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Murthi P, Kalionis B. Homeobox genes in the human placenta: Twists and turns on the path to find novel targets. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00284-4. [PMID: 38908943 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.010] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a clinically important human pregnancy disorder that is thought to originate early in pregnancy and while its aetiology is not well understood, the disorder is associated with placental insufficiency. Currently treatment for FGR is limited by increased surveillance using ultrasound monitoring and premature delivery, or corticosteroid medication in the third trimester to prolong pregnancy. There is a pressing need for novel strategies to detect and treat FGR at its early stage. Homeobox genes are well established as master regulators of early embryonic development and increasing evidence suggests they are also important in regulating early placental development. Most important is that specific homeobox genes are abnormally expressed in human FGR. This review focusses on identifying the molecular pathways controlled by homeobox genes in the normal and FGR-affected placenta. This information will begin to address the knowledge gap in the molecular aetiology of FGR and lay the foundation for identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Murthi
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Chen S, Zhang L, Wang K, Huo J, Zhang S, Zhang X. The Potential Dual Role of H2.0-like Homeobox in the Tumorgenesis and Development of Colorectal Cancer and Its Prognostic Value. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 2023:5521544. [PMID: 37719132 PMCID: PMC10505080 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5521544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background H2.0-like homeobox (HLX) is highly expressed in several hematopoietic malignancies. However, the role of HLX in the carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients has rarely been reported. Methods In this study, the data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. The diagnostic value of HLX was analyzed by the R package "pROC." The overall survival was estimated using the "survival" and "survminer" packages. A nomogram was established to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival of CRC patients. The CIBERSORT software was employed to calculate the relative proportions of 22 immune cells. Results HLX expression was downregulated in CRC patients. Remarkably, HLX expression was increased with stage (stage I-stage III) of CRC, and the CRC patients with high HLX expression exhibited a poor prognosis. The promoter methylation level of HLX was prominently increased in CRC samples compared to paracancerous samples. We also found that the six miRNAs target HLX genes, leading to its downregulation, and HLX expression had a negative correlation with its downstream target gene BRI3BP in both CRC and normal samples. Finally, we found that the 12 immune infiltrating cells were observably different between high and low HLX expression groups. The HLX had a significant positive correlation with 8 immune checkpoints (PD-1 (PDCD1), CTLA4, PDL-1 (CD274), PDL-2 (PDCD1LG2), CD80, CD86, LAG3, and TIGIT) expressions. Conclusion HLX probably played a carcinostasis role in the early stages of CRC but exhibited a cancer-promoting effect in the advanced stages. Meanwhile, HLX could serve as a reliable prognostic indicator for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Hongqiao District, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Hongqiao District, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Hongqiao District, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Jizhen Huo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Army Hospital of the 80th Group, Weicheng District, Weifang 261021, Shandong, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Nankai University, No. 94 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300074, China
| | - Xipeng Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Hongqiao District, Tianjin 300121, China
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Alfian I, Chakraborty A, Yong HEJ, Saini S, Lau RWK, Kalionis B, Dimitriadis E, Alfaidy N, Ricardo SD, Samuel CS, Murthi P. The Placental NLRP3 Inflammasome and Its Downstream Targets, Caspase-1 and Interleukin-6, Are Increased in Human Fetal Growth Restriction: Implications for Aberrant Inflammation-Induced Trophoblast Dysfunction. Cells 2022; 11:1413. [PMID: 35563719 PMCID: PMC9102093 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is commonly associated with placental insufficiency and inflammation. Nonetheless, the role played by inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of FGR is poorly understood. We hypothesised that placental inflammasomes are differentially expressed and contribute to the aberrant trophoblast function. Inflammasome gene expression profiles were characterised by real-time PCR on human placental tissues collected from third trimester FGR and gestation-matched control pregnancies (n = 25/group). The functional significance of a candidate inflammasome was then investigated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models of inflammation in human trophoblast organoids, BeWo cells in vitro, and a murine model of FGR in vivo. Placental mRNA expression of NLRP3, caspases 1, 3, and 8, and interleukin 6 increased (>2-fold), while that of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, decreased (<2-fold) in FGR compared with control pregnancies. LPS treatment increased NLRP3 and caspase-1 expression (>2-fold) in trophoblast organoids and BeWo cell cultures in vitro, and in the spongiotrophoblast and labyrinth in the murine model of FGR. However, the LPS-induced rise in NLRP3 was attenuated by its siRNA-induced down-regulation in BeWo cell cultures, which correlated with reduced activity of the apoptotic markers, caspase-3 and 8, compared to the control siRNA-treated cells. Our findings support the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the inflammation-induced aberrant trophoblast function, which may contribute to FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irvan Alfian
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta Pusat 10160, Indonesia
| | - Amlan Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Hannah E. J. Yong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 117609, Singapore;
| | - Sheetal Saini
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Ricky W. K. Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Evdokia Dimitriadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Nadia Alfaidy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1292, Biologie et Biotechnologie pour la Santé, 38043 Grenoble, France;
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Biosciences and Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble, 38054 Grenoble, France
- Service Obstétrique & Gynécologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, University Grenoble-Alpes, CEDEX 9, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Sharon D. Ricardo
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Chrishan S. Samuel
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; (I.A.); (A.C.); (S.S.); (R.W.K.L.); (S.D.R.)
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
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Rs868058 in the Homeobox Gene HLX Contributes to Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030447. [PMID: 35336820 PMCID: PMC8945724 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition that characterizes fetuses as too small for their gestational age, with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile and abnormal Doppler parameters and/or with EFW below the 3rd percentile. We designed our study to demonstrate the contribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from DLX3 (rs11656951, rs2278163, and rs10459948), HLX (rs2184658, and 868058), ANGPT2 (−35 G > C), and ITGAV (rs3911238, and rs3768777) genes in maternal blood in FGR. A cohort of 380 women with singleton pregnancies consisted of 190 pregnancies with FGR and 190 healthy full-term controls. A comparison of the pregnancies with an early-onset FGR and healthy subjects showed that the AT heterozygotes in HLX rs868058 were significantly associated with an approximately two-fold increase in disease risk (p ≤ 0.050). The AT heterozygotes in rs868058 were significantly more frequent in the cases with early-onset FGR than in late-onset FGR in the overdominant model (OR 2.08 95% CI 1.11−3.89, p = 0.022), and after being adjusted by anemia, in the codominant model (OR 2.45 95% CI 1.23−4.90, p = 0.034). In conclusion, the heterozygous AT genotype in HLX rs868058 can be considered a significant risk factor for the development of early-onset FGR, regardless of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women.
