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Massri N, Loia R, Sones JL, Arora R, Douglas NC. Vascular changes in the cycling and early pregnant uterus. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e163422. [PMID: 37288662 PMCID: PMC10393238 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.163422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine vascular remodeling is intrinsic to the cycling and early pregnant endometrium. Maternal regulatory factors such as ovarian hormones, VEGF, angiopoietins, Notch, and uterine natural killer cells significantly mediate these vascular changes. In the absence of pregnancy, changes in uterine vessel morphology and function correlate with different stages of the human menstrual cycle. During early pregnancy, vascular remodeling in rodents and humans results in decreased uterine vascular resistance and increased vascular permeability necessary for pregnancy success. Aberrations in these adaptive vascular processes contribute to increased risk of infertility, abnormal fetal growth, and/or preeclampsia. This Review comprehensively summarizes uterine vascular remodeling in the human menstrual cycle, and in the peri- and post-implantation stages in rodent species (mice and rats).
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Massri
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program and
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Rachel Loia
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Sones
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Nataki C. Douglas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health and
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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2
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Baines KJ, Klausner MS, Patterson VS, Renaud SJ. Interleukin-15 deficient rats have reduced osteopontin at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1079164. [PMID: 37152295 PMCID: PMC10157472 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1079164] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Uterine Natural Killer (NK) cells are the predominant immune cells within the decidua during early pregnancy. These cells are thought to regulate aspects of decidualization and placental development, but their functions remain poorly characterized, especially in species with deeply invading trophoblasts such as humans and rats. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine required for NK cell development and survival. IL-15 mutant (IL15Δ/Δ) rats lack NK cells and exhibit altered placental development with precocious trophoblast invasion. In this study, we profiled gene expression differences between wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ implantation sites to reveal candidate factors produced by uterine NK cells that may regulate placentation and trophoblast invasion. Methods: Clariom S gene expression profiling was performed using implantation sites collected from pregnant wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ rats on gestational day 9.5. Levels and localization of perforin and osteopontin in implantation sites from wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ rats were further analyzed. The effect of osteopontin on the invasive capacity of rat trophoblasts was evaluated using Matrigel-based Transwell assays. Results: There were 257 genes differentially expressed between wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ implantation sites on gestational day 9.5, including decreased expression of various NK cell markers in IL15Δ/Δ rats, as well as Spp1, which encodes osteopontin. In wild-type rats, osteopontin was present within the decidua basalis and adjacent to the primitive placenta, and osteopontin colocalized with the NK cell marker perforin. Osteopontin was also detectable in uterine glands. Conversely, in IL15Δ/Δ rats, osteopontin and perforin were not readily detectable in the decidua despite robust osteopontin levels in uterine glands. Neutralization of osteopontin in media conditioned by cells isolated from the decidua decreased invasion of rat trophoblasts, suggesting that reduced levels of osteopontin are unlikely to account for the precocious trophoblast invasion in IL15Δ/Δ rats. Conclusion: Osteopontin is expressed by NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface in rats and may contribute to modulation of trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J. Baines
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle S. Klausner
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Violet S. Patterson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J. Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Stephen J. Renaud,
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3
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Shih AJ, Adelson RP, Vashistha H, Khalili H, Nayyar A, Puran R, Herrera R, Chatterjee PK, Lee AT, Truskinovsky AM, Elmaliki K, DeFranco M, Metz CN, Gregersen PK. Single-cell analysis of menstrual endometrial tissues defines phenotypes associated with endometriosis. BMC Med 2022; 20:315. [PMID: 36104692 PMCID: PMC9476391 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02500-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a common, complex disorder which is underrecognized and subject to prolonged delays in diagnosis. It is accompanied by significant changes in the eutopic endometrial lining. METHODS We have undertaken the first single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq) comparison of endometrial tissues in freshly collected menstrual effluent (ME) from 33 subjects, including confirmed endometriosis patients (cases) and controls as well as symptomatic subjects (who have chronic symptoms suggestive of endometriosis but have not been diagnosed). RESULTS We identify a unique subcluster of proliferating