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Sun F, Peers de Nieuwburgh M, Hubinont C, Debiève F, Colson A. Gene therapy in preeclampsia: the dawn of a new era. Hypertens Pregnancy 2024; 43:2358761. [PMID: 38817101 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2024.2358761] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy, affecting an estimated 4 million women annually. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide, and it has life-long consequences. The maternal multisystemic symptoms are driven by poor placentation, which causes syncytiotrophoblastic stress and the release of factors into the maternal bloodstream. Amongst them, the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) triggers extensive endothelial dysfunction by acting as a decoy receptor for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the placental growth factor (PGF). Current interventions aim to mitigate hypertension and seizures, but the only definite treatment remains induced delivery. Thus, there is a pressing need for novel therapies to remedy this situation. Notably, CBP-4888, a siRNA drug delivered subcutaneously to knock down sFLT1 expression in the placenta, has recently obtained Fast Track approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is undergoing a phase 1 clinical trial. Such advance highlights a growing interest and significant potential in gene therapy to manage preeclampsia. This review summarizes the advances and prospects of gene therapy in treating placental dysfunction and illustrates crucial challenges and considerations for these emerging treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxuan Sun
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maureen Peers de Nieuwburgh
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Neonatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corinne Hubinont
- Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arthur Colson
- Department of Reproduction Physiopathology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Lemke KA, Sarkar CA, Azarin SM. Rapid retinoic acid-induced trophoblast cell model from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18204. [PMID: 39107470 PMCID: PMC11303561 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
A limited number of accessible and representative models of human trophoblast cells currently exist for the study of placentation. Current stem cell models involve either a transition through a naïve stem cell state or precise dynamic control of multiple growth factors and small-molecule cues. Here, we demonstrated that a simple five-day treatment of human induced pluripotent stem cells with two small molecules, retinoic acid (RA) and Wnt agonist CHIR 99021 (CHIR), resulted in rapid, synergistic upregulation of CDX2. Transcriptomic analysis of RA + CHIR-treated cells showed high similarity to primary trophectoderm cells. Multipotency was verified via further differentiation towards cells with syncytiotrophoblast or extravillous trophoblast features. RA + CHIR-treated cells were also assessed for the established criteria defining a trophoblast cell model, and they possess all the features necessary to be considered valid. Collectively, our data demonstrate a facile, scalable method for generating functional trophoblast-like cells in vitro to better understand the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Lemke
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Casim A Sarkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Samira M Azarin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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Morrison MJ, Natale BV, Allen S, Peterson N, Natale DRC. Characterizing placental pericytes: Hypoxia and proangiogenic signalling. Placenta 2024; 155:1-10. [PMID: 39106637 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pericytes wrap microvessels and interact with endothelial cells to regulate vascular growth. Though pericyte dropout has been reported in pathological human placentae and mouse models of placental pathology, there has been limited investigation of the role and function of placental pericytes in vascular health and pathology. This study aimed to investigate the angiogenic potential of human placental pericytes relative to other villous cell populations. METHODS Primary human placental pericytes, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and BeWo cells ( ± 20 μM forskolin) were cultured in 1 % O2 or ambient air, followed by analysis of secreted angiogenic factors (ELISA). Additionally, the placental pericytes and HUVECs were co-cultured in a 3D sprouting assay to assess the capacity of pericytes to contribute to vascular sprouts. RESULTS 1 % O2 affected secretion of angiogenic factors in placental pericytes, HUVECs, and syncytialized BeWo cells. Specifically, in placental pericytes, angiopoietin-1 (ANG1) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1) were decreased, while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was increased. In HUVECS, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), VEGF, angiopoietin-2 (ANG2), platelet-derived growth factor beta (PDGFB), placental growth factor (PlGF), and sFLT1 were increased. In syncytialized BeWo cells, VEGF, MMP2, PDGFB, PlGF, and sFLT1 secretion were increased. Placental pericytes and HUVECS colocalized to vessel sprouts in the 3-D sprouting assay. DISCUSSION Hypoxic conditions altered placental pericyte, endothelial, and syncytialized BeWo secretion of angiogenic factors. We speculate that pericyte dropout and, by extension, the loss of pericyte-derived angiogenic factors in hypoxic conditions may contribute to compromised fetal vascular development observed in placental pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Morrison
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, M5S 1A8; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Bryony V Natale
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Sofia Allen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Nichole Peterson
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - David R C Natale
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada, K7L 3N6.
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Park S, Hunter ES. Modeling the human placenta: in vitro applications in developmental and reproductive toxicology. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:431-464. [PMID: 39016688 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2295349] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
During its temporary tenure, the placenta has extensive and specialized functions that are critical for pre- and post-natal development. The consequences of chemical exposure in utero can have profound effects on the structure and function of pregnancy-associated tissues and the life-long health of the birthing person and their offspring. However, the toxicological importance and critical functions of the placenta to embryonic and fetal development and maturation have been understudied. This narrative will review early placental development in humans and highlight some in vitro models currently in use that are or can be applied to better understand placental processes underlying developmental toxicity due to in utero environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Park
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward Sidney Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Wong GP, Hartmann S, Simmons DG, Ellis S, Nonn O, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Nguyen A, Bartho LA, Tong S, Hannan NJ, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Trophoblast Side-Population Markers are Dysregulated in Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10764-w. [PMID: 39028417 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10764-w] [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] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Dysregulated progenitor cell populations may contribute to poor placental development and placental insufficiency pathogenesis. Side-population cells possess progenitor properties. Recent human trophoblast side-population isolation identified enrichment of 8 specific genes (CXCL8, ELL2, GATA6, HK2, HLA-DPB1, INTS6, SERPINE3 and UPP1) (Gamage et al. 2020, Stem Cell Rev Rep). We characterised these trophoblast side-population markers in human placenta and in placental insufficiency disorders: preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Trophoblast side-population markers localised to mononuclear trophoblasts lining the placental villous basement membrane in preterm control, preeclamptic and FGR placental sections (n = 3, panel of 3 markers/serial section). Analysis of single-cell transcriptomics of an organoid human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC) to extravillous trophoblast (EVT) differentiation model (Shannon et al. 2022, Development) identified that all side-population genes were enriched in mononuclear trophoblast and trophoblasts committed to differentiation under hTSC culture conditions. In vitro validation via 96 h time course hTSC differentiation to EVTs or syncytiotrophoblasts (n = 5) demonstrated ELL2 and HK2 increased with differentiation (p < 0.0024, p < 0.0039 respectively). CXCL8 and HLA-DPB1 were downregulated (p < 0.030, p < 0.011 respectively). GATA6 and INTS6 increased with EVT differentiation only, and UPP1 reduced with syncytialisation. SERPINE3 was undetectable. Trophoblast side-population marker mRNA was measured in human placentas (< 34-weeks' gestation; n = 78 preeclampsia, n = 30 FGR, and n = 18 gestation-matched controls). ELL2, HK2 and CXCL8 were elevated in preeclamptic (p = 0.0006, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0335 respectively) and FGR placentas (p = 0.0065, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0001 respectively) versus controls. Placental GATA6 was reduced in pregnancies with preeclampsia and FGR (p = 0.0014, p = 0.0146 respectively). Placental INTS6 was reduced with FGR only (p < 0.0001). This study identified the localisation of a unique trophoblast subset enriched for side-population markers. Aberrant expression of some side-population markers may indicate disruptions to unique trophoblast subtypes in placental insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia P Wong
- The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia.
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sunhild Hartmann
- The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David G Simmons
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sarah Ellis
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Olivia Nonn
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ping Cannon
- The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Nguyen
- The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucy A Bartho
- The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- The Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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Rozas-Villanueva FM, Orellana VP, Alarcón R, Maripillan J, Martinez AD, Alfaro IE, Retamal MA. Cx40 Levels Regulate Hypoxia-Induced Changes in the Migration, Proliferation, and Formation of Gap Junction Plaques in an Extravillous Trophoblast Cell Model. Cells 2024; 13:1150. [PMID: 38995001 PMCID: PMC11240472 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131150] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) form stratified columns at the placenta-uterus interface. In the closest part to fetal structures, EVTs have a proliferative phenotype, whereas in the closest part to maternal structures, they present a migratory phenotype. During the placentation process, Connexin 40 (Cx40) participates in both the proliferation and migration of EVTs, which occurs under hypoxia. However, a possible interaction between hypoxia and Cx40 has not yet been established. METHODS We developed two cellular models, one with "low Cx40" (Jeg-3), which reflected the expression of this protein found in migratory EVTs, and one with "high Cx40" (Jeg-3/hCx40), which reflected the expression of this protein in proliferative cells. We analyzed the migration and proliferation of these cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions for 24 h. Jeg-3 cells under hypoxia increased their migratory capacity over their proliferative capacity. However, in Jeg-3/hCx40, the opposite effect was induced. On the other hand, hypoxia promoted gap junction (GJ) plaque formation between neighboring Jeg-3 cells. Similarly, the activation of a nitro oxide (NO)/cGMP/PKG-dependent pathway induced an increase in GJ-plaque formation in Jeg-3 cells. CONCLUSIONS The expression patterns of Cx40 play a crucial role in shaping the responses of EVTs to hypoxia, thereby influencing their migratory or proliferative phenotype. Simultaneously, hypoxia triggers an increase in Cx40 gap junction (GJ) plaque formation through a pathway dependent on NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda M Rozas-Villanueva
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
| | - Viviana P Orellana
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Alarcón
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
| | - Jaime Maripillan
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Agustin D Martinez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Ivan E Alfaro
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
- Center for Membrane Protein Research, Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Vaishnavi Nalla S, Jayapradha P, Lalruatmawii, Nandheeswari K, Naxine P, Vigneshwaran G, Rohilla G, Dubey I, Kushwaha S. Irisin as an emerging target in the regulation of reproductive functions in health and disease. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 353:114529. [PMID: 38643847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114529] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Germ cells are highly conserved in the gonads, nurtured to either develop into a gamete or self-renew into a stem cell reserve. Preserving the germ cell pool and protecting the reproductive organs is essential for maintaining an individual's fertility. Several factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, pollutants, hormonal disruption, drugs, and a disease condition, have been shown to impair normal reproductive function. Irisin has recently been identified as an adipomyokine involved in modulating physiological functions based on the body's metabolic status. It is being studied for its role in various functions, including fertility. Findings show the localization of irisin in various parts of the reproductive axis, with the highest levels observed during puberty and pregnancy. This raises questions about its role and function in reproduction. Studies support irisin's role in protecting against disease-induced reproductive abnormalities and infertility. Therefore, the current review focuses on how irisin influences spermatogenesis and ovarian follicular development and plays a significant role in indirectly preserving the germ cell pool by protecting the gonads against oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sree Vaishnavi Nalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - P Jayapradha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Lalruatmawii
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - K Nandheeswari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Pratik Naxine
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - G Vigneshwaran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Gaurav Rohilla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Itishree Dubey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Sapana Kushwaha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India.