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Harris LK, Pantham P, Yong HEJ, Pratt A, Borg AJ, Crocker I, Westwood M, Aplin J, Kalionis B, Murthi P. The role of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor-mediated homeobox gene expression in human placental apoptosis, and its implications in idiopathic fetal growth restriction. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:572-585. [PMID: 31418778 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is caused by poor placental development and function early in gestation. It is well known that placentas from women with FGR exhibit reduced cell growth, elevated levels of apoptosis and perturbed expression of the growth factors, cytokines and the homeobox gene family of transcription factors. Previous studies have reported that insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF2) interacts with its receptor-2 (IGF2R) to regulate villous trophoblast survival and apoptosis. In this study, we hypothesized that human placental IGF2R-mediated homeobox gene expression is altered in FGR and contributes to abnormal trophoblast function. This study was designed to determine the association between IGF2R, homeobox gene expression and cell survival in pregnancies affected by FGR. Third trimester placentas were collected from FGR-affected pregnancies (n = 29) and gestation matched with control pregnancies (n = 30). Functional analyses were then performed in vitro using term placental explants (n = 4) and BeWo trophoblast cells. mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR, while protein expression was examined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. siRNA transfection was used to silence IGF2R expression in placental explants and the BeWo cell-line. cDNA arrays were used to screen for downstream targets of IGF2R, specifically homeobox gene transcription factors and apoptosis-related genes. Functional effects of silencing IGF2R were then verified by β-hCG ELISA, caspase activity assays and a real-time electrical cell-impedance assay for differentiation, apoptosis and cell growth potential, respectively. IGF2R expression was significantly decreased in placentas from pregnancies complicated by idiopathic FGR (P < 0.05 versus control). siRNA-mediated IGF2R knockdown in term placental explants and the trophoblast cell line BeWo resulted in altered expression of homeobox gene transcription factors, including increased expression of distal-less homeobox gene 5 (DLX5), and decreased expression of H2.0-Like Homeobox 1 (HLX) (P < 0.05 versus control). Knockdown of IGF2R transcription increased the expression and activity of caspase-6 and caspase-8 in placental explants, decreased BeWo proliferation and increased BeWo differentiation (all P < 0.05 compared to respective controls). This is the first study linking IGF2R placental expression with changes in the expression of homeobox genes that control cellular signalling pathways responsible for increased trophoblast cell apoptosis, which is a characteristic feature of FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda K Harris
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, The University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Manchester, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Priyadarshini Pantham
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand.,Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hannah E J Yong
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anita Pratt
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Borg
- Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian Crocker
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - John Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Bill Kalionis
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Padma Murthi
- University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Zhu XY, Guo QY, Zhu M, Chen BG, Wang LY, Zhang DQ, Zhang L, Shao YP, Luo WD. HLX affects cell cycle and proliferation in AML cells via the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:1888-1896. [PMID: 32724432 PMCID: PMC7377103 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a class of malignant tumors derived from hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells. The H2.0-like homeobox gene (HLX) encodes transcription factors that function in promoting normal hematopoietic cell proliferation and tumor immunity. The present study analyzed the effect of downregulating the HLX on cell cycle distribution and cell proliferation in AML. Moreover, the current study detected changes in the expression of genes and proteins in the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT signaling pathway to investigate the mechanism of the action of HLX in tumor immunity in AML. HLX expression in AML cell lines was silenced using small interfering siRNA, and MTS/PMS-assay colorimetric assays were used to assess the effect of knockdown of HLX on AML cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to analyze changes in cell cycle distribution, while reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect changes in the expression levels of key components of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, such as p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), neuropilin 1 (NRP1), B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) and STAT5. It was found that HLX was differentially expressed in AML cell lines of various subtypes, and HLX expression was higher in the AML/M3 subtype NB4 cell line compared with the control group. Knockdown of HLX in NB4 cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, STAT5 protein expression, as well as NRP1 and PAK1 expression levels were downregulated, while BTG1 expression was upregulated when HLX was knocked out by siRNA. Collectively, the results suggested that downregulation of HLX may cause G0/G1 phase arrest and inhibit the proliferation of AML cells by activating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Yin Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Qun-Yi Guo
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Bao-Guo Chen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Yan Wang
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Dan-Qiong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Ping Shao
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Da Luo
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang, Wenzhou Medical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, P.R. China
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Camilleri M, Sandler RS, Peery AF. Etiopathogenetic Mechanisms in Diverticular Disease of the Colon. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 9:15-32. [PMID: 31351939 PMCID: PMC6881605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews epidemiological evidence of heritability and putative mechanisms in diverticular disease, with greatest attention to 3 recent studies of genetic associations with diverticular disease based on genome-wide or whole-genome sequencing studies in large patient cohorts. We provide an analysis of the biological plausibility of the significant associations with gene variants reported and highlight the relevance of ANO1, CPI-17 (aka PPP1R14A), COLQ6, COL6A1, CALCB or CALCA, COL6A1, ARHGAP15, and S100A10 to colonic neuromuscular function and tissue properties that may result in altered compliance and predispose to the development of diverticular disease. Such studies also identify candidate genes for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Camilleri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Robert S Sandler
