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Chen H, Chen Y, Zheng Q. The regulated cell death at the maternal-fetal interface: beneficial or detrimental? Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:100. [PMID: 38409106 PMCID: PMC10897449 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) plays a fundamental role in placental development and tissue homeostasis. Placental development relies upon effective implantation and invasion of the maternal decidua by the trophoblast and an immune tolerant environment maintained by various cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Although cell death in the placenta can affect fetal development and even cause pregnancy-related diseases, accumulating evidence has revealed that several regulated cell death were found at the maternal-fetal interface under physiological or pathological conditions, the exact types of cell death and the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this review, we summarized the apoptosis, necroptosis and autophagy play both promoting and inhibiting roles in the differentiation, invasion of trophoblast, remodeling of the uterine spiral artery and decidualization, whereas ferroptosis and pyroptosis have adverse effects. RCD serves as a mode of communication between different cells to better maintain the maternal-fetal interface microenvironment. Maintaining the balance of RCD at the maternal-fetal interface is of utmost importance for the development of the placenta, establishment of an immune microenvironment, and prevention of pregnancy disorders. In addition, we also revealed an association between abnormal expression of key molecules in different types of RCD and pregnancy-related diseases, which may yield significant insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of pregnancy-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen, 518000, P.R. China
| | - Yin Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen, 518000, P.R. China
| | - Qingliang Zheng
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 3025# Shennan Road, Shenzhen, 518000, P.R. China.
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2
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Hiraoka T, Osuga Y, Hirota Y. Current perspectives on endometrial receptivity: A comprehensive overview of etiology and treatment. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:2397-2409. [PMID: 37527810 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15759] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) remains a challenging problem in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Further insights into uterine abnormalities that can disturb embryo implantation should be obtained. This review provides an overview of the effects of organic and non-organic uterine disorders on endometrial receptivity. The results suggest that various uterine pathologies can lead to defective embryo implantation via multiple mechanisms. In particular, uterine adenomyosis dysregulates molecular and cellular interactions that are vital for successful embryo implantation with a background of chronic inflammation, which may be alleviated by pretreatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist. Uterine myomas can cause endometrial deformation and adverse alterations in uterine contractility. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of myomectomy remains debated, and endometrial polyp removal may be considered, particularly in patients with RIF. Chronic endometritis abrogates the appropriate uterine immunological environment critical for embryo implantation. Abnormal endometrial microbiota have been suggested to influence endometrial receptivity; however, supporting evidence is currently scarce. Platelet-rich plasma therapy may be a potential treatment for thin endometria; nevertheless, further validation is required. Endometrial receptivity analysis can detect dysregulation of the window of implantation, and new non-invasive methods for predicting endometrial receptivity have recently been proposed. However, numerous issues still need to be fully clarified. Further clinical and basic studies are necessary to investigate the pathophysiology of defective endometrial receptivity and identify optimal treatments for patients undergoing ART, especially those with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Fukui Y, Hirota Y, Aikawa S, Sakashita A, Shimizu-Hirota R, Takeda N, Ishizawa C, Iida R, Kaku T, Hirata T, Hiraoka T, Akaeda S, Matsuo M, Osuga Y. The EZH2-PRC2-H3K27me3 axis governs the endometrial cell cycle and differentiation for blastocyst invasion. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:320. [PMID: 37198149 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05832-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Infertility occurs in 15% of couples worldwide. Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is one of the major problems in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) programs, and how to manage patients with RIF to achieve successful pregnancy outcomes remains unresolved. Here, a uterine polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-regulated gene network was found to control embryo implantation. Our RNA-seq analyses of the human peri-implantation endometrium obtained from patients with RIF and fertile controls revealed that PRC2 components, including its core enzyme enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)-catalyzing H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and their target genes are dysregulated in the RIF group. Although fertility of uterine epithelium-specific knockout mice of Ezh2 (eKO mice) was normal, Ezh2-deleted mice in the uterine epithelium and stroma (uKO mice) exhibited severe subfertility, suggesting that stromal Ezh2 plays a key role in female fertility. The RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses revealed that H3K27me3-related dynamic gene silencing is canceled, and the gene expression of cell-cycle regulators is dysregulated in Ezh2-deleted uteri, causing severe epithelial and stromal differentiation defects and failed embryo invasion. Thus, our findings indicate that the EZH2-PRC2-H3K27me3 axis is critical to preparing the endometrium for the blastocyst invasion into the stroma in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-0016, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Preventive Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-0016, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ishizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Rei Iida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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4