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Dai Y, Xu X, Huo X, Schuitemaker JHN, Faas MM. Cell type-dependent response to benzo(a)pyrene exposure of human placental cell lines under normoxic, hypoxic, and pro-inflammatory conditions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 276:116287. [PMID: 38579532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116287] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) can be detected in the human placenta. However, little is known about the effects of BaP exposure on different placental cells under various conditions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of BaP on mitochondrial function, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and apoptosis in three human trophoblast cell lines under normoxia, hypoxia, and inflammatory conditions. JEG-3, BeWo, and HTR-8/SVneo cell lines were exposed to BaP under normoxia, hypoxia, or inflammatory conditions for 24 h. After treatment, we evaluated cell viability, apoptosis, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) protein and cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene expression, mitochondrial function, including mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), intracellular adenosine triphosphate (iATP), and extracellular ATP (eATP), nitric oxide (NO), NLPR3 inflammasome proteins, and interleukin (IL)-1β. We found that BaP upregulated the expression of AhR or CYP genes to varying degrees in all three cell lines. Exposure to BaP alone increased ΔΨm in all cell lines but decreased NO in BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo, iATP in HTR-8/SVneo, and cell viability in JEG-3, without affecting apoptosis. Under hypoxic conditions, BaP did not increase the expression of AhR and CYP genes in JEG-3 cells but increased CYP gene expression in two others. Pro-inflammatory conditions did not affect the response of the 3 cell lines to BaP with respect to the expression of CYP genes and changes in the mitochondrial function and NLRP3 inflammasome proteins. In addition, in HTR-8/SVneo cells, BaP increased IL-1β secretion in the presence of hypoxia and poly(I:C). In conclusion, our results showed that BaP affected mitochondrial function in trophoblast cell lines by increasing ΔΨm. This increased ΔΨm may have rescued the trophoblast cells from activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and apoptosis after BaP treatment. We also observed that different human trophoblast cell lines had cell type-dependent responses to BaP exposure under normoxia, hypoxia, or pro-inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Dai
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 515041, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 515041, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, 515041, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 511443, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Joost H N Schuitemaker
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; Research & Development, IQProducts, 9727 DL, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marijke M Faas
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
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9
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Khorami-Sarvestani S, Vanaki N, Shojaeian S, Zarnani K, Stensballe A, Jeddi-Tehrani M, Zarnani AH. Placenta: an old organ with new functions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385762. [PMID: 38707901 PMCID: PMC11066266 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385762] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition from oviparity to viviparity and the establishment of feto-maternal communications introduced the placenta as the major anatomical site to provide nutrients, gases, and hormones to the developing fetus. The placenta has endocrine functions, orchestrates maternal adaptations to pregnancy at different periods of pregnancy, and acts as a selective barrier to minimize exposure of developing fetus to xenobiotics, pathogens, and parasites. Despite the fact that this ancient organ is central for establishment of a normal pregnancy in eutherians, the placenta remains one of the least studied organs. The first step of pregnancy, embryo implantation, is finely regulated by the trophoectoderm, the precursor of all trophoblast cells. There is a bidirectional communication between placenta and endometrium leading to decidualization, a critical step for maintenance of pregnancy. There are three-direction interactions between the placenta, maternal immune cells, and the endometrium for adaptation of endometrial immune system to the allogeneic fetus. While 65% of all systemically expressed human proteins have been found in the placenta tissues, it expresses numerous placenta-specific proteins, whose expression are dramatically changed in gestational diseases and could serve as biomarkers for early detection of gestational diseases. Surprisingly, placentation and carcinogenesis exhibit numerous shared features in metabolism and cell behavior, proteins and molecular signatures, signaling pathways, and tissue microenvironment, which proposes the concept of "cancer as ectopic trophoblastic cells". By extensive researches in this novel field, a handful of cancer biomarkers has been discovered. This review paper, which has been inspired in part by our extensive experiences during the past couple of years, highlights new aspects of placental functions with emphasis on its immunomodulatory role in establishment of a successful pregnancy and on a potential link between placentation and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khorami-Sarvestani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Vanaki
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sorour Shojaeian
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kayhan Zarnani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Allan Stensballe
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Awoyemi T, Jiang S, Rahbar M, Logentherian P, Collett G, Zhang W, Cribbs A, Cerdeira S, Vatish M. MicroRNA analysis of medium/large placenta extracellular vesicles in normal and preeclampsia pregnancies. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1371168. [PMID: 38628314 PMCID: PMC11018924 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1371168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, affecting 2%-8% of pregnancies worldwide, and is the leading cause of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The disease is characterized by oxidative and cellular stress and widespread endothelial dysfunction. While the precise mechanisms are not entirely understood, the pathogenesis of PE is closely linked to placental dysfunction and, to some extent, syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicle release (STB-EVs). These vesicles can be divided into the less well-studied medium/large EVs (220-1,000 nm) released in response to stress and small EVs (<220 nm) released as a component of intercellular communication. The previously described production of m/lSTB-EVs in response to cellular stress combined with the overwhelming occurrence of cellular and oxidative stress in PE prompted us to evaluate the microRNAome of PE m/lSTB-EVs. We hypothesized that the microRNAome profile of m/lSTB-EVs is different in PE compared to normal pregnancy (NP), which might permit the identification of potential circulating biomarkers not previously described in PE. Methods/study design We performed small RNA sequencing on medium/large STB-EVs isolated from PE and NP placentae using dual-lobe ex vivo perfusion. The sequencing data was bioinformatically analyzed to identify differentially regulated microRNAs. Identified microRNAs were validated with quantitative PCR analysis. We completed our analysis by performing an in-silico prediction of STB-EV mechanistic pathways. Results We identified significant differences between PE and NP in the STB-EVs micro ribonucleic acid (microRNA) profiles. We verified the differential expression of hsa-miR-193b-5p, hsa-miR-324-5p, hsa-miR-652-3p, hsa-miR-3196, hsa-miR-9-5p, hsa-miR-421, and hsa-miR-210-3p in the medium/large STB-EVs. We also confirmed the differential abundance of hsa-miR-9-5p in maternal serum extracellular vesicles (S EVs). In addition, we integrated the results of these microRNAs into the previously published messenger RNA (mRNA) data to better understand the relationship between these biomolecules. Conclusions We identified a differentially regulated micro-RNA, hsa-miR-9-5p, that may have biomarker potential and uncovered mechanistic pathways that may be important in the pathophysiology of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toluwalase Awoyemi
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shuhan Jiang
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Rahbar
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Prasanna Logentherian
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Collett
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Zhang
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Cribbs
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Cerdeira
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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11
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Luo N, Zhou Y, Chen X, Zhao Y, Hu Y. Screening the optimal housekeeping genes (HKGs) of placenta tissues by RNA-sequence and qRT-PCR throughout gestation in goat (Capra Hircus). Gene 2024; 895:147966. [PMID: 37972698 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147966] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Selection of stable housekeeping genes (HKGs) is very important for accurate calculation of relative expression levels of target genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). At present, the appropriate HKGs have not been identified in placental tissues throughout the pregnancy of the goat. In our study, 20 HKGs were tentatively selected from RNA-seq data and previous reports. The cycle threshold (Ct) of HKGs was determined by qRT-PCR in trophoblast membrane and cotyledon villus collected from 38 Dazu Black goats on gestation days of 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 150 (birth). The expression stability of the HKGs was analyzed by geNorm, Normfinder, Bestkeeper and Delta Ct algorithms, and comprehensively evaluated by ReFinder and ComprFinder. In addition, the optimal HKGs were further verified by placenta-specific genes (SPP1, VEGFA and PAG6). The 16 candidate HKGs (except POP4, TBP, RNF10, UBC) showed a qualified Ct value, less than 28. Among them, YWHAZ, EIF3K and PPIB showed the most stable expression in placental tissues during early, mid-late pregnancy and postpartum, but the least stable expression was B2M at early and mid-late stage, and PPIB at postpartum. After comprehensive analysis, RPLP0, EIF3K and YWHAZ were found to be the most stable placental HKGs throughout pregnancy. The classical HKGs, ACTB, GAPDH and 18S RNA have unstable expressions and even ranked at the bottom of the list from comprehensive index, suggesting an inappropriate for target gene normalization. Taken together, our study confirmed that YWHAZ, EIF3K, HMBS and RPLP0 may be the optimal HKGs in goat placenta at different stage of pregnancy, which provided a valuable reference of HKGs on functional gene expression detection for further research on placenta development and growth in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanjian Luo
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yumei Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaochuan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yongju Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivore Science, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Yu Hu
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China.