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anne F Peery
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Li J, Fu Z, Jiang H, Chen L, Wu X, Ding H, Xia Y, Wang X, Tang Q, Wu W. IGF2-derived miR-483-3p contributes to macrosomia through regulating trophoblast proliferation by targeting RB1CC1. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:444-452. [PMID: 29939354 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the role of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)-derived miR-483-3p in macrosomia? SUMMARY ANSWER IGF2-derived intronic miR-483-3p is overexpressed in macrosomia placentas, and miR-483-3p prompts HTR-8/SVneo extravillous trophoblast cell line proliferation through down-regulation of its target RB1 inducible coiled-coil 1 (RB1CC1). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Macrosomia is a common pregnancy-associated disease and causes a number of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. The development of macrosomia is reportedly attributable to over proliferation of the placental cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development of fetal and placenta by regulating their target genes. Here, we investigated the role of IGF2-derived intronic miR-483-3p in macrosomia. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The expression of IGF2, miR-483-3p and its target gene in placental tissues from 30 pregnant women who had macrosomia was compared to those of 30 gestation-matched healthy pregnant controls. For in vitro studies, the human first trimester extravillous trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo cell was used. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Placenta tissues were collected from pregnant women who had macrosomia without diabetes or other complications (n = 30) and healthy pregnant controls (n = 30). HTR-8/SVneo cells were transfected with specific miRNA mimics or inhibitors. MiRNA and mRNA isolated from placenta tissues or cells were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein was measured by western blot. Cell proliferation was assayed using a colorimetric proliferation assay method. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The putative targets of miR-483-3p were predicted using the TargetScan, miRanda, miRDB and DIANA algorithms. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to measure the relationship of miR-483-3p and RB1CC1. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE IGF2-derived miR-483-3p was overexpressed in macrosomia placentas. miR-483-3p promoted proliferation in HTR-8/SVneo cells and had a positive relationship with its host gene IGF2. Subsequently, RB1CC1 was confirmed as a direct target of miR-483-3p, which may be an important mediator of cell growth regulation for miR-483-3p. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The level of IGF2 and its intronic miR-483-3p in the serum of these participants was not investigated. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms underlying the cause of the increase of IGF2 and miR-483-3p in macrosomia. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings give a new insight into the role of intronic miRNA and its host gene in the development of macrosomia. Furthermore, it may offer a new target for prognostic and therapeutic intervention for macrosomia. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by awards from National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 81401213, 81673217, 81703260), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Youth Talent (No. QNRC2016110), Jiangsu Overseas Visiting Scholar Program for University Prominent Young & Middle-aged Teachers and Presidents, the Priority Academic Program for the Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (Public Health and Preventive Medicine), the Education Department of Jiangsu Province (No. 16KJB330010), the Science and Technology Department of Jiangsu Province (No. BK20160227), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation funded project (No. 2016M601892). The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziqiang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xian Wu
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Hongjuan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Huang L, Ying H, Chen Z, Zhu YL, Gu Y, Hu L, Chen D, Zhong N. Down-regulation of DKK1 and Wnt1/β-catenin pathway by increased homeobox B7 resulted in cell differentiation suppression of intrauterine fetal growth retardation in human placenta. Placenta 2019; 80:27-35. [PMID: 31103063 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test the influence of homeobox B7 (HoxB7) on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of human trophoblast cells and to reveal the down-regulation of HoxB7 on the transcriptional suppression of Dick Kopf-related protein1 (DKK1) and of Cysteine-rich glycosylated wingless protein 1 (Wnt1)/β-catenin in intrauterine fetal growth retardation (FGR). METHODS Quantitative measurement of HoxB7, DKK1, Wnt1, and β-catenin was performed in human placentas collected from normal pregnancies and from FGR with quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cultured HTR-8/SVneo cells, transfected with a lentiviral plasmid that in-frame expresses human HoxB7 gene, were applied to functional assessment to study the biological impact of HoxB7 gene on DKK1, Wnt1, and β-catenin. Counting Kit-8, Transwell invasion assays, and flow cytometry were applied for the functional measurements. RESULTS The expression of HoxB7 was significantly increased, and of DKK1, Wnt1, and β-catenin was decreased, in FGR placenta tissues and in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Function studies revealed that overexpression of HoxB7 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. DKK1, Wnt1, and β-catenin were down-regulated in HTR-8/SVneo cells, inversely correlated with HoxB7 expression. Overexpression of HoxB7 showed a suppressive effect on proliferation, migration, and invasion in the HTR-8/SVneo cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that HoxB7 inhibited human trophoblast cell differentiation by down-regulating DKK1 expression and that it may affect transcription of Wnt1/β-catenin. The activation of HoxB7 might suppress the cell differentiation in HTR-8/SVneo cell cultures. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of FGR by regulating the invasion and proliferation of trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Huang
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Hao Ying
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 536 Changle Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Yun Long Zhu
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Ying Gu
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Lingqing Hu
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Daozhen Chen
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China.
| | - Nanbert Zhong
- The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaishuxiang Road, Chong an Street, Wuxi, 214002, China; New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA.
