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Gorsek Sparovec T, Markert UR, Reif P, Schoell W, Moser G, Feichtinger J, Mihalic ZN, Kargl J, Gargett CE, Gold D. The fate of human SUSD2+ endometrial mesenchymal stem cells during decidualization. Stem Cell Res 2022; 60:102671. [PMID: 35093718 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of the endometrial stromal compartment in premenopausal women is likely maintained by the perivascular endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (eMSC) expressing sushi domain containing 2 (SUSD2). The fate of SUSD2+ eMSC during pregnancy and their role in decidualization is not fully known. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of progesterone on the stemness of the SUSD2+ eMSC isolated from non-pregnant uterine samples. Secondary objectives were to characterize the functional capacity including differentiation and clonogenicity assays of SUSD2+ eMSC isolated from decidua at full term and compare it to the capacity of those isolated from non-pregnant uterine samples. Progesterone treatment induced changes in the decidual gene expression profile in non-pregnant SUSD2+ eMSC. Data analysis of a publicly available single cell RNA-seq data set revealed differential expression of several mesenchymal and epithelial signature genes between the SUSD2+ eMSC and the decidual stromal cells, suggesting mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition occurs during decidualization. Histological analysis revealed a significantly lower abundance of SUSD2+ eMSC in 1st trimester and full term samples compared to non-pregnant samples, p = 0.0296 and 0.005, respectively. The differentiation and the colony forming capacity did not differ significantly between the cells isolated from non-pregnant and pregnant uterine samples. Our results suggest that SUSD2+ eMSC undergo decidualization in vitro, while maintaining MSC plasma membrane phenotype. Human eMSC seem to play an important role in the course of endometrial decidualization and embryo implantation. Pregnancy reduced the abundance of SUSD2+ eMSC, however eMSC function remains intact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Philipp Reif
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Wolfgang Schoell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Julia Feichtinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Zala Nikita Mihalic
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Julia Kargl
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Caroline E Gargett
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Australia.
| | - Daniela Gold
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
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Jiang H, Yang XY, Zhu WJ. Networks of E-cadherin, β1 integrin, and focal adhesion kinase in the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:346-350. [PMID: 30430889 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2018.1528578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
E-cadherin, β1 integrin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are reported to involved in eutopic implantation by mediating cell adhesion. However, less is documented about their roles in ectopic implantation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the roles and networks of E-cadherin, β1 integrin, and FAK in tubal pregnancy. A total of 31 Fallopian tube specimens were obtained from tubal pregnant women. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to analyze the distributions and levels of E-cadherin, β1 integrin and phosphorylated-FAK (Pho-FAK) in the Fallopian tube epithelium. Normal Fallopian tube samples derived from non-pregnant women with benign genital diseases were used for comparison. E-cadherin presented in the cytomembrane of tubal epithelial cells and β1 integrin mainly expressed in the cytoplasm. A lowest-level of E-cadherin was detected in the implantation site (0.63 ± 0.29) when compared with the non-implantation site (0.95 ± 0.37) and the controls (0.89 ± 0.33) (P < 0.05). β1 integrin, as well as Pho-FAK in the implantation site (0.81 ± 0.35; 0.72 ± 0.24), showed a higher-level than that in the non-implantation site (0.59 ± 0.26; 0.48 ± 0.27) or the control group (0.38 ± 0.19; 0.36 ± 0.25) (p < .05). The decreased E-cadherin and increased β1 integrin are implicated in tubal pregnancy. The involvement of β1 integrin maybe depends on β1 integrin/FAK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Jiang
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology , Longgang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital , Shenzhen , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yi Yang
- b Institute of Reproductive Immunology, College of Life Science and Technology , Jinan University , Guangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhu
- b Institute of Reproductive Immunology, College of Life Science and Technology , Jinan University , Guangzhou , People's Republic of China
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Zheng D, Duan H, Wang S, Xu Q, Gan L, Li J, Dong Q. FAK regulates epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in adenomyosis. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:5461-5472. [PMID: 30365102 PMCID: PMC6236295 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been associated with the pathogenesis of adenomyosis; focal adhesion kinase (FAK) serves an important role in the EMT process. The aim of the present study was to determine whether FAK regulates EMT in adenomyosis and to investigate the potential pathway in this process. The expression of FAK and EMT‑associated molecules in adenomyosis and control cells were determined by immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence at the protein level, and at the mRNA level by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR). Small interfering RNAs were designed to knock down FAK expression. Subsequently, molecular expression was detected by immunofluorescence, RT‑qPCR and western blotting; cell migration was investigated via Transwell assays. In addition, the expression levels of members of the phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway was also analyzed by RT‑qPCR and western blotting to determine the association between these members and EMT in adenomyosis. The results of the present study revealed that FAK was upregulated and the expression levels of EMT‑associated molecules were altered in adenomyosis. Silencing FAK expression inhibited adenomyosis cell migration in vitro and the expression of EMT‑promoting molecules, suggesting that the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may participate in the EMT of endometrial cells in adenomyosis. In conclusion, FAK may regulate EMT in adenomyosis, and this process may be associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexuan Zheng