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12
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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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Islam M, Behura SK. Single-Cell Transcriptional Response of the Placenta to the Ablation of Caveolin-1: Insights into the Adaptive Regulation of Brain-Placental Axis in Mice. Cells 2024; 13:215. [PMID: 38334607 PMCID: PMC10854826 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030215] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Caveolin-1 (Cav1) is a major plasma membrane protein that plays important functions in cellular metabolism, proliferation, and senescence. Mice lacking Cav1 show abnormal gene expression in the fetal brain. Though evidence for placental influence on brain development is emerging, whether the ablation of Cav1 affects the regulation of the brain-placental axis remains unexamined. The current study tests the hypothesis that gene expression changes in specific cells of the placenta and the fetal brain are linked to the deregulation of the brain-placental axis in Cav1-null mice. By performing single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) analyses, we show that the abundance of the extravillious trophoblast (EVT) and stromal cells, but not the cytotrophoblast (CTB) or syncytiotrophoblast (STB), are significantly impacted due to Cav1 ablation in mice. Interestingly, specific genes related to brain development and neurogenesis were significantly differentially expressed in trophoblast cells due to Cav1 deletion. Comparison of single-cell gene expression between the placenta and the fetal brain further showed that specific genes such as plexin A1 (Plxna1), phosphatase and actin regulator 1 (Phactr1) and amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (Aplp2) were differentially expressed between the EVT and STB cells of the placenta, and also, between the radial glia and ependymal cells of the fetal brain. Bulk RNA-seq analysis of the whole placenta and the fetal brain further identified genes differentially expressed in a similar manner between the placenta and the fetal brain due to the absence of Cav1. The deconvolution of reference cell types from the bulk RNA-seq data further showed that the loss of Cav1 impacted the abundance of EVT cells relative to the stromal cells in the placenta, and that of the glia cells relative to the neuronal cells in the fetal brain. Together, the results of this study suggest that the ablation of Cav1 causes deregulated gene expression in specific cell types of the placenta and the fetal brain in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliha Islam
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Susanta K. Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Interdisciplinary Reproduction and Health Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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14
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Podinić T, MacAndrew A, Raha S. Trophoblast Syncytialization: A Metabolic Crossroads. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:101-125. [PMID: 37996675 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_6] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
During placentation, villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) stem cells proliferate and fuse, giving rise to the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB), which represents the terminally differentiated villous layer as well as the maternal-fetal interface. The syncytiotrophoblast is at the forefront of nutrient, gas, and waste exchange while also harboring essential endocrine functions to support pregnancy and fetal development. Considering that mitochondrial dynamics and respiration have been implicated in stem cell fate decisions of several cell types and that the placenta is a mitochondria-rich organ, we will highlight the role of mitochondria in facilitating trophoblast differentiation and maintaining trophoblast function. We discuss both the process of syncytialization and the distinct metabolic characteristics associated with CTB and STB sub-lineages prior to and during syncytialization. As mitochondrial respiration is tightly coupled to redox homeostasis, we emphasize the adaptations of mitochondrial respiration to the hypoxic placental environment. Furthermore, we highlight the critical role of mitochondria in conferring the steroidogenic potential of the STB following differentiation. Ultimately, mitochondrial function and morphological changes centrally regulate respiration and influence trophoblast fate decisions through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whose levels modulate the transcriptional activation or suppression of pluripotency or commitment genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Podinić
- Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andie MacAndrew
- Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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15
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Wątroba M, Szewczyk G, Szukiewicz D. The Role of Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in the Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Human Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16210. [PMID: 38003402 PMCID: PMC10671790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sirtuins, especially SIRT1, play a significant role in regulating inflammatory response, autophagy, and cell response to oxidative stress. Since their discovery, sirtuins have been regarded as anti-ageing and longevity-promoting enzymes. Sirtuin-regulated processes seem to participate in the most prevalent placental pathologies, such as pre-eclampsia. Furthermore, more and more research studies indicate that SIRT1 may prevent pre-eclampsia development or at least alleviate its manifestations. Having considered this, we reviewed recent studies on the role of sirtuins, especially SIRT1, in processes determining normal or abnormal development and functioning of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Department of Biophysics, Physiology & Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (G.S.)
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16
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Sugimoto J, Schust DJ, Sugimoto M, Jinno Y, Kudo Y. Controlling Trophoblast Cell Fusion in the Human Placenta-Transcriptional Regulation of Suppressyn, an Endogenous Inhibitor of Syncytin-1. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1627. [PMID: 38002309 PMCID: PMC10668956 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111627] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion in the placenta is tightly regulated. Suppressyn is a human placental endogenous retroviral protein that inhibits the profusogenic activities of another well-described endogenous retroviral protein, syncytin-1. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying suppressyn's placenta-specific expression. We identified the promoter region and a novel enhancer region for the gene encoding suppressyn, ERVH48-1, and examined their regulation via DNA methylation and their responses to changes in the oxygen concentration. Like other endogenous retroviral genes, the ERVH48-1 promoter sequence is found within a characteristic retroviral 5' LTR sequence. The novel enhancer sequence we describe here is downstream of this LTR sequence (designated EIEs: ERV internal enhancer sequence) and governs placental expression. The placenta-specific expression of ERVH48-1 is tightly controlled by DNA methylation and further regulated by oxygen concentration-dependent, hypoxia-induced transcription factors (HIF1α and HIF2α). Our findings highlight the involvement of (1) tissue specificity through DNA methylation, (2) expression specificity through placenta-specific enhancer regions, and (3) the regulation of suppressyn expression in differing oxygen conditions by HIF1α and HIF2α. We suggest that these regulatory mechanisms are central to normal and abnormal placental development, including the development of disorders of pregnancy involving altered oxygenation, such as preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sugimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan (Y.K.)
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Makiko Sugimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan (Y.K.)
| | - Yoshihiro Jinno
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kudo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan (Y.K.)
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17
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Zangeneh FZ, Hantoushzadeh S. The physiological basis with uterine myometrium contractions from electro-mechanical/hormonal myofibril function to the term and preterm labor. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22259. [PMID: 38034762 PMCID: PMC10687101 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most labor-related problems can be attributed to the uterine myometrium muscle, as this irritable tissue must suppress its irritability potential during pregnancy. Unfortunately, fewer studies have investigated the causes of this lack of suppression in preterm labor. Methods We conducted a scoping narrative review using three online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct). Results The review focused on ion channel functions in the myometrium, including sodium channels [Na K-ATPase, Na-activated K channels (Slo2), voltage-gated (SCN) Na+, Na+ leaky channels, nonselective (NALCN) channels], potassium channels [KATP (Kir6) channels, voltage-dependent K channels (Kv4, Kv7, and Kv11), twin-pore domain K channels (TASK, TREK), inward rectifier Kir7.1, Ca2+-activated K+ channels with large (KCNMA1, Slo1), small (KCNN1-3), intermediate (KCNN4) conductance], and calcium channels [L-Type and T-type Ca2+ channels, calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCC)], as well as hyperpolarization-activated cation channels. These channels' functions are associated with hormonal effects such as oxytocin, estrogen/progesterone, and local prostaglandins. Conclusion Electromechanical/hormonal activity and environmental autocrine factors can serve as the primary practical basis for premature uterine contractions in term/preterm labor. Our findings highlight the significance of.1.the amplitude rate of hyperpolarization and the frequency of contractions,2.changes in the estrogen/progesterone ratio,3.Prostaglandins E/F involvement in initiating potential spikes and the increase of intracytoplasmic Ca2+.This narrative study highlights the range of hyperpolarization and the frequency of myometrium contractions as crucial factors. The synchronized complex progress of estrogen to progesterone ratio and prostaglandins plays a significant role in initiating potential spikes and increasing intracytoplasmic Ca2+, which further influences the contraction process during labor. Insights into myometrium physiology gained from this study may pave the way for much-needed new treatments to reduce problems associated with normal and preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Zafari Zangeneh
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedighe Hantoushzadeh
- Department of Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Barak O, Lovelace T, Chu T, Cao Z, Sadovsky E, Mouillet JF, Ouyang Y, Benos PV, Sadovsky Y. Defining trophoblast injury patterns in the transcriptomes of dysfunctional placentas. Placenta 2023; 143:87-90. [PMID: 37866321 PMCID: PMC10842313 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.10.010] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Trophoblast injury is central to clinically relevant placenta dysfunction. We hypothesized that the mRNA of primary human trophoblasts, exposed to distinct injuries in vitro, capture transcriptome patterns of placental biopsies obtained from common obstetrical syndromes. We deployed a CIBERSORTx deconvolution method to correlate trophoblastic RNAseq-based expression matrices with the transcriptome of omics-defined placental dysfunction patterns in vivo. We found distinct trophoblast injury patterns in placental biopsies from women with fetal growth restriction and a hypertensive disorder, or in biopsies clustered by their omics analysis. Our RNAseq data are useful for defining the contribution of trophoblast injuries to placental dysfunction syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Barak
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tyler Lovelace
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Joint CMU-Pitt PhD Program in Computational Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tianjiao Chu
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhishen Cao
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Jean-Francois Mouillet
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yingshi Ouyang
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Panayiotis V Benos
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Joint CMU-Pitt PhD Program in Computational Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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19
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Tekkatte C, Lindsay SA, Duggan E, Castro-Martínez A, Hakim A, Saldana I, Zhang Y, Zhou J, Sebastian R, Liu Y, Pontigon DS, Meads M, Liu TN, Pizzo DP, Nolan J, Parast MM, Laurent LC. Identification of optimal conditions for human placental explant culture and extracellular vesicle release. iScience 2023; 26:108046. [PMID: 37829201 PMCID: PMC10565782 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can mediate intercellular communication, including signaling between the placenta and maternal tissues. Human placental explant culture is a versatile in vitro model system to investigate placental function. We performed systematic studies in different tissue culture media types and oxygen tensions to identify a defined serum-free culture condition that supports high trophoblast viability and metabolism, as well as the release of similar populations of EVs, compared to traditional undefined conditions that contain media additives potentially contaminated with exogenous EVs. We also determined the time frame in which trophoblast viability and functionality remain optimal. Multiplex vesicle flow cytometry with classical EV and placenta-specific markers revealed three separate populations of explant-derived EVs: small CD63+ EVs; large PLAP+ EVs; and CD63-/PLAP- EVs. These culture and analytical approaches will enable in vitro modeling of short-term effects of environmental perturbations associated with pregnancy complications on placental function and EV release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandana Tekkatte
