PMC9818681 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is an important organ for fetal and maternal health during pregnancy and impacts offspring health late in life. Defects in placental vasculature and trophoblast have been identified in several pregnancy complications. Thus, the detailed molecular profile and heterogeneity of endothelial cells and trophoblasts in placentas will aid us in better understanding placental behaviors and improving pregnancy outcomes. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to profile the transcriptomics of human placental villous tissues from eleven patients with normal pregnancies in the first and second trimesters (6-16 weeks of gestation). RESULTS The transcriptomic landscape of 52,179 single cells was obtained, and the cells were classified as trophoblasts, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, erythroid cells, Hofbauer cells, and macrophages. Our analysis further revealed the three subtypes of placental endothelial cells, with distinct metabolic signatures and transcription factor regulatory networks. We also determined the transcriptomic features of the trophoblast subpopulations and characterized two distinct populations of progenitor cells in cytotrophoblasts, which were capable of differentiating to extravillous trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided a high-resolution molecular profile of the human placenta between 6 and 16 weeks of gestation. Our data revealed the placental cell complexity and demonstrated the transcriptional networks and signaling involved in placental endothelial and trophoblast differentiation during early pregnancy, which will be a resource for future studies of the human placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Yingying Wei
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Haojun Tian
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Linyan Jia
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Tao Duan
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Qizhi He
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
- Correspondence: (Q.H.); (K.W.)
| | - Kai Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
- Correspondence: (Q.H.); (K.W.)
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27
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Kondoh K, Akahori H, Muto Y, Terada T. Identification of Key Genes and Pathways Associated with Preeclampsia by a WGCNA and an Evolutionary Approach. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112134. [PMID: 36421809 PMCID: PMC9690438 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is the serious obstetric-related disease characterized by newly onset hypertension and causes damage to the kidneys, brain, liver, and more. To investigate genes with key roles in PE’s pathogenesis and their contributions, we used a microarray dataset of normotensive and PE patients and conducted a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Cyan and magenta modules that are highly enriched with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were revealed. By using the molecular complex detection (MCODE) algorithm, we identified five significant clusters in the cyan module protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and nine significant clusters in the magenta module PPI network. Our analyses indicated that (i) human accelerated region (HAR) genes are enriched in the magenta-associated C6 cluster, and (ii) positive selection (PS) genes are enriched in the cyan-associated C3 and C5 clusters. We propose these enriched HAR and PS genes, i.e., EIF4E, EIF5, EIF3M, DDX17, SRSF11, PSPC1, SUMO1, CAPZA1, PSMD14, and MNAT1, including highly connected hub genes, HNRNPA1, RBMX, PRKDC, and RANBP2, as candidate key genes for PE’s pathogenesis. A further clarification of the functions of these PPI clusters and key enriched genes will contribute to the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers for PE and therapeutic intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuniyo Kondoh
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1, Yanagido, Gifu-City 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
- School of Nursing, Gifu University of Health Sciences, 2-92, Higashiuzura, Gifu-City 500-8281, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Akahori
- Department of Functional Bioscience, Gifu University School of Medicine, 1-1, Yanagido, Gifu-City 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Muto
- Institute for Glyco-Core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu-City 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Terada
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1, Yanagido, Gifu-City 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Functional Bioscience, Gifu University School of Medicine, 1-1, Yanagido, Gifu-City 501-1193, Gifu, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-58-293-3241
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28
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Miller D, Garcia-Flores V, Romero R, Galaz J, Pique-Regi R, Gomez-Lopez N. Single-Cell Immunobiology of the Maternal-Fetal Interface. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1450-1464. [PMID: 36192116 PMCID: PMC9536179 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy success requires constant dialogue between the mother and developing conceptus. Such crosstalk is facilitated through complex interactions between maternal and fetal cells at distinct tissue sites, collectively termed the "maternal-fetal interface." The emergence of single-cell technologies has enabled a deeper understanding of the unique processes taking place at the maternal-fetal interface as well as the discovery of novel pathways and immune and nonimmune cell types. Single-cell approaches have also been applied to decipher the cellular dynamics throughout pregnancy, in parturition, and in obstetrical syndromes such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, and preterm labor. Furthermore, single-cell technologies have been used during the recent COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate placental viral cell entry and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on maternal and fetal immunity. In this brief review, we summarize the current knowledge of cellular immunobiology in pregnancy and its complications that has been generated through single-cell investigations of the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; and
| | - Roger Pique-Regi
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
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