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, P.R. China
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, P.R. China
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, P.R. China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, P.R. China
| | - Lu Gan
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, P.R. China
| | - Jinjiao Li
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, P.R. China
| | - Qianjing Dong
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100000, P.R. China
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Kumar V, Soni UK, Maurya VK, Singh K, Jha RK. Integrin beta8 (ITGB8) activates VAV-RAC1 signaling via FAK in the acquisition of endometrial epithelial cell receptivity for blastocyst implantation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1885. [PMID: 28507287 PMCID: PMC5432530 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01764-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrin beta8 (ITGB8) is involved in the endometrial receptivity. The blastocyst first interacts with the luminal endometrial epithelial cells during its implantation; therefore, we have investigated the signaling of ITGB8 via FAK and VAV-RAC1 in the endometrial epithelial cells. Integrin beta8 was found elevated in epithelial cells at late-pre-receptive (day4, 1600 h) and receptive (day5, 0500 h) stages of endometrial receptivity period in the mouse. Integrins downstream molecule FAK has demonstrated an increased expression and phosphorylation (Y397) in the endometrium as well as in the isolated endometrial epithelial cells during receptive and post-receptive stages. Integrin beta8 can functionally interact with FAK, VAV and RAC1 as the levels of phosphorylated-FAK, and VAV along with the RAC-GTP form was reduced after ITGB8 knockdown in the endometrial epithelial cells and uterus. Further, VAV and RAC1 were seen poorly active in the absence of FAK activity, suggesting a crosstalk of ITGB8 and FAK for VAV and RAC1 activation in the endometrial epithelial cells. Silencing of ITGB8 expression and inhibition of FAK activity in the Ishikawa cells rendered poor attachment of JAr spheroids. In conclusion, ITGB8 activates VAV-RAC1 signaling axis via FAK to facilitate the endometrial epithelial cell receptivity for the attachment of blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, U.P., India
| | - Upendra Kumar Soni
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, U.P., India
| | - Vineet Kumar Maurya
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, U.P., India
| | - Kiran Singh
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, UP, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Jha
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, 226031, U.P., India.
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Reprint of: In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo–endometrium interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:673-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Weimar CHE, Post Uiterweer ED, Teklenburg G, Heijnen CJ, Macklon NS. In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo-endometrium interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:461-76. [PMID: 24055530 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Implantation requires highly orchestrated interactions between the developing embryo and maternal endometrium. The association between abnormal implantation and reproductive failure is evident, both in normal pregnancy and in assisted reproduction patients. Failure of implantation is the pregnancy rate-limiting step in assisted reproduction, but, as yet, empirical interventions have largely failed to address this problem. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying human embryo-endometrium signalling is a prerequisite for the further improvement of assisted reproduction outcomes and the development of effective interventions to prevent early pregnancy loss. Studying human embryo implantation is challenging since in-vivo experiments are impractical and unethical, and studies in animal models do not always translate well to humans. However, in recent years in-vitro models have been shown to provide a promising way forward. This review discusses the principal models used to study early human embryo development and initial stages of implantation in vitro. While each model has limitations, exploiting these models will improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms and embryo-endometrium cross-talk at the early implantation site. They provide valuable tools to study early embryo development and pathophysiology of reproductive disorders and have revealed novel disease mechanisms such as the role of epigenetic modifications in recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H E Weimar