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10
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Nguyen TPH, Yong HEJ, Chollangi T, Brennecke SP, Fisher SJ, Wallace EM, Ebeling PR, Murthi P. Altered downstream target gene expression of the placental Vitamin D receptor in human idiopathic fetal growth restriction. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:182-190. [PMID: 29161966 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1405193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects up to 5% of pregnancies and is associated with significant perinatal complications. Maternal deficiency of vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone, is common in FGR-affected pregnancies. We recently demonstrated that decreased expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in idiopathic FGR placentae could impair trophoblast growth. As strict regulation of cell-cycle genes in trophoblast cells is critical for optimal feto-placental growth, we hypothesised that pathologically decreased placental VDR contributes to aberrant regulation of cell-cycle genes. The study aims were to (i) identify the downstream cell-cycle regulatory genes of VDR in trophoblast cells, and (ii) determine if expression was changed in cases of FGR. Targeted cell-cycle gene cDNA arrays were used to screen for downstream targets of VDR in VDR siRNA-transfected BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast-derived cell lines, and in third trimester placentae from FGR and gestation-matched control pregnancies (n = 25 each). The six candidate genes identified were CDKN2A, CDKN2D, HDAC4, HDAC6, TGFB2 and TGFB3. TGFB3 was prioritised for further validation, as its expression is largely unknown in FGR. Significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression of TGFB3 was verified in FGR placentae and the BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell lines, using real-time PCR and immunoblotting respectively. In summary, decreased placental VDR expression alters the expression of regulatory cell-cycle genes in FGR placentae. Aberrant regulation of cell-cycle genes in the placental trophoblast cells may constitute a mechanistic pathway by which decreased placental VDR reduces feto-placental growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thy P H Nguyen
- a Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre , The Royal Women's Hospital , Parkville , Australia.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Hannah E J Yong
- a Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre , The Royal Women's Hospital , Parkville , Australia.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Tejasvy Chollangi
- a Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre , The Royal Women's Hospital , Parkville , Australia.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Shaun P Brennecke
- a Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre , The Royal Women's Hospital , Parkville , Australia.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia
| | - Susan J Fisher
- c Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , USA.,d The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , USA.,e Department of Anatomy , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , USA
| | - Euan M Wallace
- f Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Monash University , Clayton , Australia.,g The Ritchie Centre , The Hudson Institute for Medical Research , Clayton , Australia
| | - Peter R Ebeling
- h Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science , Western Health , St Albans , Australia.,i Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences , Monash University , Clayton , Australia
| | - Padma Murthi
- a Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre , The Royal Women's Hospital , Parkville , Australia.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Australia.,g The Ritchie Centre , The Hudson Institute for Medical Research , Clayton , Australia.,h Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science , Western Health , St Albans , Australia.,i Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences , Monash University , Clayton , Australia
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11
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Expression of Homeobox Gene HLX and its Downstream Target Genes are Altered in Placentae From Discordant Twin Pregnancies. Twin Res Hum Genet 2017; 21:42-50. [PMID: 29212571 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A discordant twin gestation, in which one fetus is significantly growth restricted, compared to the other normal twin, is a unique model that can be used to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which the intrauterine environment affects fetal growth. In many model systems, placental transcription factor genes regulate fetal growth. Transcription factors regulate growth through their activation or repression of downstream target genes that mediate important cell functions. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of the placental HLX homeobox gene transcription factor and its downstream target genes in dizygotic twins with growth discordance. In this cross-sectional study, HLX and its downstream target genes' retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) and cyclin kinase D (CDKN1C) expression levels were determined in placentae obtained from dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies (n = 23) where one of the twins was growth restricted. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) was defined as small for gestational age with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler indices when compared with the normal control co-twin. Homeobox gene HLX expression was significantly decreased at both the mRNA and protein levels in FGR twin placentae compared with the normal control co-twin placentae (p < .05). Downstream target genes CDKN1C and RB1 were also significantly decreased and increased, respectively, at both the mRNA and protein levels in FGR twin placentae compared with normal control co-twin placentae (p < .05). Together, these observations suggest an important association between HLX transcription factor expression and abnormal human placental development in discordant twin pregnancies.
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12
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Increased methylation and decreased expression of homeobox genes TLX1, HOXA10 and DLX5 in human placenta are associated with trophoblast differentiation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4523. [PMID: 28674422 PMCID: PMC5495813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04776-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes regulate embryonic and placental development, and are widely expressed in the human placenta, but their regulatory control by DNA methylation is unclear. DNA methylation analysis was performed on human placentae from first, second and third trimesters to determine methylation patterns of homeobox gene promoters across gestation. Most homeobox genes were hypo-methylated throughout gestation, suggesting that DNA methylation is not the primary mechanism involved in regulating HOX genes expression in the placenta. Nevertheless, several genes showed variable methylation patterns across gestation, with a general trend towards an increase in methylation over gestation. Three genes (TLX1, HOXA10 and DLX5) showed inverse gains of methylation with decreasing mRNA expression throughout pregnancy, supporting a role for DNA methylation in their regulation. Proteins encoded by these genes were primarily localised to the syncytiotrophoblast layer, and showed decreased expression later in gestation. siRNA mediated downregulation of DLX5, TLX1 and HOXA10 in primary term villous cytotrophoblast resulted in decreased proliferation and increased expression of differentiation markers, including ERVW-1. Our data suggest that loss of DLX5, TLX1 and HOXA10 expression in late gestation is required for proper placental differentiation and function.
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13
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Baker BC, Mackie FL, Lean SC, Greenwood SL, Heazell AEP, Forbes K, Jones RL. Placental dysfunction is associated with altered microRNA expression in pregnant women with low folate status. Mol Nutr Food Res 2017; 61. [PMID: 28105727 PMCID: PMC5573923 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201600646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Low maternal folate status during pregnancy increases the risk of delivering small for gestational age (SGA) infants, but the mechanistic link between maternal folate status, SGA, and placental dysfunction is unknown. microRNAs (miRNAs) are altered in pregnancy pathologies and by folate in other systems. We hypothesized that low maternal folate status causes placental dysfunction, mediated by altered miRNA expression. METHODS AND RESULTS A prospective observational study recruited pregnant adolescents and assessed third trimester folate status and placental function. miRNA array, QPCR, and bioinformatics identified placental miRNAs and target genes. Low maternal folate status is associated with higher incidence of SGA infants (28% versus 13%, p < 0.05) and placental dysfunction, including elevated trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis (p < 0.001), reduced amino acid transport (p < 0.01), and altered placental hormones (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, progesterone, and human placental lactogen). miR-222-3p, miR-141-3p, and miR-34b-5p were upregulated by low folate status (p < 0.05). Bioinformatics predicted a gene network regulating cell turnover. Quantitative PCR demonstrated that key genes in this network (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2, v-myc myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (avian), and cyclin-dependent kinase 6) were reduced (p < 0.05) in placentas with low maternal folate status. CONCLUSION This study supports that placental dysfunction contributes to impaired fetal growth in women with low folate status and suggests altered placental expression of folate-sensitive miRNAs and target genes as a mechanistic link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette C Baker
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Fiona L Mackie
- Centre of Women's and Newborn's Health & Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Samantha C Lean
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Karen Forbes
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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14