uterine natural killer (uNK) cells in ME-tissues from controls that is almost absent from endometriosis cases, along with a striking reduction of total uNK cells in the ME of cases (p < 10-16). In addition, an IGFBP1+ decidualized subset of endometrial stromal cells are abundant in the shed endometrium of controls when compared to cases (p < 10-16) confirming findings of compromised decidualization of cultured stromal cells from cases. By contrast, endometrial stromal cells from cases are enriched in cells expressing pro-inflammatory and senescent phenotypes. An enrichment of B cells in the cases (p = 5.8 × 10-6) raises the possibility that some may have chronic endometritis, a disorder which predisposes to endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS We propose that characterization of endometrial tissues in ME will provide an effective screening tool for identifying endometriosis in patients with chronic symptoms suggestive of this disorder. This constitutes a major advance, since delayed diagnosis for many years is a major clinical problem in the evaluation of these patients. Comprehensive analysis of ME is expected to lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to endometriosis and other associated reproductive disorders such as female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Shih
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Robert P Adelson
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Himanshu Vashistha
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Houman Khalili
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Ashima Nayyar
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Radha Puran
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Rixsi Herrera
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Prodyot K Chatterjee
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Annette T Lee
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Alexander M Truskinovsky
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, North Shore University Hospital, Northwell Health, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Kristine Elmaliki
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Margaret DeFranco
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Christine N Metz
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Peter K Gregersen
- Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics and Human Genetics, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, USA.
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4
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Pavani KC, Meese T, Pascottini OB, Guan X, Lin X, Peelman L, Hamacher J, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Boel A, Heindryckx B, Tilleman K, Van Soom A, Gadella BM, Hendrix A, Smits K. Hatching is modulated by microRNA-378a-3p derived from extracellular vesicles secreted by blastocysts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122708119. [PMID: 35298333 PMCID: PMC8944274 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122708119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceHatching from the zona pellucida is a prerequisite for embryo implantation and is less likely to occur in vitro for reasons unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by the embryo into the culture medium. Yet the role that embryonic EVs and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) play in blastocyst hatching has not been elucidated, partially due to the difficulties of isolating them from low amounts of culture medium. Here, we optimized EV-miRNA isolation from medium conditioned by individually cultured bovine embryos and subsequently showed that miR-378a-3p, which was up-regulated in EVs secreted by blastocysts, plays a crucial role in promoting blastocyst hatching. This demonstrates the regulatory effect of miR-378-3p on hatching, which is an established embryo quality parameter linked with implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Chaitanya Pavani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Tim Meese
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Center, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - XueFeng Guan
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xiaoyuan Lin
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Hamacher
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Plant Pathology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team, Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team, Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kelly Tilleman
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart M. Gadella
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - An Hendrix
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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5
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Rawat P, Das A. Differential expression of disparate transcription factor regime holds the key for NK cell development and function modulation. Life Sci 2022; 297:120471. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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6