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Scott A. Lindsay
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Erika Duggan
- Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Cellarcus Biosciences Inc, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Anelizze Castro-Martínez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Abbas Hakim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Isabella Saldana
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rachel Sebastian
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yukun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SUN Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, SUN Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Devin S. Pontigon
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Morgan Meads
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tzu Ning Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Donald P. Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - John Nolan
- Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
- Cellarcus Biosciences Inc, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mana M. Parast
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Louise C. Laurent
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Mao J, Feng Y, Zheng Y, Gao Y, Zhang L, Sun X, Wu Y, Zhu X, Ma F. GPR65 inhibits human trophoblast cell adhesion through upregulation of MYLK and downregulation of fibronectin via cAMP-ERK signaling in a low pH environment. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:238. [PMID: 37723567 PMCID: PMC10506227 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01249-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) are essential cells during the formation of the placenta, with the major function of invading the maternal decidua, anchoring the developing placenta to the uterus, remodeling uterine arteries, and regulating immune responses to prevent rejection. During early pregnancy, the decidua undergoes a hypoxic and acidic microenvironment, which has been shown to participate in tumor cell migration, invasion, growth, and angiogenesis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which EVTs sense and respond to the acidic microenvironment, thereby executing their functions, remain poorly understood. METHODS The effects of G protein-coupled receptor 65 (GPR65) on cell adhesion and other cellular functions were tested using JAR spheroids, mouse blastocysts, and HTR-8/SVneo cells. Specifically, we employed HTR-8/SVneo cells for gene overexpression and silencing to investigate the underlying mechanism of GPR65's impact on trophoblast cell function under acidic conditions. Additionally, villus tissue samples obtained from early pregnancy loss patients were utilized to explore the potential association between GPR65 and its related signaling pathway molecules with the disease. RESULTS This study identified GPR65 expression widely in trophoblasts, with the highest level in EVTs. Importantly, optimal GPR65 levels are required for maintaining normal adhesion, migration, and invasion, whereas overexpression of GPR65 inhibits these functions by activating the cAMP-ERK signaling pathway, upregulating myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) and MYLK3 expression, and subsequently downregulating fibronectin. Consistently, elevated expression of GPR65, MYLK, and MYLK3 is observed in patients suffering from early pregnancy loss. CONCLUSIONS This work offers insights into the suppressive effects of GPR65 on EVT function under acidic conditions and highlights a putative target for therapeutic intervention in early pregnancy complications. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yayun Zheng
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yaqiu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Linyu Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinrui Sun
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yilun Wu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China.
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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21
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Filippi L, Pascarella F, Pini A, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Morganti R, Innocenti F, Castagnini N, Melosi A, Scaramuzzo RT. Fetal Oxygenation from the 23rd to the 36th Week of Gestation Evaluated through the Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12487. [PMID: 37569862 PMCID: PMC10419490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512487] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryo and fetus grow in a hypoxic environment. Intrauterine oxygen levels fluctuate throughout the pregnancy, allowing the oxygen to modulate apparently contradictory functions, such as the expansion of stemness but also differentiation. We have recently demonstrated that in the last weeks of pregnancy, oxygenation progressively increases, but the trend of oxygen levels during the previous weeks remains to be clarified. In the present retrospective study, umbilical venous and arterial oxygen levels, fetal oxygen extraction, oxygen content, CO2, and lactate were evaluated in a cohort of healthy newborns with gestational age < 37 weeks. A progressive decrease in pO2 levels associated with a concomitant increase in pCO2 and reduction in pH has been observed starting from the 23rd week until approximately the 33-34th week of gestation. Over this period, despite the increased hypoxemia, oxygen content remains stable thanks to increasing hemoglobin concentration, which allows the fetus to become more hypoxemic but not more hypoxic. Starting from the 33-34th week, fetal oxygenation increases and ideally continues following the trend recently described in term fetuses. The present study confirms that oxygenation during intrauterine life continues to vary even after placenta development, showing a clear biphasic trend. Fetuses, in fact, from mid-gestation to near-term, become progressively more hypoxemic. However, starting from the 33-34th week, oxygenation progressively increases until birth. In this regard, our data suggest that the placenta is the hub that ensures this variable oxygen availability to the fetus, and we speculate that this biphasic trend is functional for the promotion, in specific tissues and at specific times, of stemness and intrauterine differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Francesca Pascarella
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Riccardo Morganti
- Section of Statistics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Innocenti
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Nicola Castagnini
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Alice Melosi
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Rosa Teresa Scaramuzzo
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
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22
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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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23
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Jaremek A, Shaha S, Jeyarajah MJ, Jaju Bhattad G, Chowdhury D, Riddell M, Renaud SJ. Genome-Wide Analysis of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Binding Reveals Targets Implicated in Impaired Human Placental Syncytiotrophoblast Formation under Low Oxygen. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:846-865. [PMID: 37028593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common and serious complication of pregnancy with no cure except premature delivery. The root cause of PE is improper development of the placenta-the temporary organ supporting fetal growth and development. Continuous formation of the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) layer via differentiation and fusion of cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) is vital for healthy placentation and is impaired in preeclamptic pregnancies. In PE, there is reduced/intermittent placental perfusion, likely resulting in a persistently low O2 environment. Low O2 inhibits differentiation and fusion of CTBs into STB and may thus contribute to PE pathogenesis; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Because low O2 activates a transcription factor complex in cells known as the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), the objective of this study was to investigate whether HIF signaling inhibits STB formation by regulating genes required for this process. Culture of primary CTBs, the CTB-like cell line BeWo, and human trophoblast stem cells under low O2 reduced cell fusion and differentiation into STB. Knockdown of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (a key component of the HIF complex) in BeWo cells restored syncytialization and expression of STB-associated genes under different O2 levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing facilitated the identification of global aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator/HIF binding sites, including several near genes implicated in STB development, such as ERVH48-1 and BHLHE40, providing new insights into mechanisms underlying pregnancy diseases linked to poor placental O2 supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jaremek
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumaiyah Shaha
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gargi Jaju Bhattad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diba Chowdhury
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Riddell
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
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24
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Liu Z, Liu H, Wang C, Pei J, Chu N, Peng T, Li X, Gu W, Tang Y. Identification of LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in hypoxia-induced HTR-8/SVneo cells for preeclampsia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33649. [PMID: 37115060 PMCID: PMC10145823 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033649] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy complication, and placental hypoxia is one of its causes. We aimed to identify the transcriptional profile and construct a long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA)-centered competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells. We used datasets from the GEO database to identify important pathways in PE. We performed microarray profiling and functional analysis to identify differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), differentially expressed profiles of microRNA (miRNAs), and differentially expressed profiles of messenger RNA (mRNAs) in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells. The candidates were validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to understand the functional significance of differentially expressed genes. Finally, we constructed an lncRNA-centered ceRNA network. Several hub genes were validated both in placentas from PE and normal pregnancy, and in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells. The hypoxic response pathway was involved in the pathophysiology of PE. Subsequently, we identified 536 differentially expressed profiles of lncRNAs (183 upregulated and 353 downregulated), 46 differentially expressed profiles of miRNAs (35 upregulated and 11 downregulated), and 2782 differentially expressed profiles of mRNAs (DEmRNAs) (1031 upregulated and 1751 downregulated) in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses revealed potential pathways affected by these genes, such as angiogenesis, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The ceRNA network comprised 35 lncRNAs, 11 miRNAs, 27 mRNAs, and 2 hub lncRNAs, which might play a vital role in placental functions and PE. Our results revealed the transcriptome profile and constructed an lncRNA-centered ceRNA network in hypoxia-induced HTR8/SVneo cells, thereby providing potential therapeutic targets for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengjie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangnan Pei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Chu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaotian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weirong Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Zheng X, Wu W, Zhou Q, Lian Y, Xiang Y, Zhao X. Targeted bisulfite resequencing of differentially methylated cytosines in pre-eclampsia reveals a skewed dynamic balance in the DNA methylation of enhancers. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:265-279. [PMID: 36645190 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220644] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a major hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Widespread differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) with modest changes in methylation level are associated with PE, whereas their cause and biological significance remain unknown. We aimed to clarify DNA methylation patterns around DMCs in 103 placentas using MethylCap targeted bisulfite re-sequencing (MethylCap-seq) assays of 690 selected DMCs. We verified the MethylCap-seq method, then validated 677 (98.1%) of DMCs (vDMCs) in an independent cohort. The validated DMCs were strongly enriched in active placenta-specific enhancers and showed highly dynamic methylation levels. We found high epigenetic heterogeneity between vDMCs and adjacent CpG sites (r2 < 0.2) and a significant decrease in PE in the discovery and replication cohorts (P = 2.00 × 10-24 and 6.43 × 10-9, respectively). We replicated the methylation changes in a hypoxia/reoxygenation cell model. We constructed 112 methylation haplotype blocks and found that the frequencies of unmethylated haplotypes (UMHs) were dynamic with gestational age (GA) and were altered in maternal plasma of patients with PE. Our results uncovered additional DNA methylation features in PE placentas and suggested a model of skewed DNA methylation balance of enhancers in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguo Zheng