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Murthi P, Davies-Tuck M, Lappas M, Singh H, Mockler J, Rahman R, Lim R, Leaw B, Doery J, Wallace EM, Ebeling PR. Maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D is inversely correlated with foetal serotonin. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2017; 86:401-409. [PMID: 27862146 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to impaired neurocognitive development in childhood. The mechanism by which vitamin D affects childhood neurocognition is unclear but may be via interactions with serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in foetal brain development. In this study, we aimed to explore associations between maternal and foetal vitamin D concentrations, and foetal serotonin concentrations at term. STUDY DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D, nmol/l) and serotonin (5-HT, nmol/l) concentrations were measured in maternal and umbilical cord blood from mother-infant pairs (n = 64). Association between maternal 25(OH)D, cord 25(OH)D and cord serotonin was explored using linear regression, before and after adjusting for maternal serotonin levels. We also assessed the effects of siRNA knockdown of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and administration of 10 nm 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on serotonin secretion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. RESULTS We observed an inverse relationship between both maternal and cord 25(OH)D concentrations with cord serotonin concentrations. The treatment of HUVECs with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in vitro decreased the release of serotonin (193·9 ±14·8 nmol/l vs 458·9 ± 317·5 nmol/l, control, P < 0·05). Conversely, inactivation of VDR increased serotonin release in cultured HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS These observations provide the first evidence of an inverse relationship between maternal 25(OH)D and foetal serotonin concentrations. We propose that maternal vitamin D deficiency increases foetal serotonin concentrations and thereby contributes to longer-term neurocognitive impairment in infants and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Murthi
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Miranda Davies-Tuck
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Martha Lappas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
- Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
| | - Harmeet Singh
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Joanne Mockler
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Rahana Rahman
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Rebecca Lim
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Bryan Leaw
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - James Doery
- Monash Pathology, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Euan M Wallace
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Peter R Ebeling
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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15
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Gunatillake T, Yong HEJ, Dunk CE, Keogh RJ, Borg AJ, Cartwright JE, Whitley GS, Murthi P. Homeobox gene TGIF-1 is increased in placental endothelial cells of human fetal growth restriction. Reproduction 2016; 152:457-65. [PMID: 27539603 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant placental angiogenesis is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). In mice, targeted disruption of the homeobox gene, transforming growth β-induced factor (Tgif-1), which is also a transcription factor, causes defective placental vascularisation. Nevertheless, the role of TGIF-1 in human placental angiogenesis is unclear. We have previously reported increased TGIF-1 expression in human FGR placentae and demonstrated localisation of TGIF-1 protein in placental endothelial cells (ECs). However, its functional role remains to be investigated. In this study, we aimed to specifically compare TGIF-1 mRNA expression in placental ECs isolated from human FGR-affected pregnancies with gestation-matched control pregnancies in two independent cohorts from Australia and Canada and to identify the functional role of TGIF-1 in placental angiogenesis using the human umbilical vein endothelial cell-derived cell line, SGHEC-7, and primary human umbilical vein ECs. Real-time PCR revealed that TGIF-1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in ECs isolated from FGR-affected placentae compared with that of controls. The functional roles of TGIF-1 were determined in ECs after TGIF-1 siRNA transfection. TGIF-1 inactivation in ECs significantly reduced TGIF-1 at both the mRNA and protein levels, as well as the proliferative and invasive potential, but significantly increased the angiogenic potential. Using angiogenesis PCR screening arrays, we identified ITGAV, NRP-1, ANPGT-1 and ANPGT-2 as novel downstream targets of TGIF-1, after TGIF-1 inactivation in ECs. Collectively, these results show that TGIF-1 regulates EC function and the expression of angiogenic molecules; and when abnormally expressed, may contribute to the aberrant placental angiogenesis observed in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilini Gunatillake
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research CentreThe Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hannah E J Yong
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research CentreThe Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline E Dunk
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum-Research InstituteMount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rosemary J Keogh
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research CentreThe Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Borg
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research CentreThe Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judith E Cartwright
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Cell SciencesSt George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Guy S Whitley
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Cell SciencesSt George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Research CentreThe Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of MedicineSchool of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia The Ritchie CentreHudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Li J, Chen L, Qiuqin Tang, Wu W, Hao Gu, Lou Liu, Jie Wu, Hua Jiang, Hongjuan Ding, Xia Y, Chen D, Hu Y, Wang X. The role, mechanism and potentially novel biomarker of microRNA-17-92 cluster in macrosomia. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17212. [PMID: 26598317 PMCID: PMC4657041 DOI: 10.1038/srep17212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrosomia is one of the most common perinatal complications of pregnancy and has life-long health implications for the infant. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to regulate placental development, yet the role of miRNAs in macrosomia remains poorly understood. Here we investigated the role of miR-17-92 cluster in macrosomia. The expression levels of five miRNAs in miR-17-92 cluster were significantly elevated in placentas of macrosomia, which may due to the up-regulation of miRNA-processing enzyme Drosha and Dicer. Cell cycle pathway was identified to be the most relevant pathways regulated by miR-17-92 cluster miRNAs. Importantly, miR-17-92 cluster increased proliferation, attenuated cell apoptosis and accelerated cells entering S phase by targeting SMAD4 and RB1 in HTR8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, we found that expression of miR-17-92 cluster in serum had a high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for macrosomia (AUC: 80.53%; sensitivity: 82.61%; specificity: 69.57%). Our results suggested that miR-17-92 cluster contribute to macrosomia development by targeting regulators of cell cycle pathway. Our findings not only provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of macrosomia, but also the clinical value of miR-17-92 cluster as a predictive biomarker for macrosomia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Department of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China
| | - Hao Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Perinatology Unit, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Hongjuan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Daozhen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China
| | - Yali Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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17
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Janssen AB, Tunster SJ, Savory N, Holmes A, Beasley J, Parveen SAR, Penketh RJA, John RM. Placental expression of imprinted genes varies with sampling site and mode of delivery. Placenta 2015; 36:790-5. [PMID: 26162698 PMCID: PMC4535278 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Imprinted genes, which are monoallelically expressed by virtue of an epigenetic process initiated in the germline, are known to play key roles in regulating fetal growth and placental development. Numerous studies are investigating the expression of these imprinted genes in the human placenta in relation to common complications of pregnancy such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. This study aimed to determine whether placental sampling protocols or other factors such as fetal sex, gestational age and mode of delivery may influence the expression of imprinted genes predicted to regulate placental signalling. METHODS Term placentas were collected from Caucasian women delivering at University Hospital of Wales or Royal Gwent Hospital within two hours of delivery. Expression of the imprinted genes PHLDA2, CDKN1C, PEG3 and PEG10 was assayed by quantitative real time PCR. Intraplacental gene expression was analysed (N = 5). Placental gene expression was compared between male (N = 11) and female (N = 11) infants, early term (N = 8) and late term (N = 10) deliveries and between labouring (N = 13) and non-labouring (N = 21) participants. RESULTS The paternally expressed imprinted genes PEG3 and PEG10 were resilient to differences in sampling site, fetal sex, term gestational age and mode of delivery. The maternally expressed imprinted gene CDKN1C was elevated over 2-fold (p < 0.001) in placenta from labouring deliveries compared with elective caesarean sections. In addition, the maternally expressed imprinted gene PHLDA2 was elevated by 1.8 fold (p = 0.01) in samples taken at the distal edge of the placenta compared to the cord insertion site. CONCLUSION These findings support the reinterpretation of existing data sets on these genes in relation to complications of pregnancy and further reinforce the importance of optimising and unifying placental collection protocols for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Janssen
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - S J Tunster
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - N Savory
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, Wales CF144XW, UK
| | - A Holmes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, Wales CF144XW, UK
| | - J Beasley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Wales NP202UB, UK
| | - S A R Parveen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, Wales NP202UB, UK
| | - R J A Penketh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, Wales CF144XW, UK
| | - R M John
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AX, UK.