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Shi JW, Lai ZZ, Yang HL, Zhou WJ, Zhao XY, Xie F, Liu SP, Chen WD, Zhang T, Ye JF, Zhou XY, Li MQ. An IGF1-expressing endometrial stromal cell population is associated with human decidualization. BMC Biol 2022; 20:276. [PMID: 36482461 PMCID: PMC9733393 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01483-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidualization refers to the process of transformation of endometrial stromal fibroblast cells into specialized decidual stromal cells that provide a nutritive and immunoprivileged matrix essential for blastocyst implantation and placental development. Deficiencies in decidualization are associated with a variety of pregnancy disorders, including female infertility, recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and miscarriages. Despite the increasing number of genes reportedly associated with endometrial receptivity and decidualization, the cellular and molecular mechanisms triggering and underlying decidualization remain largely unknown. Here, we analyze single-cell transcriptional profiles of endometrial cells during the window of implantation and decidual cells of early pregnancy, to gains insights on the process of decidualization. RESULTS We observed a unique IGF1+ stromal cell that may initiate decidualization by single-cell RNA sequencing. We found the IL1B+ stromal cells promote gland degeneration and decidua hemostasis. We defined a subset of NK cells for accelerating decidualization and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion by AREG-IGF1 and AREG-CSF1 regulatory axe. Further analysis indicates that EVT promote decidualization possibly by multiply pathways. Additionally, a systematic repository of cell-cell communication for decidualization was developed. An aberrant ratio conversion of IGF1+ stromal cells to IGF1R+ stromal cells is observed in unexplained RIF patients. CONCLUSIONS Overall, a unique subpopulation of IGF1+ stromal cell is involved in initiating decidualization. Our observations provide deeper insights into the molecular and cellular characterizations of decidualization, and a platform for further development of evaluation of decidualization degree and treatment for decidualization disorder-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Shi
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Lai
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhou
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xiao-Ya Zhao
- grid.452587.9Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Feng Xie
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical and Uterine Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Song-Ping Liu
- grid.508387.10000 0005 0231 8677Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508 China
| | - Wei-Dong Chen
- NovelBio Bio-Pharm Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201112 China
| | - Tao Zhang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Feng Ye
- grid.418812.60000 0004 0620 9243Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138632 Singapore
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhou
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080 China ,grid.508387.10000 0005 0231 8677Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508 China
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5
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Park S, Hong T, Song G, Lim W. Aclonifen could induce implantation failure during early embryonic development through apoptosis of porcine trophectoderm and uterine luminal epithelial cells. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:105288. [PMID: 36464341 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aclonifen is a diphenyl-ether herbicide that is used to control the growth of weeds while growing crops such as corn and wheat. Although the biochemical effects of aclonifen are well characterized, including its ability to inhibit protoporphyrinogen oxidase and carotenoid synthesis, the toxicity of aclonifen in embryonic implantation and development during early pregnancy, has not been reported. Thus, in this study, we investigated the potential interference of aclonifen in embryonic implantation using porcine trophectoderm (pTr) and uterine luminal epithelial (pLE) cells isolated during implantation period of early pregnancy. Cell viability in both pTr and pLE cells significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner following aclonifen treatment. Moreover, the proportion of cells in the sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle gradually increased upon treatment with increasing concentrations of aclonifen, which in turn led to an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, as determined by annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Aclonifen treatment caused mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the mitochondrial calcium concentration. Aclonifen inhibited cell mobility by suppressing the expression of implantation-related genes in pTr and pLE cells. To explore the underlying mechanism, we evaluated the phosphorylation of PI3K and MAPK signaling molecules. The phosphorylation of AKT, S6, JNK, and ERK1/2 were significantly increased by aclonifen. Collectively, our results suggest that aclonifen may interrupt implantation during early pregnancy by disrupting maternal-fetal interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunwoo Park