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Weibin Wu
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Yahan Lian
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqian Xiang
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinzhi Zhao
- International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, 200030, Shanghai, China
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26
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Matsumoto S, Okamura E, Muto M, Ema M. Similarities and differences in placental development between humans and cynomolgus monkeys. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12522. [PMID: 37377753 PMCID: PMC10292683 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The placenta is an extraembryonic organ, which is essential to maintain a normal pregnancy. However, placental development in humans is poorly understood because of technical and ethical reasons. Methods We analyzed the anatomical localization of each trophoblastic subtype in the cynomolgus monkey placenta by immunohistochemistry in the early second trimester. Histological differences among the mouse, cynomolgus monkey, and human placenta were compared. The PubMed database was used to search for studies on placentation in rodents and primates. Main findings The anatomical structures and subtypes of the placenta in cynomolgus monkeys are highly similar to those in humans, with the exception of fewer interstitial extravillous trophoblasts in cynomolgus monkeys. Conclusion The cynomolgus monkey appears to be a good animal model to investigate human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoma Matsumoto
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Eiichi Okamura
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Masanaga Muto
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Masatsugu Ema
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI‐ASHBi)Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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27
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Martínez N, Damiano AE. Aquaporins in Fetal Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:251-266. [PMID: 36717499 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Water homeostasis is essential for fetal growth, and it depends on the successful development of the placenta. Many aquaporins (AQPs) were identified from blastocyst stages to term placenta. In the last years, cytokines, hormones, second messengers, intracellular pH, and membrane proteins were found to regulate their expression and function in the human placenta and fetal membranes. Accumulated data suggest that these proteins may be involved not only in the maintenance of the amniotic fluid volume homeostasis but also in the development of the placenta and fetal organs. In this sense, dysregulation of placental AQPs is associated with gestational disorders. Thus, current evidence shows that AQPs may collaborate in cellular events including trophoblast migration and apoptosis. In addition, aquaglyceroporins are involved in energy metabolism as well as urea elimination across the placenta. In the last year, the presence of AQP9 in trophoblast mitochondria opened new hypotheses about its role in pregnancy. However, much further work is needed to understand the importance of these proteins in human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia E Damiano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Cátedra de Biología Celulary Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Liang L, Chen Y, Wu C, Cao Z, Xia L, Meng J, He L, Yang C, Wang Z. MicroRNAs: key regulators of the trophoblast function in pregnancy disorders. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:3-17. [PMID: 36508034 PMCID: PMC9742672 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02677-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is essential for a successful pregnancy and healthy intrauterine development in mammals. During human pregnancy, the growth and development of the placenta are inseparable from the rapid proliferation, invasion, and migration of trophoblast cells. Previous reports have shown that the occurrence of many pregnancy disorders may be closely related to the dysfunction of trophoblasts. However, the function regulation of human trophoblast cells in the placenta is poorly understood. Therefore, studying the factors that regulate the function of trophoblast cells is necessary. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding, single-stranded RNA molecules. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating trophoblast functions. This review outlines the role of miRNAs in regulating the function of trophoblast cells and several common signaling pathways related to miRNA regulation in pregnancy disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Liang
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Yanjun Chen
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Department of Cardiovascular, The Third Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Zitong Cao
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Linzhen Xia
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Jun Meng
- grid.461579.8Department of Function, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Lu He
- grid.461579.8Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Chunfen Yang
- grid.461579.8Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
| | - Zuo Wang
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001 China
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Ko G, Jeon TJ, Kim SM. Trophoblast Migration with Different Oxygen Levels in a Gel-Patterned Microfluidic System. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:2216. [PMID: 36557515 PMCID: PMC9783522 DOI: 10.3390/mi13122216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the placenta, substances such as nutrients, oxygen, and by-products are exchanged between the mother and the fetus, and the proper formation of the placenta determines the success of pregnancy, including the growth of the fetus. Preeclampsia is an obstetric disease in which the incomplete formation of the placenta occurs, which is known to occur when there is an abnormality in the invasion of trophoblast cells. The invasion of trophoblast cells is controlled by oxygen concentration, and HIF-1α changes according to oxygen concentration, showing a difference in cell mobility. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are observed to be high in the endometrium involved in trophoblast invasion, and the expression is regulated according to the oxygen concentration. In this experiment, cell culture was conducted using a gel-patterned system with a hypoxic chamber. Before the chip experiment, the difference in the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 according to the oxygen concentration was confirmed using a hypoxia chamber. After that, trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo) and endothelial cells (HUVECs) were separated and cultured through a physical barrier through a hydrogel on a microfluidic chip. Cells were cultured in a hypoxic chamber under controlled oxygen levels. It was confirmed that the mobility of trophoblast cells in culture on the chip was upregulated in a hypoxic environment through oxygen control. This suggests that the formation of a hypoxic environment in the endometrium where the invasion of trophoblast cells occurs plays a role in increasing cell mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gun Ko
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Joon Jeon
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Min Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
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The multifaceted role of GCM1 during trophoblast differentiation in the human placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203071119. [PMID: 36442132 PMCID: PMC9894182 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203071119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Remodeling of the uterine vasculature by invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) is a critical aspect of human placentation. Insufficient EVT invasion can lead to severe obstetrical complications like preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth. Glial cells missing-1 (GCM1) is a transcription factor that is crucial for proper placentation in mice, and is highly expressed in human syncytiotrophoblast (ST) and EVTs. GCM1 is classically considered a master regulator of ST formation, but little is known about its contribution to the development and function of EVTs. Therefore, in this study we test the hypothesis that GCM1 is a critical regulator of both EVT and ST development and function. We show that GCM1 is highly expressed in human trophoblast stem (TS) cells differentiated into either ST or EVTs. Knockdown of GCM1 in TS cells hindered differentiation into both ST and EVT pathways. When placed in ST media, GCM1-knockdown cells formed small, unstable clusters; when placed in EVT media, cells had altered morphology and transcript profiles resembling cells trapped in an intermediate state between CT and EVT, and invasive capacity through matrix was reduced. RNA sequencing analysis of GCM1-deficient TS cells revealed downregulation of EVT-associated genes and enrichment in transcripts related to WNT signaling, which was linked to decreased expression of the EVT master regulator ASCL2 and the WNT antagonist NOTUM. Our findings reveal an essential role of GCM1 during ST and EVT development, and suggest that GCM1 regulates differentiation of human TS cells into EVTs by inducing expression of ASCL2 and NOTUM.
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31
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Reliability of Rodent and Rabbit Models in Preeclampsia Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214344. [PMID: 36430816 PMCID: PMC9696504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo studies on the pathology of gestation, including preeclampsia, often use small mammals such as rabbits or rodents, i.e., mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. The key advantage of these animals is their short reproductive cycle; in addition, similar to humans, they also develop a haemochorial placenta and present a similar transformation of maternal spiral arteries. Interestingly, pregnant dams also demonstrate a similar reaction to inflammatory factors and placentally derived antiangiogenic factors, i.e., soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) or soluble endoglin-1 (sEng), as preeclamptic women: all animals present an increase in blood pressure and usually proteinuria. These constitute the classical duet that allows for the recognition of preeclampsia. However, the time of initiation of maternal vessel remodelling and the depth of trophoblast invasion differs between rabbits, rodents, and humans. Unfortunately, at present, no known animal replicates a human pregnancy exactly, and hence, the use of rabbit and rodent models is restricted to the investigation of individual aspects of human gestation only. This article compares the process of placentation in rodents, rabbits, and humans, which should be considered when planning experiments on preeclampsia; these aspects might determine the success, or failure, of the study. The report also reviews the rodent and rabbit models used to investigate certain aspects of the pathomechanism of human preeclampsia, especially those related to incorrect trophoblast invasion, placental hypoxia, inflammation, or maternal endothelial dysfunction.
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32
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Establishment of human induced trophoblast stem cells via reprogramming of fibroblasts. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2739-2759. [PMID: 36241724 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00742-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During early mammalian embryonic development, trophoblast cells play an essential role in establishing cell-cell interactions at the maternal-fetal interface to ensure a successful pregnancy. In a recent study, we showed that human fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into induced trophoblast stem (iTS) cells by transcription factor-mediated nuclear reprogramming using the Yamanaka factors OCT4, KLF4, SOX2 and c-MYC (OKSM) and a selection of TS cell culture conditions. The derivation of TS cells from human blastocysts or first-trimester placenta can be limited by difficulties in obtaining adequate material as well as ethical implications. By contrast, the described approach allows the generation of iTS cells from the adult cells of individuals with diverse genetic backgrounds, which are readily accessible to many laboratories around the world. Here we describe a step-by-step protocol for the generation and establishment of human iTS cells directly from dermal fibroblasts using a non-integrative reprogramming method. The protocol consists of four main sections: (1) recovery of cryopreserved human dermal fibroblasts, (2) somatic cell reprogramming, (3) passaging of reprogramming intermediates and (4) derivation of iTS cell cultures followed by routine maintenance of iTS cells. These iTS cell lines can be established in 2-3 weeks and cultured long term over 50 passages. We also discuss several characterization methods that can be performed to validate the iTS cells derived using this approach. Our protocol allows researchers to generate patient-specific iTS cells to interrogate the trophoblast and placenta biology as well as their interactions with embryonic cells in health and diseases.