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18
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Nguyen TPH, Yong HEJ, Chollangi T, Borg AJ, Brennecke SP, Murthi P. Placental vitamin D receptor expression is decreased in human idiopathic fetal growth restriction. J Mol Med (Berl) 2015; 93:795-805. [PMID: 25716068 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects up to 5 % of pregnancies worldwide, and trophoblast function plays a significant role on the outcome. An epidemiological study has linked vitamin D deficiency to adverse perinatal outcomes, which include decreased birth weight. The placenta as an important source of vitamin D regulates its metabolism through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), but the mechanism by which VDR regulates trophoblast function is poorly understood. Our study aimed at determining placental VDR expression in FGR and gestation-matched control (GMC) pregnancies and identifying the actions of VDR in trophoblast differentiation and apoptosis. Placentae were collected from a well-defined cohort of idiopathic FGR and GMC pregnancies. VDR mRNA and protein expressions were determined by PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, while functional consequences of VDR inactivation in vitro were determined on BeWo cells by determining changes in differentiation, attachment and apoptosis. Significant decreases in VDR mRNA expression (p = 0.0005) and protein expression (p = 0.0003) were observed in the FGR samples, while VDR inactivation, which showed markers for differentiation, cell attachment and apoptosis, was significantly increased. Thus, decreased placental VDR may contribute to uncontrolled premature differentiation and apoptosis of trophoblasts that are characteristics of idiopathic FGR pregnancies. KEY MESSAGE Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects up to 5 % of all pregnancies worldwide. FGR is the second highest cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. The placenta plays a pivotal role in vitamin D metabolism during pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Placental vitamin D receptor expression is decreased in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P H Nguyen
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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19
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Sitras V, Fenton C, Acharya G. Gene expression profile in cardiovascular disease and preeclampsia: a meta-analysis of the transcriptome based on raw data from human studies deposited in Gene Expression Omnibus. Placenta 2014; 36:170-8. [PMID: 25555499 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and preeclampsia (PE) share common clinical features. We aimed to identify common transcriptomic signatures involved in CVD and PE in humans. METHODS Meta-analysis of individual raw microarray data deposited in GEO, obtained from blood samples of patients with CVD versus controls and placental samples from women with PE versus healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Annotation of cases versus control samples was taken directly from the microarray documentation. Genes that showed a significant differential expression in the majority of experiments were selected for subsequent analysis. Hypergeometric gene list analysis was performed using Bioconductor GOstats package. Bioinformatic analysis was performed in PANTHER. RESULTS Seven studies in CVD and 5 studies in PE were eligible for meta-analysis. A total of 181 genes were found to be differentially expressed in microarray studies investigating gene expression in blood samples obtained from patients with CVD compared to controls and 925 genes were differentially expressed between preeclamptic and healthy placentas. Among these differentially expressed genes, 22 were common between CVD and PE. DISCUSSION Bioinformatic analysis of these genes revealed oxidative stress, p-53 pathway feedback, inflammation mediated by chemokines and cytokines, interleukin signaling, B-cell activation, PDGF signaling, Wnt signaling, integrin signaling and Alzheimer disease pathways to be involved in the pathophysiology of both CVD and PE. Metabolism, development, response to stimulus, immune response and cell communication were the associated biologic processes in both conditions. Gene set enrichment analysis showed the following overlapping pathways between CVD and PE: TGF-β-signaling, apoptosis, graft-versus-host disease, allograft rejection, chemokine signaling, steroid hormone synthesis, type I and II diabetes mellitus, VEGF signaling, pathways in cancer, GNRH signaling, Huntingtons disease and Notch signaling. CONCLUSION CVD and PE share same common traits in their gene expression profile indicating common pathways in their pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sitras
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Norway.