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Marinić M, Mika K, Chigurupati S, Lynch VJ. Evolutionary transcriptomics implicates HAND2 in the origins of implantation and regulation of gestation length. eLife 2021; 10:61257. [PMID: 33522483 PMCID: PMC7943190 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental origins and evolutionary histories of cell types, tissues, and organs contribute to the ways in which their dysfunction produces disease. In mammals, the nature, development and evolution of maternal-fetal interactions likely influence diseases of pregnancy. Here we show genes that evolved expression at the maternal-fetal interface in Eutherian mammals play essential roles in the evolution of pregnancy and are associated with immunological disorders and preterm birth. Among these genes is HAND2, a transcription factor that suppresses estrogen signaling, a Eutherian innovation allowing blastocyst implantation. We found dynamic HAND2 expression in the decidua throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, gradually decreasing to a low at term. HAND2 regulates a distinct set of genes in endometrial stromal fibroblasts including IL15, a cytokine also exhibiting dynamic expression throughout the menstrual cycle and gestation, promoting migration of natural killer cells and extravillous cytotrophoblasts. We demonstrate that HAND2 promoter loops to an enhancer containing SNPs implicated in birth weight and gestation length regulation. Collectively, these data connect HAND2 expression at the maternal-fetal interface with evolution of implantation and gestational regulation, and preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Marinić
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Katelyn Mika
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | | | - Vincent J Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, United States
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7
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Hadas R, Gershon E, Cohen A, Atrakchi O, Lazar S, Golani O, Dassa B, Elbaz M, Cohen G, Eilam R, Dekel N, Neeman M. Hyaluronan control of the primary vascular barrier during early mouse pregnancy is mediated by uterine NK cells. JCI Insight 2020; 5:135775. [PMID: 33208556 PMCID: PMC7710306 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.135775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful implantation is associated with a unique spatial pattern of vascular remodeling, characterized by profound peripheral neovascularization surrounding a periembryo avascular niche. We hypothesized that hyaluronan controls the formation of this distinctive vascular pattern encompassing the embryo. This hypothesis was evaluated by genetic modification of hyaluronan metabolism, specifically targeted to embryonic trophoblast cells. The outcome of altered hyaluronan deposition on uterine vascular remodeling and postimplantation development were analyzed by MRI, detailed histological examinations, and RNA sequencing of uterine NK cells. Our experiments revealed that disruption of hyaluronan synthesis, as well as its increased cleavage at the embryonic niche, impaired implantation by induction of decidual vascular permeability, defective vascular sinus folds formation, breach of the maternal-embryo barrier, elevated MMP-9 expression, and interrupted uterine NK cell recruitment and function. Conversely, enhanced deposition of hyaluronan resulted in the expansion of the maternal-embryo barrier and increased diffusion distance, leading to compromised implantation. The deposition of hyaluronan at the embryonic niche is regulated by progesterone-progesterone receptor signaling. These results demonstrate a pivotal role for hyaluronan in successful pregnancy by fine-tuning the periembryo avascular niche and maternal vascular morphogenesis. Hyaluronan fine-tunes the periembryo avascular niche and maternal vascular morphogenesis during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Hadas
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Gershon
- Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Israel
| | - Aviad Cohen
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Gynecology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Ofir Atrakchi
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shlomi Lazar
- Department of Pharmacology, The Israel Institute for Biological Research, Nes Ziona, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities and
| | | | - Michal Elbaz
- Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Israel
| | - Gadi Cohen
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Raya Eilam
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
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8
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Sang Y, Li Y, Xu L, Li D, Du M. Regulatory mechanisms of endometrial decidualization and pregnancy-related diseases. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:105-115. [PMID: 31854442 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmz146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial decidualization is one of the earliest changes by which the uterus adapts to pregnancy. During this period, the endometrium undergoes complex changes in its biochemistry, physiology, and function at various levels, providing a suitable microenvironment for embryo implantation and development. Favorable decidualization lays an essential foundation for subsequent gestation, without which pregnancy failure or pregnancy complications may occur. The interaction between pregnancy-related hormones and cytokines produced by embryonic and uterine cells is known to be essential for decidualization, in which some transcription factors also play pivotal roles. Increasing evidence has revealed the importance of metabolism in regulating decidualization. Here, we summarize and discuss these crucial elements in decidualization and the relationship between decidualization and pregnancy complications. A better comprehension of these issues should help to improve the prediction of pregnancy outcomes and the use of appropriate intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Sang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Ling Xu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Dajin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Meirong Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
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9