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33
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Wathes DC. Developmental Programming of Fertility in Cattle-Is It a Cause for Concern? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192654. [PMID: 36230395 PMCID: PMC9558991 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle fertility remains sub-optimal despite recent improvements in genetic selection. The extent to which an individual heifer fulfils her genetic potential can be influenced by fetal programming during pregnancy. This paper reviews the evidence that a dam's age, milk yield, health, nutrition and environment during pregnancy may programme permanent structural and physiological modifications in the fetus. These can alter the morphology and body composition of the calf, postnatal growth rates, organ structure, metabolic function, endocrine function and immunity. Potentially important organs which can be affected include the ovaries, liver, pancreas, lungs, spleen and thymus. Insulin/glucose homeostasis, the somatotropic axis and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis can all be permanently reprogrammed by the pre-natal environment. These changes may act directly at the level of the ovary to influence fertility, but most actions are indirect. For example, calf health, the timing of puberty, the age and body structure at first calving, and the ability to balance milk production with metabolic health and fertility after calving can all have an impact on reproductive potential. Definitive experiments to quantify the extent to which any of these effects do alter fertility are particularly challenging in cattle, as individual animals and their management are both very variable and lifetime fertility takes many years to assess. Nevertheless, the evidence is compelling that the fertility of some animals is compromised by events happening before they are born. Calf phenotype at birth and their conception data as a nulliparous heifer should therefore both be assessed to avoid such animals being used as herd replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Claire Wathes
- Department for Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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Ray S, Saha A, Ghosh A, Roy N, Kumar RP, Meinhardt G, Mukerjee A, Gunewardena S, Kumar R, Knöfler M, Paul S. Hippo signaling cofactor, WWTR1, at the crossroads of human trophoblast progenitor self-renewal and differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204069119. [PMID: 36037374 PMCID: PMC9457323 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204069119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy progression of human pregnancy relies on cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitor self-renewal and its differentiation toward multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) and invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that fine-tune CTB self-renewal or direct its differentiation toward STBs or EVTs during human placentation are poorly defined. Here, we show that Hippo signaling cofactor WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1) is a master regulator of trophoblast fate choice during human placentation. Using human trophoblast stem cells (human TSCs), primary CTBs, and human placental explants, we demonstrate that WWTR1 promotes self-renewal in human CTBs and is essential for their differentiation to EVTs. In contrast, WWTR1 prevents induction of the STB fate in undifferentiated CTBs. Our single-cell RNA sequencing analyses in first-trimester human placenta, along with mechanistic analyses in human TSCs revealed that WWTR1 fine-tunes trophoblast fate by directly regulating WNT signaling components. Importantly, our analyses of placentae from pathological pregnancies show that extreme preterm births (gestational time ≤28 wk) are often associated with loss of WWTR1 expression in CTBs. In summary, our findings establish the critical importance of WWTR1 at the crossroads of human trophoblast progenitor self-renewal versus differentiation. It plays positive instructive roles in promoting CTB self-renewal and EVT differentiation and safeguards undifferentiated CTBs from attaining the STB fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Ray
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Abhik Saha
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Ananya Ghosh
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Namrata Roy
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Ram P. Kumar
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1090
| | - Abhirup Mukerjee
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1090
| | - Soumen Paul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
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35
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Renaud SJ, Jeyarajah MJ. How trophoblasts fuse: an in-depth look into placental syncytiotrophoblast formation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:433. [PMID: 35859055 PMCID: PMC11072895 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In humans, cell fusion is restricted to only a few cell types under normal conditions. In the placenta, cell fusion is a critical process for generating syncytiotrophoblast: the giant multinucleated trophoblast lineage containing billions of nuclei within an interconnected cytoplasm that forms the primary interface separating maternal blood from fetal tissue. The unique morphology of syncytiotrophoblast ensures that nutrients and gases can be efficiently transferred between maternal and fetal tissue while simultaneously restricting entry of potentially damaging substances and maternal immune cells through intercellular junctions. To maintain integrity of the syncytiotrophoblast layer, underlying cytotrophoblast progenitor cells terminate their capability for self-renewal, upregulate expression of genes needed for differentiation, and then fuse into the overlying syncytium. These processes are disrupted in a variety of obstetric complications, underscoring the importance of proper syncytiotrophoblast formation for pregnancy health. Herein, an overview of key mechanisms underlying human trophoblast fusion and syncytiotrophoblast development is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
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36
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Trinh QD, Takada K, Pham NTK, Takano C, Namiki T, Ikuta R, Hayashida S, Okitsu S, Ushijima H, Komine-Aizawa S, Hayakawa S. Enhancement of Rubella Virus Infection in Immortalized Human First-Trimester Trophoblasts Under Low-Glucose Stress Conditions. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:904189. [PMID: 35875557 PMCID: PMC9304883 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.904189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rubella virus (RuV) infections in pregnant women, especially first-trimester infections, can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). However, the mechanisms of fetal RuV infection are not completely understood, and it is not observed in every pregnant woman infected with RuV. As gestational diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for congenital viral infections, we investigated the possible roles of hypoglycemia-related endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as a key factor for vertical RuV infection using immortalized human first-trimester trophoblasts. Low-glucose stress was induced prior to RuV infection by culturing HTR-8/SVneo and Swan.71 cells in low-glucose (LG) medium for 24 h or high-glucose medium for 6 h and then LG medium for an additional 18 h. Clinically isolated RuV was inoculated at a multiplicity of infection of 5 to 10. The intracellular localization of the RuV capsid protein was investigated 24 to 48 h post-infection (pi) with flow cytometry (FCM) analysis and fluorescence microscopy. Viral progeny production was monitored by FCM analysis. Increases in RuV infection in LG-induced ER-stressed trophoblasts were observed. No significant increase in apoptosis of RuV-infected cells was noted at days 2 and 5 pi, and substantial viral progeny production was observed until day 5 pi. An approximate fivefold increase in viral binding was noted for the LG-stressed cells. Although the detailed mechanisms underlying viral entry into LG-stressed cells are not known and require further investigation, these findings suggest that a certain degree of LG stress in early pregnancy may facilitate infection and cause CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang Duy Trinh
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Takada
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ngan Thi Kim Pham
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chika Takano
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Ryo Ikuta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Shoko Okitsu
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ushijima
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shihoko Komine-Aizawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Shihoko Komine-Aizawa,
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Satoshi Hayakawa,
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37
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Zhou W, Wang H, Yang Y, Guo F, Yu B, Su Z. Trophoblast Cell Subtypes and Dysfunction in the Placenta of Individuals with Preeclampsia Revealed by Single‑Cell RNA Sequencing. Mol Cells 2022; 45:317-328. [PMID: 35289305 PMCID: PMC9095508 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2021.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblasts, important functional cells in the placenta, play a critical role in maintaining placental function. The heterogeneity of trophoblasts has been reported, but little is known about the trophoblast subtypes and distinctive functions during preeclampsia (PE). In this study, we aimed to gain insight into the cell type-specific transcriptomic changes by performing unbiased single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of placental tissue samples, including those of patients diagnosed with PE and matched healthy controls. A total of 29,006 cells were identified in 11 cell types, including trophoblasts and immune cells, and the functions of the trophoblast subtypes in the PE group and the control group were also analyzed. As an important trophoblast subtype, extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) were further divided into 4 subgroups, and their functions were preliminarily analyzed. We found that some biological processes related to pregnancy, hormone secretion and immunity changed in the PE group. We also identified and analyzed the regulatory network of transcription factors (TFs) identified in the EVTs, among which 3 modules were decreased in the PE group. Then, through in vitro cell experiments, we found that in one of the modules, CEBPB and GTF2B may be involved in EVT dysfunction in PE. In conclusion, our study showed the different transcriptional profiles and regulatory modules in trophoblasts between placentas in the control and PE groups at the single-cell level; these changes may be involved in the pathological process of PE, providing a new molecular theoretical basis for preeclamptic trophoblast dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Zhou
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Huiyan Wang
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Yuqi Yang
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Fang Guo
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Zhaoliang Su
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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38
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Du Y, Cai Z, Zhou G, Liang W, Man Q, Wang W. Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure increases both proliferation and apoptosis of human placental trophoblast cells mediated by ER stress-induced ROS or UPR pathways. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 236:113508. [PMID: 35427876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA) is a highly persistent and widespread chemical in the environment. PFOA serum levels in pregnant women are positively associated with an increased risk of placenta-related disorders. However, the mechanism of PFOA cytotoxicity involved in placental cells and cellular responses such as ER stress remains poorly understood. In this study, we studied the cellular toxicity of PFOA with a focus on proliferation and apoptosis in a human placental trophoblast cell line. Cell viability, number, apoptosis, stress response, activation of the involved signaling pathways were assessed. Our results showed PFOA affected cell viability, proliferation and also resulted in apoptosis. Besides, both pro-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effects were attenuated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitors. Further experiments demonstrated that two different signaling pathways were activated by PFOA-induced ER stress and involved in PFOA toxicity: the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent ERK signaling triggered trophoblast proliferation, while the ATF4-dependent C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling was the trigger of apoptosis. We conclude that PFOA-induced ER stress is the trigger of proliferation and apoptosis of trophoblast via ROS or UPR signaling pathway, which leads to the altered balance critical to the normal development and function of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatao Du
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Institute of Early Life Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200292, China
| | - Zhenzhen Cai
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Institute of Early Life Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200292, China
| | - Guangdi Zhou
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Institute of Early Life Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200292, China
| | - Wei Liang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Institute of Early Life Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200292, China
| | - Qiuhong Man
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China.
| | - Weiye Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Institute of Early Life Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200292, China.