| | - C Fenton
- Microarray Resource Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - G Acharya
- Women's Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Liu H, Murthi P, Qin S, Kusuma GD, Borg AJ, Knöfler M, Haslinger P, Manuelpillai U, Pertile MD, Abumaree M, Kalionis B. A novel combination of homeobox genes is expressed in mesenchymal chorionic stem/stromal cells in first trimester and term pregnancies. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1382-94. [PMID: 24692208 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114526471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human chorionic mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (CMSCs) derived from the placenta are similar to adult tissue-derived MSCs. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of these cells in normal placental development. Transcription factors, particularly members of the homeobox gene family, play crucial roles in maintaining stem cell proliferation and lineage specification in embryonic tissues. In adult tissues and organs, stem cells proliferate at low levels in their niche until they receive cues from the microenvironment to differentiate. The homeobox genes that are expressed in the CMSC niche in placental tissues have not been identified. We used the novel strategy of laser capture microdissection to isolate the stromal component of first trimester villi and excluded the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast layers that comprise the outer layer of the chorionic villi. Microarray analysis was then used to screen for homeobox genes in the microdissected tissue. Candidate homeobox genes were selected for further RNA analysis. Immunohistochemistry of candidate genes in first trimester placental villous stromal tissue revealed homeobox genes Meis1, myeloid ectropic viral integration site 1 homolog 2 (MEIS2), H2.0-like Drosophila (HLX), transforming growth factor β-induced factor (TGIF), and distal-less homeobox 5 (DLX5) were expressed in the vascular niche where CMSCs have been shown to reside. Expression of MEIS2, HLX, TGIF, and DLX5 was also detected in scattered stromal cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry verified expression of MEIS2, HLX, TGIF, and DLX5 homeobox genes in first trimester and term CMSCs. These data suggest a combination of regulatory homeobox genes is expressed in CMSCs from early placental development to term, which may be required for stem cell proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, QiLu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gina D Kusuma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Borg
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Haslinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Manuelpillai
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria
| | - Mark D Pertile
- VCGS, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Childrens Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamed Abumaree
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences/ King Abdulla International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Murthi P. Review: placental homeobox genes and their role in regulating human fetal growth. Placenta 2013; 35 Suppl:S46-50. [PMID: 24321781 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of fetal growth is multifactorial and complex. Normal fetal growth is determined by the genetically predetermined growth potential and further modulated by maternal, fetal, placental, and environmental factors. The placenta provides critical transport functions between the maternal and fetal circulations during intrauterine development. Formation of this interface is controlled by several growth factors, cytokines and transcription factors including homeobox genes. This review summarizes our current knowledge regarding homeobox genes in the human placenta and their differential expression and functions in human idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR). The review also describes the research strategies that were used for the identification of homeobox genes, their expression in FGR, functional role and target genes of homeobox genes in the trophoblasts and the hormonal regulators of homeobox gene expression in vitro. A better understanding of molecular pathways driven by placental homeobox genes and further elucidation of signaling pathways underlying the hormone-mediated homeobox gene developmental programs may offer novel strategies of targeted therapy for improving feto-placental growth in idiopathic FGR pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia.
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22
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Chui A, Kalionis B, Abumaree M, Cocquebert M, Fournier T, Evain-Brion D, Brennecke SP, Murthi P. Downstream targets of the homeobox gene DLX3 are differentially expressed in the placentae of pregnancies affected by human idiopathic fetal growth restriction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 377:75-83. [PMID: 23831639 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Human idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with placental insufficiency. Previously, we reported that the expression of homeobox gene Distal-less 3 (DLX3) is increased in idiopathic FGR placentae and is a regulator of villous trophoblast differentiation. Here, we identify the downstream targets of DLX3 in trophoblast-derived cell lines. We modelled the high levels of DLX3 in FGR using an over-expression plasmid construct and complemented this using short-interference RNA (siRNA) for inactivation in cultured cells. Using a real-time PCR-based gene profiling, candidate target genes of DLX3 over-expression and inactivation were identified as regulators of trophoblast differentiation; GATA2 and PPARγ. The expression of GATA2 and PPARγ were further assessed in placental tissues and showed increased mRNA and protein levels in FGR-affected tissues compared with gestation-matched controls. We conclude that DLX3 orchestrates the expression of multiple regulators of trophoblast differentiation and that expression of these regulatory genes is abnormal in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Chui
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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23
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Murthi P, Kalionis B, Cocquebert M, Rajaraman G, Chui A, Keogh RJ, Evain-Brion D, Fournier T. Homeobox genes and down-stream transcription factor PPARγ in normal and pathological human placental development. Placenta 2013; 34:299-309. [PMID: 23484914 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The placenta provides critical transport functions between the maternal and fetal circulations during intrauterine development. Formation of this interface is controlled by nuclear transcription factors including homeobox genes. Here we summarize current knowledge regarding the expression and function of homeobox genes in the placenta. We also describe the identification of target transcription factors including PPARγ, biological pathways regulated by homeobox genes and their role in placental development. The role of the nuclear receptor PPARγ, ligands and target genes in human placental development is also discussed. A better understanding of these pathways will improve our knowledge of placental cell biology and has the potential to reveal new molecular targets for the early detection and diagnosis of pregnancy complications including human fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine Pregnancy Research Centre, Australia
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24
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Murthi P, Kalionis B, Rajaraman G, Keogh RJ, Da Silva Costa F. The role of homeobox genes in the development of placental insufficiency. Fetal Diagn Ther 2012; 32:225-30. [PMID: 22906990 DOI: 10.1159/000339657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an adverse pregnancy outcome associated with significant perinatal and pediatric morbidity and mortality, and an increased risk of chronic disease later in adult life. While a number of maternal, fetal and environmental factors are known causes of IUGR, the majority of IUGR cases are of unknown cause. These IUGR cases are frequently associated with placental insufficiency, possibly as a result of placental maldevelopment. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of abnormal placental development in IUGR associated with placental insufficiency is therefore of increasing importance. Here, we review our understanding of transcriptional control of normal placental development as well as human IUGR associated with placental insufficiency. We also assess the potential for understanding transcriptional control as a means for revealing new molecular targets for the detection, diagnosis and clinical management of IUGR associated with placental insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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25