- Department of Plant & Biomaterials Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongnam 52725, Republic of Korea; Department of GreenBio Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongnam 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyeon Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Aikawa S, Hirota Y, Fukui Y, Ishizawa C, IIda R, Kaku T, Hirata T, Akaeda S, Hiraoka T, Matsuo M, Osuga Y. A gene network of uterine luminal epithelium organizes mouse blastocyst implantation. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12435. [PMID: 35386370 PMCID: PMC8967306 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The receptive endometrium is critical for blastocyst implantation. In mice, after blastocysts enter the uterine cavities on day 4 of pregnancy (day 1 = vaginal plug), blastocyst attachment is completed within 24 h, accompanied by dynamic interactions between the uterine luminal epithelium and the blastocysts. Any failures in this process compromise subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Here, we performed comprehensive analyses of gene expression at the luminal epithelium in the peri‐implantation period. Methods RNA‐seq combined with laser microdissection (LMD) was used to reveal unique gene expression kinetics in the epithelium. Results We found that the prereceptive epithelium on day 3 specifically expresses cell cycle‐related genes. In addition, days 3 and 4 epithelia express glutathione pathway‐related genes, which are protective against oxidative stresses. In contrast, day 5 epithelium expresses genes involved in glycolysis and the regulation of cell proliferation. The genes highly expressed on days 3 and 4 compared to day 5 are related to progesterone receptor signaling, and the genes highly expressed on day 5 compared to days 3 and 4 are associated with the ones regulated by H3K27me3. Conclusions These results suggest that specific gene expression patterns govern uterine functions during early pregnancy, contributing to implantation success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Chihiro Ishizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Rei IIda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
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7
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Yamada A, Ohtsuki K, Shiga N, Green JA, Matsuno Y, Imakawa K. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and bi- and multi-nucleated trophoblast cell formation in ovine conceptuses during the peri-implantation period. J Reprod Dev 2022; 68:110-117. [PMID: 34980711 PMCID: PMC8979805 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is common in cancer metastasis, is also observed during developmental processes such as embryo implantation into the maternal endometrium in
humans and rodents. However, this process has not been well characterized in the non-invasive type of implantation that occurs in ruminants. To understand whether EMT occurs in ruminant
ungulates, ovine conceptuses (embryo plus extraembryonic membranes) from days 15 (P15: pre-attachment), 17 (P17: during attachment), and 21 (P21: post-attachment, day 0 = day of estrus) were
evaluated. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the expression of EMT-related transcripts increased on P21. Real-time PCR and western blotting analyses indicated that levels of transcripts and
proteins indicative of mesenchyme-related molecules increased on P21, but a minor expression of epithelium-related molecules remained. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that E-cadherin
(CDH1) was localized in the elongated trophectoderm on P15 and P17. On P21, CDH1 was localized to the trophectoderm and on the conceptus cells undergoing differentiation. Vimentin (VIM) was
localized in the uterine stroma on P15 and P17, and its expression was observed at the edge of elongating trophoblast on P21. Further, it was found that some bi-nucleated trophoblast cells
were present on P17; however, numerous bi- and multi-nucleated trophoblast cells on the uterine epithelium or next to the uterine stroma were found on P21. A minor expression of
pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) transcripts was found on P15 and P17, but a definitive expression of PAGs, transcripts, and proteins was found on P21. Although
further investigation is required, these observations indicate that bi-nucleated trophoblast cell formation begins on the day conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium is initiated,
followed by EMT in trophoblast cells. These results suggest that these sequential events are required if pregnancy is to be established in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayami Yamada
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto 862-8652, Japan
| | - Kaito Ohtsuki
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto 862-8652, Japan
| | - Natsumi Shiga
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto 862-8652, Japan
| | - Jonathan A Green
- Animal Science Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Yuta Matsuno
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto 862-8652, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto 862-8652, Japan
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8
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Uterine Receptivity is Reflected by LIF Expression in the Cervix. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1457-1462. [PMID: 34859388 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00816-8] [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: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure is a major problem in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Although ART systems have evolved rapidly over the decades, it is still difficult to diagnose uterine conditions suitable for embryo transfer (ET) without the use of invasive endometrial procedures. Previous studies in mice showed that leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a well-known endometrial biomarker for uterine implantation capacity, also known as uterine receptivity. This study focused on LIF in the mouse and human cervix as a possible biomarker of implantation capacity. We found that high expression of LIF in the cervical epithelium is strongly correlated with that of the uterine epithelium during the peri-implantation period in mice. Likewise, human cervical epithelia also exhibit elevated levels of LIF in the peri-implantation period. In addition, cervical LIF is downregulated in mice with defective implantation caused by pharmacological treatments. These results indicated that cervical LIF is a possible biomarker that detected uterine receptivity without invasive endometrial damage.
