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Geisler HC, Ghalsasi AA, Safford HC, Swingle KL, Thatte AS, Mukalel AJ, Gong N, Hamilton AG, Han EL, Nachod BE, Padilla MS, Mitchell MJ. EGFR-targeted ionizable lipid nanoparticles enhance in vivo mRNA delivery to the placenta. J Control Release 2024; 371:455-469. [PMID: 38789090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.036] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The full potential of ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as an in vivo nucleic acid delivery platform has not yet been realized given that LNPs primarily accumulate in the liver following systemic administration, limiting their success to liver-centric conditions. The engineering of LNPs with antibody targeting moieties can enable extrahepatic tropism by facilitating site-specific LNP tethering and driving preferential LNP uptake into receptor-expressing cell types via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Obstetric conditions stemming from placental dysfunction, such as preeclampsia, are characterized by overexpression of cellular receptors, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), making targeted LNP platforms an exciting potential treatment strategy for placental dysfunction during pregnancy. Herein, an EGFR antibody-conjugated LNP (aEGFR-LNP) platform was developed by engineering LNPs with increasing densities of antibody functionalization. aEGFR-LNPs were screened in vitro in immortalized placental trophoblasts and in vivo in non-pregnant and pregnant mice and compared to non-targeted formulations for extrahepatic, antibody-targeted mRNA LNP delivery to the placenta. Our top performing LNP with an intermediate density of antibody functionalization (1:5 aEGFR-LNP) mediated a ∼twofold increase in mRNA delivery in murine placentas and a ∼twofold increase in LNP uptake in EGFR-expressing trophoblasts compared to non-targeted counterparts. These results demonstrate the potential of antibody-conjugated LNPs for achieving extrahepatic tropism, and the ability of aEGFR-LNPs in promoting mRNA delivery to EGFR-expressing cell types in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Geisler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Aditi A Ghalsasi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hannah C Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kelsey L Swingle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ajay S Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alvin J Mukalel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alex G Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emily L Han
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Benjamin E Nachod
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marshall S Padilla
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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2
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Mao R, Li L, Li P. Unveiling an oxidative stress-linked diagnostic signature and molecular subtypes in preeclampsia: novel insights into pathogenesis. Free Radic Res 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38788124 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2024.2360015] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension and organ dysfunction, affecting both maternal and fetal health. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify a diagnostic signature and molecular subtypes associated with oxidative stress in PE to gain novel insights into its pathogenesis. The ssGSEA algorithm evaluated oxidative stress-related pathway scores using transcriptional data from the GSE75010 dataset. Oxidative stress-related genes (ORGs) were co lected from these pathways, and hub ORGs associated with PE were identified using the LASSO and logistic regression models. A nomogram prediction model was constructed using the identified ORGs. Consensus clustering identified two molecular subgroups related to oxidative stress, labeled as C1 and C2, with unique immune characteristics and inflammatory pathway profiles. Seventy ORGs associated with oxidative stress, ce l death, and inflammation-related pathways were identified in PE. EGFR, RIPK3, and ALAD were confirmed as core ORGs for PE biomarkers. The C1 and C2 subgroups exhibited distinct immune characteristics and inflammatory pathway profiles. This study provides novel insights into the role of oxidative stress in PE pathogenesis. A diagnostic signature and molecular subtypes associated with oxidative stress were identified, which may improve understanding, diagnosis, and management of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rurong Mao
- Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Li
- Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Penghao Li
- Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Mani S, Garifallou J, Kim SJ, Simoni MK, Huh DD, Gordon SM, Mainigi M. Uterine macrophages and NK cells exhibit population and gene-level changes after implantation but maintain pro-invasive properties. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1364036. [PMID: 38566989 PMCID: PMC10985329 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1364036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prior to pregnancy, hormonal changes lead to cellular adaptations in the endometrium allowing for embryo implantation. Critical for successful pregnancy establishment, innate immune cells constitute a significant proportion of uterine cells prior to arrival of the embryo and throughout the first trimester in humans and animal models. Abnormal uterine immune cell function during implantation is believed to play a role in multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. Current work in humans has focused on uterine immune cells present after pregnancy establishment, and limited in vitro models exist to explore unique functions of these cells. Methods With single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq), we comprehensively compared the human uterine immune landscape of the endometrium during the window of implantation and the decidua during the first trimester of pregnancy. Results We uncovered global and cell-type-specific gene signatures for each timepoint. Immune cells in the endometrium prior to implantation expressed genes associated with immune metabolism, division, and activation. In contrast, we observed widespread interferon signaling during the first trimester of pregnancy. We also provide evidence of specific inflammatory pathways enriched in pre- and post-implantation macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells in the uterine lining. Using our novel implantation-on-a-chip (IOC) to model human implantation ex vivo, we demonstrate for the first time that uterine macrophages strongly promote invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), a process essential for pregnancy establishment. Pre- and post-implantation uterine macrophages promoted EVT invasion to a similar degree as pre- and post-implantation NK cells on the IOC. Conclusions This work provides a foundation for further investigation of the individual roles of uterine immune cell subtypes present prior to embryo implantation and during early pregnancy, which will be critical for our understanding of pregnancy complications associated with abnormal trophoblast invasion and placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Mani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - James Garifallou