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Liu ZK, Liu HY, Fang WN, Yang Y, Wang HM, Peng JP. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 modulates estrogen-induced trophoblast proliferation and invasion in HTR-8 and JEG-3 cells. Cell Biochem Biophys 2012; 63:73-84. [PMID: 22383111 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-012-9342-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has reported that IGFBP7 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in different tumors, but its role in the trophoblast has not been elucidated. In this research, we studied the regulation mechanism of IGFBP7 in trophoblast proliferation and invasion in HTR-8 and JEG-3 cell lines. We found that IGFBP7 was abundantly expressed in normal human syncytiotrophoblast tissue samples but that this was lacking in hydatidiform moles. The proliferation and invasion capacities of HTR-8 and JEG-3 cells were significantly inhibited by recombinant IGFBP7. Estrogen (E2) stimulated the expression of IGFBP7 at a concentration of 5-10 ng/mL. This stimulation was inhibited by the estrogen receptor antagonist Fulvestrant (ICI182.780) and a TGFβ-neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, our data reveals that estrogen stimulates the expression of IGFBP7 through estrogen receptors and TGFβ. The expression of IGFBP7 could be stimulated by TGFβ in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited by IFNγ in HTR-8 and JEG-3 cells. IGFBP7 could also inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK and the expression of PCNA, MMP2 and MMP9 in HTR-8 and JEG-3 cells. These findings suggest that IGFBP7 is a key regulator of E2-induced trophoblast proliferation and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Kun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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26
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Homeobox gene Distal-Less 3 is a regulator of villous cytotrophoblast differentiation and its expression is increased in human idiopathic foetal growth restriction. J Mol Med (Berl) 2011; 90:273-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-011-0836-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Revised: 10/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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27
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Piedrahita JA. The role of imprinted genes in fetal growth abnormalities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:682-92. [PMID: 21648055 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics, and in particular imprinted genes, have a critical role in the development and function of the placenta, which in turn has a central role in the regulation of fetal growth and development. A unique characteristic of imprinted genes is their expression from only one allele, maternal or paternal and dependent on parent of origin. This unique expression pattern may have arisen as a mechanism to control the flow of nutrients from the mother to the fetus, with maternally expressed imprinted genes reducing the flow of resources and paternally expressed genes increasing resources to the fetus. As a result, any epigenetic deregulation affecting this balance can result in fetal growth abnormalities. Imprinting-associated disorders in humans, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann and Angelman syndrome, support the role of imprinted genes in fetal growth. Similarly, assisted reproductive technologies in animals have been shown to affect the epigenome of the early embryo and the expression of imprinted genes. Their role in disorders such as intrauterine growth restriction appears to be more complex, in that imprinted gene expression can be seen as both causative and protective of fetal growth restriction. This protective or compensatory effect needs to be explored more fully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Piedrahita
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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28
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The role of placental homeobox genes in human fetal growth restriction. J Pregnancy 2011; 2011:548171. [PMID: 21547091 PMCID: PMC3087155 DOI: 10.1155/2011/548171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is an adverse pregnancy outcome associated with significant perinatal and paediatric morbidity and mortality, and an increased risk of chronic disease later in adult life. One of the key causes of adverse pregnancy outcome is fetal growth restriction (FGR). While a number of maternal, fetal, and environmental factors are known causes of FGR, the majority of FGR cases remain idiopathic. These idiopathic FGR pregnancies are frequently associated with placental insufficiency, possibly as a result of placental maldevelopment. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of abnormal placental development in idiopathic FGR is, therefore, of increasing importance. Here, we review our understanding of transcriptional control of normal placental development and abnormal placental development associated with human idiopathic FGR. We also assess the potential for understanding transcriptional control as a means for revealing new molecular targets for the detection, diagnosis, and clinical management of idiopathic FGR.
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29
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The VEGF-regulated transcription factor HLX controls the expression of guidance cues and negatively regulates sprouting of endothelial cells. Blood 2011; 117:2735-44. [PMID: 21224470 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-07-293209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The HLX gene encoding a diverged homeobox transcription factor has been found to be up-regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in endothelial cells. We have now investigated the gene repertoire induced by HLX and its potential biologic function. HLX strongly increased the transcripts for several repulsive cell-guidance proteins including UNC5B, plexin-A1, and semaphorin-3G. In addition, genes for transcriptional repressors such as HES-1 were up-regulated. In line with these findings, adenoviral overexpression of HLX inhibited endothelial cell migration, sprouting, and vessel formation in vitro and in vivo, whereas proliferation was unaffected. This inhibition of sprouting was caused to a significant part by HLX-mediated up-regulation of UNC5B as shown by short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated down-modulation of the respective mRNA. VEGF-A stimulation of endothelial cells induced elevated levels of HLX over longer time periods resulting in especially high up-regulation of UNC5B mRNA as well as an increase in cells displaying UNC5B at their surface. However, induction of HLX was strongly reduced and UNC5B up-regulation completely abrogated when cells were exposed to hypoxic conditions. These data suggest that HLX may function to balance attractive with repulsive vessel guidance by up-regulating UNC5B and to down-modulate sprouting under normoxic conditions.
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Zhang J, Chen Z, Smith GN, Croy BA. Natural killer cell-triggered vascular transformation: maternal care before birth? Cell Mol Immunol 2011; 8:1-11. [PMID: 20711229 PMCID: PMC3079746 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2010.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Revised: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are found in lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs. In addition to important roles in immune surveillance, some NK cells contribute to angiogenesis and circulatory regulation. The uterus of early pregnancy is a non-lymphoid organ enriched in NK cells that are specifically recruited to placental attachment sites. In species with invasive hemochorial placentation, these uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, via secretion of cytokines, chemokines, mucins, enzymes and angiogenic growth factors, contribute to the physiological change of mesometrial endometrium into the unique stromal environment called decidua basalis. In humans, uNK cells have the phenotype CD56(bright)CD16(dim) and they appear in great abundance in the late secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. Gene expression studies indicate that CD56(bright)CD16(dim) uterine and circulating cells are functionally distinct. In humans but not mice or other species with post-implantation decidualization, uNK cells may contribute to blastocyst implantation and are of interest as therapeutic targets in female infertility. Histological and genetic studies in mice first identified triggering of the process of gestation spiral arterial modification as a major uNK cell function, achieved via interferon (IFN)-γ secretion. During spiral arterial modification, branches from the uterine artery that traverse the endometrium/decidua transiently lose their muscular coat and ability to vasoconstrict. The expression of vascular markers changes from arterial to venous as these vessels dilate and become low-resistance, high-volume channels. Full understanding of the vascular interactions of human uNK cells is difficult to obtain because endometrial time-course studies are not possible in pregnant women. Here we briefly review key information concerning uNK cell functions from studies in rodents, summarize highlights concerning human uNK cells and describe our preliminary studies on development of a humanized, pregnant mouse model for in vivo investigations of human uNK cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Rajaraman G, Murthi P, Brennecke SP, Kalionis B. Homeobox Gene HLX Is a Regulator of HGF/c-met-Mediated Migration of Human Trophoblast-Derived Cell Lines1. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:676-83. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.078634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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