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Schumacher A, Sharkey DJ, Robertson SA, Zenclussen AC. Immune Cells at the Fetomaternal Interface: How the Microenvironment Modulates Immune Cells To Foster Fetal Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 201:325-334. [PMID: 29987001 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells adapt their phenotypic and functional characteristics in response to the tissue microenvironment within which they traffic and reside. The fetomaternal interface, consisting of placental trophoblasts and the maternal decidua, is a highly specialized tissue with a unique and time-limited function: to nourish and support development of the semiallogeneic fetus and protect it from inflammatory or immune-mediated injury. It is therefore important to understand how immune cells within these tissues are educated and adapt to fulfill their biological functions. This review article focuses on the local regulatory mechanisms ensuring that both innate and adaptive immune cells appropriately support the early events of implantation and placental development through direct involvement in promoting immune tolerance of fetal alloantigens, suppressing inflammation, and remodeling of maternal uterine vessels to facilitate optimal placental function and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39108, Germany; and
| | - David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39108, Germany; and
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10
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Renaud SJ, Scott RL, Chakraborty D, Rumi MAK, Soares MJ. Natural killer-cell deficiency alters placental development in rats. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:145-158. [PMID: 28395334 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.142752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the most prevalent leukocyte population in the uterus during early pregnancy. Natural killer cells contribute to uterine vascular (spiral artery) remodeling in preparation for the increased demand on these vessels later in pregnancy. A second wave of spiral artery modification is directed by invasive trophoblast cells. The significance of the initial wave of NK-cell-mediated vascular remodeling in species exhibiting deep trophoblast invasion such as humans and rats is not known. The purpose of this study was to generate a genetic model of NK-cell deficiency in rats, and determine the consequences of NK-cell deficiency on spiral artery remodeling and reproductive outcomes. To accomplish this task, we utilized zinc finger nuclease-mediated genome editing of the rat interleukin-15 (Il15) gene. Il15 encodes a cytokine required for NK-cell lineage development. Using this strategy, a founder rat was generated containing a frameshift deletion in Il15. Uteri of females harboring a homozygous mutation at the Il15 locus contained no detectable NK cells. NK-cell deficiency did not impact fetal growth or viability. However, NK-cell deficiency caused major structural changes to the placenta, including expansion of the junctional zone and robust, early-onset activation of invasive trophoblast-guided spiral artery remodeling. In summary, we successfully generated an NK-cell-deficient rat and showed, using this model, that NK cells dampen the extent of trophoblast invasion and delay trophoblast-directed spiral artery remodeling. This study furthers our understanding of the role of NK cells on uterine vascular remodeling, trophoblast invasion, and placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Renaud
- Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Regan L Scott
- Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Damayanti Chakraborty
- Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Mohammad A K Rumi
- Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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11
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Bogdan A, Berta G, Szekeres-Bartho J. PIBF positive uterine NK cells in the mouse decidua. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 119:38-43. [PMID: 28043035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Though uterine NK cells (u NK cells) contain cytotoxic granules, and selectively over- express the genes of perforin and granzymes, during normal pregnancy, they are not cytotoxic. Progesterone is indispensable for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy both in humans and in mice. Mouse uterine NK cells do not express the classical progesterone receptor, yet progesterone affects the recruitment and function of uterine NK cells, the latter partly via the Progesterone-Induced Blocking Factor (PIBF). We demonstrated PIBF positive granulated cells in the mouse decidua. The aim of this study was to characterize these cells by lectin immunohistochemistry and anti-perforin reactivity. PIBF+ granulated cells were absent from the deciduae of alymphoid mice, but appeared in the decidua of those that had been reconstituted with bone marrow from male BALB/c mice. PIBF+ granulated cells bound the DBA lectin, suggesting their NK cell nature, and also contained perforin, which co-localized with PIBF in the cytoplasmic granules. In anti-progesterone treated mice all of the PIBF+ cells were perforin positive at g. d. 12.5, in contrast to the 54% perforin positivity of PIBF+ cells in untreated mice. CONCLUSION The PIBF+ granulated cells in the decidua belong to the NK population, and PIPB co-localizes with perforin in the cytoplasmic granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Bogdan
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary; János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Hungary; Endocrine Studies, Centre of Excellence, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Julia Szekeres-Bartho
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary; MTA - PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, Pecs, Hungary; János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Hungary; Endocrine Studies, Centre of Excellence, Pecs, Hungary.