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39
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Shukla V, Soares MJ. Modeling Trophoblast Cell-Guided Uterine Spiral Artery Transformation in the Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062947. [PMID: 35328368 PMCID: PMC8950824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat possesses hemochorial placentation with deep intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion and trophoblast-guided uterine spiral artery remodeling, which resembles human placentation. Uterine spiral arteries are extensively remodeled to deliver sufficient supply of maternal blood and nutrients to the developing fetus. Inadequacies in these key processes negatively impact fetal growth and development. Recent innovations in genome editing combined with effective phenotyping strategies have provided new insights into placental development. Application of these research approaches has highlighted both conserved and species-specific features of hemochorial placentation. The review provides foundational information on rat hemochorial placental development and function during physiological and pathological states, especially as related to the invasive trophoblast cell-guided transformation of uterine spiral arteries. Our goal is to showcase the utility of the rat as a model for in vivo mechanistic investigations targeting regulatory events within the uterine-placental interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Shukla
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Correspondence: (V.S.); (M.J.S.)
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Huang Q, Niu Y, Song L, Huang J, Wang C, Ma T. Does LIN28B gene dysregulation make women more likely to abort? REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:211-220. [PMID: 35118391 PMCID: PMC8801024 DOI: 10.1530/raf-21-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background LIN28B plays an important role in early embryonic development, but its role in villous trophoblast implantation and differentiation remains unknown. This study aims to verify the role of LIN28B in trophoblastic villous tissue and cells from women with URSA (unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion) and artificial termination of pregnancy (negative control, NC). Methods The LIN28B gene and its protein expression level were detected with real-time quantitative PCR, Western immunoblotting analysis, and immunocytochemistry. The gene was also overexpressed in chorionic villous cell lines (HTR-8/SVneo and BeWo) to examine its effect on trophoblast function. Results The expression of LIN28B mRNA and protein of URSA villi was lower than that in the NC group. At the cellular level, overexpression of LIN28B enhanced cellular migration, and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis. LIN28B may inhibit apoptosis by promoting Akt phosphorylation and by inhibiting Bad phosphorylation and Bcl-2 expression. In addition, LIN28B inhibited cell fusion and reduced cellular syncytia. Conclusions LIN28B can inhibit cell invasion and migration in vitro and promote apoptosis and fusion. The low expression of LIN28B in URSA villous trophoblast cells may be one of the causes of abortion. The role of LIN28B in villous trophoblasts needs further study. Lay summary Propagation of offspring is of great significance to the continuation of the human race. However, continuous pregnancy is more difficult for some women, especially women who have multiple miscarriages. One important contributor is the cessation of development caused by genetic factors of the embryo, but there are still many unknown reasons. We investigated the LIN28B gene which is a possible pathogenic factor in the placenta. We collected 25 cases of abortion in the experimental group (unexplained recurrent abortion group) and 25 in the control group (artificial termination of pregnancy group): on average at 7–8 weeks of pregnancy. We tested the function of lin28b in these samples and verified its function in cell lines. LIN28B plays an important role in maintaining early pregnancy by promoting the invasion of villous cells, inhibiting apoptosis and fusion, and the reduction of LIN28B expression may lead to the occurrence of early miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- QiaoYao Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - YanRu Niu
- Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Orthopaedics. Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - LiJun Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - JinZhi Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenxi Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - TianZhong Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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41
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Yang N, Wang Q, Ding B, Gong Y, Wu Y, Sun J, Wang X, Liu L, Zhang F, Du D, Li X. Expression profiles and functions of ferroptosis-related genes in the placental tissue samples of early- and late-onset preeclampsia patients. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:87. [PMID: 35100981 PMCID: PMC8805258 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04423-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from upregulated levels of oxidative stress is commonly implicated in preeclampsia (PE). Ferroptosis is a novel form of iron-dependent cell death instigated by lipid peroxidation that likely plays an important role in PE pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles and functions of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE). Methods Gene expression data and clinical information were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The “limma” R package was used to screen differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were conducted to investigate the bioinformatics functions and molecular interactions of significantly different FRGs. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to verify the expression of hub FRGs in PE. Results A total of 4215 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between EOPE and preterm cases while 556 DEGs were found between LOPE and term controls. Twenty significantly different FRGs were identified in EOPE subtypes, while only 3 FRGs were identified in LOPE subtypes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed FRGs were mainly involved in EOPE and enriched in hypoxia- and iron-related pathways, such as the response to hypoxia, iron homeostasis and iron ion binding process. PPI network analysis and verification by RT-qPCR resulted in the identification of the following five FRGs of interest: FTH1, HIF1A, FTL, MAPK8 and PLIN2. Conclusions EOPE and LOPE have distinct underlying molecular mechanisms, and ferroptosis may be mainly implicated in the pathogenesis of EOPE. Further studies are necessary for deeper inquiry into placental ferroptosis and its role in the pathogenesis of EOPE. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04423-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Qianghua Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Biao Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Yingying Gong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Junpei Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Xuegu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Danli Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China.
| | - Xiang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China.
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42
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Pinto-Ribeiro L, Silva C, Andrade N, Martel F. α-tocopherol prevents oxidative stress-induced proliferative dysfunction in first-trimester human placental (HTR-8/SVneo) cells. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100602. [PMID: 35016050 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) are the main participants in the process of placentation, an early process critical for placental growth and function involving an adequate invasion and complete remodelling of the maternal spiral arteries during early pregnancy. An increase in oxidative stress during pregnancy is associated with the onset and progression of several pregnancy disorders, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus and it also occurs due to exposure of pregnant women to some xenobiotics (eg. alcohol). This study aimed to investigate how oxidative stress affects EVTs, and the ability of several distinct antioxidant agents to prevent these changes. For this, we exposed HTR8/SVneo cells to tert-butylhydroperoxide (0.5 μM; 24 h), which was able to increase lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels. Under these conditions, there was a decrease in proliferation rates, culture growth, migratory and angiogenic capacities and an increase in the apoptosis rates. The antiproliferative effect of TBH was supressed by simultaneous treatment of the cells with α-tocopherol, but other antioxidants (vitamin C, allopurinol, apocynin, N-acetylcysteine, quercetin and resveratrol) were ineffective. α-tocopherol was also able to abolish the effect of TBH on lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels. Overall, our results show that oxidative stress interferes with EVT characteristics essential for the placentation process, which may contribute to the association between oxidative stress and pregnancy disorders. Our results also show that the nature of the in vitro model of oxidative stress-induction is an important determinant of the cellular consequences of oxidative stress and, therefore, of the efficacy of antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lígia Pinto-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Silva
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nelson Andrade
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Martel
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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43
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Hada M, Miura H, Tanigawa A, Matoba S, Inoue K, Ogonuki N, Hirose M, Watanabe N, Nakato R, Fujiki K, Hasegawa A, Sakashita A, Okae H, Miura K, Shikata D, Arima T, Shirahige K, Hiratani I, Ogura A. Highly rigid H3.1/H3.2-H3K9me3 domains set a barrier for cell fate reprogramming in trophoblast stem cells. Genes Dev 2022; 36:84-102. [PMID: 34992147 PMCID: PMC8763053 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348782.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Here, Hada et al. comprehensively analyzed epigenomic features of mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). They used genome-wide, high-throughput analyses to show that the TSC genome contains large-scale (>1-Mb) rigid heterochromatin architectures that have a high degree of histone H3.1/3.2–H3K9me3 accumulation, termed TSC-defined highly heterochromatinized domains (THDs), and are uniquely developed in placental lineage cells that serve to protect them from fate reprogramming to stably maintain placental function. The placenta is a highly evolved, specialized organ in mammals. It differs from other organs in that it functions only for fetal maintenance during gestation. Therefore, there must be intrinsic mechanisms that guarantee its unique functions. To address this question, we comprehensively analyzed epigenomic features of mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). Our genome-wide, high-throughput analyses revealed that the TSC genome contains large-scale (>1-Mb) rigid heterochromatin architectures with a high degree of histone H3.1/3.2–H3K9me3 accumulation, which we termed TSC-defined highly heterochromatinized domains (THDs). Importantly, depletion of THDs by knockdown of CAF1, an H3.1/3.2 chaperone, resulted in down-regulation of TSC markers, such as Cdx2 and Elf5, and up-regulation of the pluripotent marker Oct3/4, indicating that THDs maintain the trophoblastic nature of TSCs. Furthermore, our nuclear transfer technique revealed that THDs are highly resistant to genomic reprogramming. However, when H3K9me3 was removed, the TSC genome was fully reprogrammed, giving rise to the first TSC cloned offspring. Interestingly, THD-like domains are also present in mouse and human placental cells in vivo, but not in other cell types. Thus, THDs are genomic architectures uniquely developed in placental lineage cells, which serve to protect them from fate reprogramming to stably maintain placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Hada
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan.,Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Hisashi Miura
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Akie Tanigawa
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Shogo Matoba
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan.,Graduate school of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Michiko Hirose
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Naomi Watanabe
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Nakato
- Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Katsunori Fujiki
- Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Ayumi Hasegawa
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sakashita
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kento Miura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan.,Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Daiki Shikata
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Shirahige
- Institute of Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Ichiro Hiratani
- Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, Bioresource Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan.,Graduate school of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.,RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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Shannon MJ, Baltayeva J, Castellana B, Wächter J, McNeill GL, Yoon JS, Treissman J, Le HT, Lavoie PM, Beristain AG. Cell trajectory modeling identifies a primitive trophoblast state defined by BCAM enrichment. Development 2022; 149:273982. [PMID: 35020896 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In early placental development, progenitor cytotrophoblasts (CTB) differentiate along one of two cellular trajectories: the villous or extravillous pathways. CTB committed to the villous pathway fuse with neighboring CTB to form the outer multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (SCT), whereas CTB committed to the extravillous pathway differentiate into invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVT). Unfortunately, little is known about the processes controlling human CTB progenitor maintenance and differentiation. To address this, we established a single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset from first trimester placentas to identify cell states important in trophoblast progenitor establishment, renewal and differentiation. Multiple distinct trophoblast states were identified, representing progenitor CTB, column CTB, SCT precursors and EVT. Lineage trajectory analysis identified a progenitor origin that was reproduced in human trophoblast stem cell organoids. Heightened expression of basal cell adhesion molecule (BCAM) defined this primitive state, where BCAM enrichment or gene silencing resulted in enhanced or diminished organoid growth, respectively. Together, this work describes at high-resolution trophoblast heterogeneity within the first trimester, resolves gene networks within human CTB progenitors and identifies BCAM as a primitive progenitor marker and possible regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Shannon