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Se-jeong Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael K. Simoni
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dan Dongeun Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Scott M. Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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4
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Waye AA, Ticiani E, Veiga-Lopez A. Chemical mixture that targets the epidermal growth factor pathway impairs human trophoblast cell functions. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 483:116804. [PMID: 38185387 PMCID: PMC11212468 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116804] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Pregnant women are exposed to complex chemical mixtures, many of which reach the placenta. Some of these chemicals interfere with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation, a receptor tyrosine kinase that modulates several placenta cell functions. We hypothesized that a mixture of chemicals (Chem-Mix) known to reduce EGFR activation (polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-126, PCB-153, atrazine, trans-nonachlor, niclosamide, and bisphenol S) would interfere with EGFR-mediated trophoblast cell functions. To test this, we determined the chemicals' EGFR binding ability, EGFR and downstream effectors activation, and trophoblast functions (proliferation, invasion, and endovascular differentiation) known to be regulated by EGFR in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). The Chem-Mix competed with EGF for EGFR binding, however only PCB-153, niclosamide, trans-nonachlor, and BPS competed for binding as single chemicals. The effects of the Chem-Mix on EGFR phosphorylation were tested by exposing the placental EVT cell line, HTR-8/SVneo to control (0.1% DMSO), Chem-Mix (1, 10, or 100 ng/ml), EGF (30 ng/ml), or Chem-Mix + EGF. The Chem-Mix - but not the individual chemicals - reduced EGF-mediated EGFR phosphorylation in a dose dependent manner, while no effect was observed in its downstream effectors (AKT and STAT3). None of the individual chemicals affected EVT cell invasion, but the Chem-Mix reduced EVT cell invasion independent of EGF. In support of previous studies that have explored chemicals targeting a specific pathway (estrogen/androgen receptor), current findings indicate that exposure to a chemical mixture that targets the EGFR pathway can result in a greater impact compared to individual chemicals in the context of placental cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita A Waye
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elvis Ticiani
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Almudena Veiga-Lopez
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Cheng JC, Meng Q, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Chen J, Song T, Fang L, Sun YP. WNK1 mediates amphiregulin-induced MMP9 expression and cell invasion in human extravillous trophoblast cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 576:112038. [PMID: 37544354 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The invasion of human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells is a critical event required for a successful pregnancy. Amphiregulin, a ligand of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has been shown to stimulate cell invasion in an immortalized human EVT cell line, HTR-8/SVneo. The with-no-lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) is involved in regulating cell invasion. It is known that WNK1 is expressed in the human placenta, but its role in human EVT cells remains unknown. In the present study, we show that AREG treatment phosphorylated WNK1 at Thr60 in both HTR-8/SVneo and primary human EVT cells. The stimulatory effect of AREG on WNK1 phosphorylation was mediated by the activation of PI3K/AKT, but not the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. AREG upregulated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) but not MMP2. In addition, cell invasiveness was increased in response to the treatment of AREG. Using the siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, our results showed that the knockdown of WNK1 attenuated the AREG-induced upregulation of MMP9 expression and cell invasion. Moreover, the expression of WNK1 was downregulated in the placentas with preeclampsia, a disease resulting from insufficiency of EVT cell invasion during pregnancy. This study discovers the physiological function of WNK1 in human EVT cells and provides important insights into the regulation of MMP9 and cell invasion in human EVT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Qingxue Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiaye Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tinglin Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Geisler HC, Safford HC, Mitchell MJ. Rational Design of Nanomedicine for Placental Disorders: Birthing a New Era in Women's Reproductive Health. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2300852. [PMID: 37191231 PMCID: PMC10651803 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a transient organ that forms during pregnancy and acts as a biological barrier, mediating exchange between maternal and fetal circulation. Placental disorders, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta spectrum, and gestational trophoblastic disease, originate in dysfunctional placental development during pregnancy and can lead to severe complications for both the mother and fetus. Unfortunately, treatment options for these disorders are severely lacking. Challenges in designing therapeutics for use during pregnancy involve selectively delivering payloads to the placenta while protecting the fetus from potential toxic side effects. Nanomedicine holds great promise in overcoming these barriers; the versatile and modular nature of nanocarriers, including prolonged circulation times, intracellular delivery, and organ-specific targeting, can control how therapeutics interact with the placenta. In this review, nanomedicine strategies are discussed to treat and diagnose placental disorders with an emphasis on understanding the unique pathophysiology behind each of these diseases. Finally, prior study of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these placental disorders has revealed novel disease targets. These targets are highlighted here to motivate the rational design of precision nanocarriers to improve therapeutic options for placental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Geisler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Hannah C. Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19014, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
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