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9
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Tiwari A, Ashary N, Singh N, Sharma S, Modi D. Modulation of E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin by ovarian steroids and embryonic stimuli. Tissue Cell 2021; 73:101670. [PMID: 34710830 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes extensive remodelling to attain a receptive state which is further modulated in presence of an embryo for successful initiation of pregnancy. Cadherins are the proteins of the junctional complex of which E-cadherin (E-Cad) is crucial for maintaining epithelial cell state and integrity of the epithelial barrier; gain of N-cadherin (N-Cad) in epithelial cells leads to epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the present study, we investigated the expression of E-Cad and N-Cad in the mouse endometrial luminal epithelium and its modulation by estrogen, progesterone, and embryonic stimuli. We observed that E-Cad is diffusely expressed in the luminal epithelium of mouse endometrium during the estrus stage and upon estrogen treatment. It is apico-laterally and basolaterally sorted at the diestrus stage and in response to the combined treatment of estrogen and progesterone. In 3D spheroids of human endometrial epithelial cells, combined treatment with estrogen and progesterone led to lateral sorting of E-Cad without any effects on its mRNA levels. at the time of embryo implantation, there is loss of E-Cad along with the gain of N-Cad and SNAIL expression suggestive of EMT in the luminal epithelium. This EMT is possibly driven by embryonic stimuli as treatment with estrogen and progesterone did not lead to the gain of N-Cad expression in the mouse endometrium in vivo or in human endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that steroid hormones directly affect E-Cad sorting in the endometrial epithelium which undergo EMT in response to embryonic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Tiwari
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Nancy Ashary
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Neha Singh
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Shipra Sharma
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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10
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Fukui Y, Hirota Y, Saito-Fujita T, Aikawa S, Hiraoka T, Kaku T, Hirata T, Akaeda S, Matsuo M, Shimizu-Hirota R, Takeda N, Ikawa M, Osuga Y. Uterine Epithelial LIF Receptors Contribute to Implantation Chamber Formation in Blastocyst Attachment. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6353290. [PMID: 34402888 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that the formation of an implantation chamber composed of a uterine crypt, an implantation-competent blastocyst, and uterine glands is a critical step in blastocyst implantation in mice. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) precursors via uterine LIF receptors (LIFRs), allowing successful blastocyst implantation. Our recent study revealed that the role of epithelial STAT3 is different from that of stromal STAT3. However, both are essential for blastocyst attachment, suggesting the different roles of epithelial and stromal LIFR in blastocyst implantation. However, how epithelial and stromal LIFR regulate the blastocyst implantation process remains unclear. To investigate the roles of LIFR in the uterine epithelium and stroma, we generated Lifr-floxed/lactoferrin (Ltf)-iCre (Lifr eKO) and Lifr-floxed/antimüllerian hormone receptor type 2 (Amhr2)-Cre (Lifr sKO) mice with deleted epithelial and stromal LIFR, respectively. Surprisingly, fertility and blastocyst implantation in the Lifr sKO mice were normal despite stromal STAT3 inactivation. In contrast, blastocyst attachment failed, and no implantation chambers were formed in the Lifr eKO mice with epithelial inactivation of STAT3. In addition, normal responsiveness to ovarian hormones was observed in the peri-implantation uteri of the Lifr eKO mice. These results indicate that the epithelial LIFR-STAT3 pathway initiates the formation of implantation chambers, leading to complete blastocyst attachment, and that stromal STAT3 regulates blastocyst attachment without stromal LIFR control. Thus, uterine epithelial LIFR is critical to implantation chamber formation and blastocyst attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito-Fujita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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11