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12
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Mori M, Bogdan A, Balassa T, Csabai T, Szekeres-Bartho J. The decidua-the maternal bed embracing the embryo-maintains the pregnancy. Semin Immunopathol 2016; 38:635-649. [PMID: 27287066 PMCID: PMC5065593 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-016-0574-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The decidua has been known as maternal uterine tissue, which plays essential roles in protecting the embryo from being attacked by maternal immune cells and provides nutritional support for the developing embryo prior to placenta formation. However, there are questions that still remain to be answered: (1) How does the decidua supply nutrition and provide a physical scaffold for the growing embryo, before placental vascular connection is established? (2) How is the balance between preventing an anti-embryo immune response and protecting both embryo and mother from infections established? To understand basic personas in decidual tissues, we review the structure of the decidua composed of terminally differentiated uterine stromal cells, blood vessels, and a number of repertoire of uterine local immune cells, including the well-known uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and recently discovered innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Decidual macrophages and uterine dendritic cells (DCs) are supposed to modulate adaptive immunity via balancing cytokines and promoting generation of regulatory T (Treg) cells. During decidualization, vascular and tissue remodeling in the uterus provide nutritional and physical support for the developing embryo. Secretion of various cytokines and chemokines from both the embryo and the decidual cells activates multiple signaling network between the mother and the embryo upon implantation. Defects in the decidual development during early pregnancy result in loss of pregnancy or complications in later gestational stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Agnes Bogdan
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, Pécs University, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, H-7643, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Timea Balassa
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, Pécs University, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, H-7643, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Timea Csabai
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, Pécs University, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, H-7643, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Júlia Szekeres-Bartho
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, Pécs University, János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, H-7643, Pécs, Hungary
- MTA - PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
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13
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Liu L, Sailan S, Li T, Mariee N, Laird S, Jiang Z, Zhang S. The effect of a high progesterone concentration before oocyte retrieval on the peri-implantation endometrium. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 31:739-46. [PMID: 26515148 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In this single-centre, prospective cohort study, the effect of high progesterone level before oocyte retrieval on endometrial morphology and uterine natural killer cell (uKN) count in the peri-implantation period was investigated. A total of 106 women undergoing IVF treatment who did not proceed to fresh embryo transfer were included. Endometrial samples were obtained 7 days after HCG administration. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting the results of histological staging and uNK cell count. Progesterone level on the day after HCG administration was the only significant variable associated with the results of histological staging (P = 0.004). Endometrial development in women with high progesterone level was significantly (P < 0.001) more advanced than that of women with normal progesterone; progesterone level on the day of HCG administration was the only significant variable associated with uNK cell count. The median (range) of uNK cell count of 9.6% (2.3-21.6%) in women with high progesterone was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the median (range) of uNK cell count of 5.7% (1.4-18.7%) in women with normal progesterone. High progesterone level before oocyte retrieval was correlated with advancement in endometrial development as well as increased uNK cell count.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China; Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Sumaia Sailan
- Biomedical Research Center, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tinchiu Li
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Najat Mariee
- Biomedical Research Center, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Susan Laird
- Biomedical Research Center, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Zhinong Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.
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14
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Uterine activin receptor-like kinase 5 is crucial for blastocyst implantation and placental development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E5098-107. [PMID: 26305969 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1514498112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily are key regulators in most developmental and physiological processes. However, the in vivo roles of TGF-β signaling in female reproduction remain uncertain. Activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) is the major type 1 receptor for the TGF-β subfamily. Absence of ALK5 leads to early embryonic lethality because of severe defects in vascular development. In this study, we conditionally ablated uterine ALK5 using progesterone receptor-cre mice to define the physiological roles of ALK5 in female reproduction. Despite normal ovarian functions and artificial decidualization in conditional knockout (cKO) mice, absence of uterine ALK5 resulted in substantially reduced female reproduction due to abnormalities observed at different stages of pregnancy, including implantation defects, disorganization of trophoblast cells, fewer uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, and impairment of spiral artery remodeling. In our microarray analysis, genes encoding proteins involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity were down-regulated in cKO decidua compared with control decidua. Flow cytometry confirmed a 10-fold decrease in uNK cells in cKO versus control decidua. According to these data, we hypothesize that TGF-β acts on decidual cells via ALK5 to induce expression of other growth factors and cytokines, which are key regulators in luminal epithelium proliferation, trophoblast development, and uNK maturation during pregnancy. Our findings not only generate a mouse model to study TGF-β signaling in female reproduction but also shed light on the pathogenesis of many pregnancy complications in human, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction.