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Jennet Baltayeva
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Barbara Castellana
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Jasmin Wächter
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Gina L McNeill
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Ji Soo Yoon
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Surgery, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Jenna Treissman
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Hoa T Le
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Pascal M Lavoie
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6H 3V4, Canada
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6Z 2K8, Canada
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Nomoto M, Kotani T, Miki R, Ushida T, Imai K, Iitani Y, Tano S, Wang J, Moriyama Y, Kobayashi T, Mimura N, Iriyama T, Kikkawa F, Kajiyama H. Upregulation of ENDOU in cytotrophoblasts from placenta complicated with preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2021; 69:280-285. [PMID: 34857990 PMCID: PMC8611368 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.21-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental hypoplasia is associated with the pathophysiology of fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. The placenta consists of differentiated trophoblasts, including cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts. Cytotrophoblasts are thought to have stem-like characteristics and the ability to differentiate into syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts. However, it is poorly understood whether isolated cytotrophoblasts derived from hypoplastic placentas have specific features compared with those in normal placentas. This study aimed to determine the features of cytotrophoblasts in hypoplastic placentas. Differentially expressed proteins between isolated cytotrophoblasts from hypoplastic placenta with fetal growth restriction and those from the normal placenta were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Among 6,802 proteins, 1,253 and 2,129 proteins were more than 2-fold upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Among them, ENDOU (endonuclease, poly(U) specific), which has high homology with the coronavirus endoribonuclease nonstructural protein 15 (Nsp15), showed a significantly increased expression in cytotrophoblasts from the placenta with fetal growth restriction related to preeclampsia compared with those in normal control placenta. These results provide insight into the pathological mechanisms of placental hypoplasia and additional information on preeclamptic symptoms in cases of SARS-CoV-2 infected placenta, although further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Nomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Handa City Hospital, 2-29 Toyo-cho, Handa City, Aichi 475-8599, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kotani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.,Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Rika Miki
- Laboratory of Bell Research Center‑Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ushida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.,Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yukako Iitani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Sho Tano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Laboratory of Bell Research Center‑Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Moriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Nobuko Mimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-655, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-655, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Kikkawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
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Iqbal K, Pierce SH, Kozai K, Dhakal P, Scott RL, Roby KF, Vyhlidal CA, Soares MJ. Evaluation of Placentation and the Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Pathway in a Rat Model of Dioxin Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:117001. [PMID: 34747641 PMCID: PMC8574979 DOI: 10.1289/ehp9256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our environment is replete with chemicals that can affect embryonic and extraembryonic development. Dioxins, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), are compounds affecting development through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of TCDD exposure on pregnancy and placentation and to evaluate roles for AHR and cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) in TCDD action. METHODS Actions of TCDD were examined in wild-type and genome-edited rat models. Placenta phenotyping was assessed using morphological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. RESULTS TCDD exposures were shown to result in placental adaptations and at higher doses, pregnancy termination. Deep intrauterine endovascular trophoblast cell invasion was a prominent placentation site adaptation to TCDD. TCDD-mediated placental adaptations were dependent upon maternal AHR signaling but not upon placental or fetal AHR signaling nor the presence of a prominent AHR target, CYP1A1. At the placentation site, TCDD activated AHR signaling within endothelial cells but not trophoblast cells. Immune and trophoblast cell behaviors at the uterine-placental interface were guided by the actions of TCDD on endothelial cells. DISCUSSION We identified an AHR regulatory pathway in rats activated by dioxin affecting uterine and trophoblast cell dynamics and the formation of the hemochorial placenta. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9256.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Stephen H. Pierce
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Keisuke Kozai
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Pramod Dhakal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Katherine F. Roby
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Carrie A. Vyhlidal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovation, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Sun J, Song B, Ban Y, Ma C, Sun J, Ai D, Nan Z, Wang L, Qu X. Whole transcriptome analysis of trophoblasts under hypoxia. Placenta 2021; 117:13-20. [PMID: 34768163 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A physiological hypoxia environment exists at maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy. In addition, there is a pathological hypoxic microenvironment in patients with preeclampsia. Therefore, investigating the hypoxic adaptation and the effects of hypoxia on trophoblasts transcriptome is helpful to better understand the function and regulatory mechanism of trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface. METHODS Trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo was cultured under normoxia and hypoxia for 24 h, the full transcriptome was analyzed via RNA-Seq. GO and KEGG enrichment were performed on differentially expressed mRNA, adjacent genes of differentially expressed lncRNA, host genes of differentially expressed circRNA and target genes of differential expressed miRNA. RESULTS The results showed that hypoxia differentially regulated 373 mRNAs, 334 lncRNAs, 71 circRNAs and 33 miRNAs. GO and KEGG enrichment showed that hypoxia negatively regulated TLR3 and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Consistently, we found hypoxia significantly inhibited TLR3 agonist-induced cytokines expression and the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR. DISCUSSION Our study obtained the full transcriptome data and potential regulatory network of trophoblasts under hypoxia, providing supportive data for revealing the function of trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintang Sun
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Bingfeng Song
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanli Ban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jia Sun
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dan Ai
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaodi Nan
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lijie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xun Qu
- Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and the First Trimester Placenta: Hyperglycemia-Induced Effects on Trophoblast Proliferation, Cell Cycle Regulators, and Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010989. [PMID: 34681648 PMCID: PMC8539403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with reduced fetal growth in early pregnancy, but a contributing role of the placenta has remained elusive. Thus, we investigated whether T1DM alters placental development in the first trimester. Using a protein array, the level of 60 cell-cycle-related proteins was determined in human first trimester placental tissue (gestational week 5–11) from control (n = 11) and T1DM pregnancies (n = 12). Primary trophoblasts (gestational week 7–12, n = 32) were incubated in the absence (control) or presence of hyperglycemia (25 mM D-glucose) and hyperosmolarity (5.5 mM D-glucose + 19.5 mM D-mannitol). We quantified the number of viable and dead trophoblasts (CASY Counter) and assessed cell cycle distribution (FACS) and trophoblast invasion using a transwell assay. T1DM was associated with a significant (p < 0.05) downregulation of Ki67 (−26%), chk1 (−25%), and p73 (−26%). The number of viable trophoblasts was reduced under hyperglycemia (−23%) and hyperosmolarity (−18%), whereas trophoblast invasion was increased only under hyperglycemia (+6%). Trophoblast cell death and cell cycle distribution remained unaffected. Collectively, our data demonstrate that hyperglycemia decreases trophoblast proliferation as a potential contributing factor to the reduced placental growth in T1DM in vivo.
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Duan K, Si CY, Zhao SM, Ai ZY, Niu BH, Yin Y, Xiang LF, Ding H, Zheng Y. The Long Terminal Repeats of ERV6 Are Activated in Pre-Implantation Embryos of Cynomolgus Monkey. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102710. [PMID: 34685690 PMCID: PMC8534818 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise gene regulation is critical during embryo development. Long terminal repeat elements (LTRs) of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are dynamically expressed in blastocysts of mammalian embryos. However, the expression pattern of LTRs in monkey blastocyst is still unknown. By single-cell RNA-sequencing (seq) data of cynomolgus monkeys, we found that LTRs of several ERV families, including MacERV6, MacERV3, MacERV2, MacERVK1, and MacERVK2, were highly expressed in pre-implantation embryo cells including epiblast (EPI), trophectoderm (TrB), and primitive endoderm (PrE), but were depleted in post-implantation. We knocked down MacERV6-LTR1a in cynomolgus monkeys with a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) strategy to examine the potential function of MacERV6-LTR1a in the early development of monkey embryos. The silence of MacERV6-LTR1a mainly postpones the differentiation of TrB, EPI, and PrE cells in embryos at day 7 compared to control. Moreover, we confirmed MacERV6-LTR1a could recruit Estrogen Related Receptor Beta (ESRRB), which plays an important role in the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic and trophoblast stem cells through different signaling pathways including FGF and Wnt signaling pathways. In summary, these results suggest that MacERV6-LTR1a is involved in gene regulation of the pre-implantation embryo of the cynomolgus monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Duan
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Chen-Yang Si
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shu-Mei Zhao
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zong-Yong Ai
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Bao-Hua Niu
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yu Yin
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Li-Feng Xiang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yun Zheng
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Correspondence:
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Colson A, Depoix CL, Hubinont C, Debiève F. Isolation of Primary Cytotrophoblasts From Human Placenta at Term. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4185. [PMID: 34722831 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a multifaceted organ, fulfilling critical functions for the fetus and the mother. Therefore, it is a critical regulator of the pregnancy, and its dysfunction leads to diseases, including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. Studying the placenta is a difficult task since its existence is transient, and its structure is specific to our species. In vitro differentiation of primary cytotrophoblast isolated from term human placenta has been widely used in the placental research field as it represents a reliable model to study cellular differentiation and function. Direct alternatives include trophoblastic cell lines, explants, and organoids, but this protocol, based on the separation of the cells on a Percoll gradient, presents the advantage of being relatively cheap and easy to perform in every research laboratory. Furthermore, the 2D culture is a flexible method that can be adapted to various experimental conditions (transfection, drug exposure, metabolic study, observations, etc.), allowing mechanistic explorations of cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Colson
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Louis Depoix
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corinne Hubinont
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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