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Activation of erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 attenuates cell adhesion of human fallopian tube epithelial cells via focal adhesion kinase dephosphorylation. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 361:259-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1111-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Sales KJ, Grant V, Catalano RD, Jabbour HN. Chorionic gonadotrophin regulates CXCR4 expression in human endometrium via E-series prostanoid receptor 2 signalling to PI3K-ERK1/2: implications for fetal-maternal crosstalk for embryo implantation. Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 17:22-32. [PMID: 20705717 PMCID: PMC3002842 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine knock-out models and blastocyst co-culture studies have identified prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS) 2, prostaglandin (PG) E receptor 2 (PTGER2) and the chemokine receptor CXCR4 as important regulators of early pregnancy events. In vitro studies and studies in non-human primates have shown that these proteins are regulated in the endometrium by the early embryonic signal, chorionic gonadotrophin (CG). Here we show that expressions of PTGER2 and CXCR4 are elevated during the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and decidua of early pregnancy in humans. Using first trimester decidua explants, we show that CG induces expression of PTGS2 and biosynthesis of PGE2, and expression of PTGER2. Subsequently, PGE2via PTGER2 induces expression of CXCR4. Using an in vitro model system of Ishikawa endometrial epithelial cells stably expressing PTGER2 and human first trimester decidua explants, we demonstrate that CXCR4 expression is regulated by PTGER2 via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway.Taken together, our data suggest that early embryonic signals may regulate fetal–maternal crosstalk in the human endometrium by inducing CXCR4 expression via the PGE2–PTGER2-mediated induction of the EGFR, PI3K and ERK1/2 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt J Sales
- Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Quemelo PRV, Simões DLC, Peres LC. Beta1 integrin and VEGF expression in an experimental model of brain tissue heterotopia in the lung. Childs Nerv Syst 2010; 26:807-10. [PMID: 20012059 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-009-1053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Integrins and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are crucially involved in interaction, proliferation, migration, and survival of the cells. However, there is no report in the literature about beta1 integrin and VEGF expression in heterotopic brain tissue. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess beta1 integrin and VEGF expression in experimental brain tissue heterotopia in the lung during both fetal and neonatal periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four pregnant female Swiss mice were used to induce brain tissue heterotopia on the 15th gestational day. Briefly, the brain of one fetus of each dam was extracted, disaggregated, and injected into the right hemithorax of siblings. Six of these fetuses with pulmonary brain tissue implantation were collected on the 18th gestational day (group E18) and six other on the eighth postnatal day (group P8). RESULTS Immunohistochemistry of the fetal trunks showed implantation of glial fibrillary acidic protein- and neuronal nuclei-positive heterotopic brain tissue, which were also positive for beta1 integrin and VEGF in both groups E18 and P8. CONCLUSION These results indicate that brain tissue heterotopia during fetal and postnatal period is able to complete integration with the lung tissue as well as to induce vascular proliferation which are the necessary steps for a successful implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Roberto Veiga Quemelo
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Focal adhesion kinase expression in ovarian endometriosis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2008; 101:161-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2007] [Revised: 11/16/2007] [Accepted: 11/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ihnatovych I, Hu W, Martin JL, Fazleabas AT, de Lanerolle P, Strakova Z. Increased phosphorylation of myosin light chain prevents in vitro decidualization. Endocrinology 2007; 148:3176-84. [PMID: 17412815 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-1673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells, which is critical to successful pregnancy, represents a complex transformation requiring changes in cytoskeletal architecture. We demonstrate that in vitro differentiation of human uterine fibroblasts into decidual cells includes down-regulation of alpha-smooth muscle actin and beta-tubulin, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, and redistribution of vinculin. This is accompanied by varied adhesion to fibronectin and a modified ability to migrate. Cytoskeletal organization is determined primarily by actin-myosin II interactions governed by the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20). Decidualization induced by cAMP [with estradiol-17beta (E) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (P)] results in a 40% decrease in MLC20 phosphorylation and a 55% decline in the long (214 kDa) form of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK). Destabilization of the cytoskeleton by inhibitors of MLCK (ML-7) or myosin II ATPase (blebbistatin) accelerates decidualization induced by cAMP (with E and P) but inhibits decidualization induced by IL-1beta (with E and P). Adenoviral infection of human uterine fibroblast cells with a constitutively active form of MLCK followed by decidualization stimuli leads to a 30% increase in MLC20 phosphorylation and prevents decidualization. These data provide evidence that the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics by MLC20 phosphorylation is critical for decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanna Ihnatovych
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 820 South Wood Street (M/C 808), Chicago, Illinois 60612-7313, USA
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