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15
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Rätsep MT, Felker AM, Kay VR, Tolusso L, Hofmann AP, Croy BA. Uterine natural killer cells: supervisors of vasculature construction in early decidua basalis. Reproduction 2015; 149:R91-102. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian pregnancy involves tremendousde novomaternal vascular construction to adequately support conceptus development. In early mouse decidua basalis (DB), maternal uterine natural killer (uNK) cells oversee this process directing various aspects during the formation of supportive vascular networks. The uNK cells recruited to early implantation site DB secrete numerous factors that act in the construction of early decidual vessels (neoangiogenesis) as well as in the alteration of the structural components of newly developing and existing vessels (pruning and remodeling). Although decidual and placental development sufficient to support live births occur in the absence of normally functioning uNK cells, development and structure of implantation site are optimized through the presence of normally activated uNK cells. Human NK cells are also recruited to early decidua. Gestational complications including recurrent spontaneous abortion, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm labor are linked with the absence of human NK cell activation via paternally inherited conceptus transplantation antigens. This review summarizes the roles that mouse uNK cells normally play in decidual neoangiogenesis and spiral artery remodeling in mouse pregnancy and briefly discusses changes in early developmental angiogenesis due to placental growth factor deficiency.
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16
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Jung Y, Jang YJ, Kang MH, Park YS, Oh SJ, Lee DC, Xie Z, Yoo HS, Park KC, Yeom YI. Metabolic signature genes associated with susceptibility to pyruvate kinase, muscle type 2 gene ablation in cancer cells. Mol Cells 2013; 35:335-41. [PMID: 23515579 PMCID: PMC3887894 DOI: 10.1007/s10059-013-2319-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate kinase, muscle type 2 (PKM2), is a key factor in the aerobic glycolysis of cancer cells. In our experiments, liver cancer cell lines exhibited a range of sensitivity to PKM2 knockdown-mediated growth inhibition. We speculated that this differential sensitivity is attributable to the variable dependency on glycolysis for the growth of different cell lines. Transcriptome data revealed overexpression of a glucose transporter (GLUT3) and a lactate transporter (MCT4) genes in PKM2 knockdown-sensitive cells. PKM2 knockdown-resistant cells expressed high levels of the lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) and glycine decarboxylase (GLDC) genes. Concordant with the gene expression results, PKM2 knockdown-sensitive cells generated high levels of lactate. In addition, ATP production was significantly reduced in the PKM2 knockdown-sensitive cells treated with a glucose analog, indicative of dependency of their cellular energetics on lactate-producing glycolysis. The PKM2 knockdown-resistant cells were further subdivided into less glycolytic and more (glycolysis branch pathway-dependent) glycolytic groups. Our findings collectively support the utility of PKM2 as a therapeutic target for high lactate-producing glycolytic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Jung
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806,
Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 305-350,
Korea
| | - Ye Jin Jang
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806,
Korea
| | - Min Ho Kang
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806,
Korea
| | - Young Soo Park
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806,
Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 305-350,
Korea
| | - Su Jin Oh
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806,
Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 305-350,
Korea
| | - Dong Chul Lee
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806,
Korea
| | - Zhi Xie
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, 10770 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California 92121,
USA
| | - Hyang-Sook Yoo
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806,
Korea
| | - Kyung Chan Park
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806,
Korea
| | - Young Il Yeom
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806,
Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 305-350,
Korea
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17