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Freitag N, Xie Y, Adam LM, Borowski S, Blois SM, Barrientos G. Expression of the alternative splicing regulator Rbfox2 during placental development is differentially regulated in preeclampsia mouse models. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13491. [PMID: 34363260 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Proper placental development is pivotal to ensure healthy pregnancy outcomes. Among the multiple cellular mechanisms involved in the orchestration of this process, little is known on the role of alternative splicing events in the modulation of trophoblast cell biology. Here, we evaluated the expression of the alternative splicing regulator Rbfox2 in the pre- and post-placentation period in mouse pregnancies in both healthy and pathological settings. METHOD OF STUDY Immunofluorescence analysis of Rbfox2 expression in mouse implantation sites collected during the pre-placentation period (E5-E7) and post-placentation (E13). RESULTS We identified a progressive increase of Rbfox2 levels throughout the peri-implantation period with a shift from a cytoplasmatic expression on E5-E6 to a predominantly nuclear expression on E7, together with a prominent expression of this factor in both subcellular compartments of the primitive placenta. Our results further showed that in contrast to healthy gestations, Rbfox2 expression decreased in preeclamptic models during the post-placentation period. Finally, we further demonstrated enhanced expression of Rbfox2 proteins in allogeneic pregnancy compared to syngeneic models. CONCLUSIONS Our findings uncover a novel role for Rbfox2-controlled splicing events in the modulation of trophoblast function, with potential implications for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications originated from defective placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Freitag
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, AG GlycoImmunology, and the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yiran Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Taihe Hospital, Hubei Medical University, Shiyan, China
| | - Lisa-Marie Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Borowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, AG GlycoImmunology, and the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Akaeda S, Hirota Y, Fukui Y, Aikawa S, Shimizu-Hirota R, Kaku T, Gebril M, Hirata T, Hiraoka T, Matsuo M, Haraguchi H, Saito-Kanatani M, Takeda N, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Retinoblastoma protein promotes uterine epithelial cell cycle arrest and necroptosis for embryo invasion. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e50927. [PMID: 33399260 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma protein (RB) encoded by Rb1 is a prominent inducer of cell cycle arrest (CCA). The hormone progesterone (P4 ) promotes CCA in the uterine epithelium and previous studies indicated that P4 activates RB by reducing the phosphorylated, inactive form of RB. Here, we show that embryo implantation is impaired in uterine-specific Rb1 knockout mice. We observe persistent cell proliferation of the Rb1-deficient uterine epithelium until embryo attachment, loss of epithelial necroptosis, and trophoblast phagocytosis, which correlates with subsequent embryo invasion failure, indicating that Rb1-induced CCA and necroptosis of uterine epithelium are involved in embryo invasion. Pre-implantation P4 supplementation is sufficient to restore these defects and embryo invasion. In Rb1-deficient uterine epithelial cells, TNFα-primed necroptosis is impaired, which is rescued by the treatment with a CCA inducer thymidine or P4 through the upregulation of TNF receptor type 2. TNFα is expressed in the luminal epithelium and the embryo at the embryo attachment site. These results provide evidence that uterine Rb1-induced CCA is involved in TNFα-primed epithelial necroptosis at the implantation site for successful embryo invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Akaeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Frontier Outstanding Research for Clinical Empowerment (FORCE), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yamato Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shizu Aikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoko Shimizu-Hirota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Kaku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mona Gebril
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Matsuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Haraguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayuko Saito-Kanatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norihiko Takeda
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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