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Delta-like ligand (DLL)1 expression in early mouse decidua and its localization to uterine natural killer cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52037. [PMID: 23284862 PMCID: PMC3532112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine vascular changes, critical for pregnancy success, occur at each implant site during endometrial decidualization. Mesometrial decidualization recruits high numbers of angiogenic, uterine Natural Killer (uNK) cells that trigger midpregnancy spiral arterial remodeling. We postulated that uNK cells contribute to early decidual angiogenesis as endothelial-cell extrinsic sources of Delta-like ligand 1 (DLL1), a molecule that induces endothelial tip cell differentiation and orthogonal vascular growth in other tissues. Virgin uteri expressed Dll1 mesometrially and anti-mesometrially and relative expression increased in both anatomic regions as pregnancy progressed. Analyses of transcripts from gd10.5 uNK cells flow sorted on the basis of expression of Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) lectin revealed that DBA+ but not DBA- uNK cells expressed Dll1. Immunostaining at gd4.5 found DLL1-expressing cells rare. At gd6.5, DBA+ uNK cells at all stages of maturation expressed DLL1. By gd10.5, DLL1 immunoreactivity was strongly expressed by some but not all DBA+ uNK cells and more weakly by DBA- cells. DLL1+ cells were mesometrially stratified and concentrated within central decidua basalis. Our data suggest that uNK cells have the potential to induce endothelial tip cell differentiation and to promote non-planar vascular growth within early decidua basalis.
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González IT, Barrientos G, Freitag N, Otto T, Thijssen VLJL, Moschansky P, von Kwiatkowski P, Klapp BF, Winterhager E, Bauersachs S, Blois SM. Uterine NK cells are critical in shaping DC immunogenic functions compatible with pregnancy progression. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46755. [PMID: 23056436 PMCID: PMC3466312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) and natural killer (NK) cell interactions are important for the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity, but their relevance during early pregnancy remains elusive. Using two different strategies to manipulate the frequency of NK cells and DC during gestation, we investigated their relative impact on the decidualization process and on angiogenic responses that characterize murine implantation. Manipulation of the frequency of NK cells, DC or both lead to a defective decidual response characterized by decreased proliferation and differentiation of stromal cells. Whereas no detrimental effects were evident upon expansion of DC, NK cell ablation in such expanded DC mice severely compromised decidual development and led to early pregnancy loss. Pregnancy failure in these mice was associated with an unbalanced production of anti-angiogenic signals and most notably, with increased expression of genes related to inflammation and immunogenic activation of DC. Thus, NK cells appear to play an important role counteracting potential anomalies raised by DC expansion and overactivity in the decidua, becoming critical for normal pregnancy progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tirado González
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular Placentaria, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Teresa Otto
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Victor L. J. L. Thijssen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Angiogenesis Laboratory, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Moschansky
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra von Kwiatkowski
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burghard F. Klapp
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra M. Blois
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Hatta K, MacLeod RJ, Gerber SA, Croy BA. Emerging themes in uterine natural killer cell heterogeneity and function. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 68:282-9. [PMID: 22626252 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2012.01160.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Understanding of uterine natural killer (uNK) cell functions during normal pregnancy remains incomplete. METHOD OF STUDY Cloud tag analysis of literature was used to document themes addressed experimentally for uNK cells. Immunohistochemistry, including whole-mount staining of early implantation sites, separation of uNK cells into molecularly distinct subsets, and physiologic measurements in normal and mutant mice, are further advancing understanding of uNK cell biology. RESULTS Literature analyses revealed three key, current uNK cell research themes: angiogenesis, spiral arterial remodeling/pre-eclampsia/hypertension and infertility. UNK cells are being defined as cells potentially regulated by Wnt signaling that are heterogeneous in progenitor source and function and make unique contributions to implantation site development prior to spiral arterial remodeling. CONCLUSION Future studies are poised to define uNK cell progenitor cells, identify the signaling pathways supporting established uNK cell functions and move current understanding of mouse uNK cells to clinical research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota Hatta
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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