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Liu Z, Lai S, Qu Q, Liu X, Zhang W, Zhao D, He S, Sun Y, Bao H. Analysis of weighted gene co-expression networks and clinical validation identify hub genes and immune cell infiltration in the endometrial cells of patients with recurrent implantation failure. Front Genet 2024; 15:1292757. [PMID: 38645487 PMCID: PMC11026622 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1292757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background About 10% of individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization encounter recurrent implantation failure (RIF), which represents a worldwide social and economic concern. Nevertheless, the critical genes and genetic mechanisms underlying RIF are largely unknown. Methods We first obtained three comprehensive microarray datasets "GSE58144, GSE103465 and GSE111974". The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) evaluation, enrichment analysis, as well as efficient weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), were employed for distinguishing RIF-linked hub genes, which were tested by RT-qPCR in our 30 independent samples. Next, we studied the topography of infiltration of 22 immune cell subpopulations and the association between hub genes and immune cells in RIF using the CIBERSORT algorithm. Finally, a novel ridge plot was utilized to exhibit the potential function of core genes. Results The enrichment of GO/KEGG pathways reveals that Herpes simplex virus 1 infection and Salmonella infection may have an important role in RIF. After WGCNA, the intersected genes with the previous DEGs were obtained using both variance and association. Notably, the subsequent nine hub genes were finally selected: ACTL6A, BECN1, SNRPD1, POLR1B, GSK3B, PPP2CA, RBBP7, PLK4, and RFC4, based on the PPI network and three different algorithms, whose expression patterns were also verified by RT-qPCR. With in-depth analysis, we speculated that key genes mentioned above might be involved in the RIF through disturbing endometrial microflora homeostasis, impairing autophagy, and inhibiting the proliferation of endometrium. Furthermore, the current study revealed the aberrant immune infiltration patterns and emphasized that uterine NK cells (uNK) and CD4+ T cells were substantially altered in RIF endometrium. Finally, the ridge plot displayed a clear and crucial association between hub genes and other genes and key pathways. Conclusion We first utilized WGCNA to identify the most potential nine hub genes which might be associated with RIF. Meanwhile, this study offers insights into the landscape of immune infiltration status to reveal the underlying immune pathogenesis of RIF. This may be a direction for the next study of RIF etiology. Further studies would be required to investigate the involved mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenteng Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital), Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Shoucui Lai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital), Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qinglan Qu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital), Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital), Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital), Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital), Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Shunzhi He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital), Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yuxia Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital), Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hongchu Bao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Medical and Health Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics (Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital), Yantai, Shandong, China
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Mukherjee N, Sharma R, Modi D. Immune alterations in recurrent implantation failure. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13563. [PMID: 35587052 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A failure to achieve pregnancy after three or more embryo transfer cycles with high-quality blastocysts is referred to as recurrent implantation failure (RIF). RIF can be due to altered uterine factors or male factors or embryo factors. Disrupted endometrial receptivity, altered expression of genes in several pathways, immunologic disturbances in the peripheral blood and/or the endometrium, and epigenetic alterations are associated with RIF. Amongst the immunologic disturbances, altered Th1/Th2 ratio, altered NK cell and macrophage numbers are observed in women with RIF. However, not all women with RIF have the same kind of immune dysfunction suggesting that RIF is a heterogeneous condition associated with varied immune responses and one size may not fit all. Thus, personalized therapies based on the immune status of the patient are being tested in women with RIF. In general, women with a high Th1/Th2 ratio are offered Tacrolimus, while intravenous IgG is recommended in women with high NK cell numbers/HLA mismatch. Women with hyperactivated immune status in the uterus are offered progesterone support, prednisolone, vitamin E, and intralipid treatment to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress, while endometrial scratching and intrauterine hCG administration are offered to women with hypo-active immune status. There is a need for standardized tests for evaluation of immune status in patients and sufficiently powered randomized controlled trials for personalized therapies to determine which of these will be beneficial in women with RIF. Till then, the ART community should limit the use of such add-on interventions in women with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nupur Mukherjee
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Richa Sharma
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Deryabin PI, Ivanova JS, Borodkina AV. Senescent endometrial stromal cells transmit reactive oxygen species to the trophoblast-like cells and impair spreading of blastocyst-like spheroids. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6825317. [PMID: 36370081 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful implantation requires a fine-tuned dialog between the invading embryo and the maternal endometrium. Recently, we discovered that premature senescence of endometrial stromal cells (EnSC) might mediate improper decidual transformation of endometrial tissue and impair endometrial-blastocyst interaction. Here, we show that senescent EnSC are characterized by elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels that originate from mitochondrial dysfunction and insufficient antioxidant defense. Decidualization of senescent EnSC is defective and is accompanied by the elevated intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels. Antioxidant defense during decidualization is significantly less efficient in senescent EnSC compared to healthy ones. Senescent EnSC secrete increased amounts of ROS into the extracellular space. Elevated ROS released by senescent EnSC shift the redox balance and induce DNA damage in the neighboring trophoblast-like cells. In an in vitro implantation model, we observed impaired spreading of blastocyst-like spheroids into a monolayer of decidualizing senescent EnSC, which could be compensated by pretreatment of the senescent cells with the antioxidant, Tempol. Hence, we propose a possible mechanism that might be responsible, at least in part, for the defective embryo implantation realized via ROS transmitting from senescent EnSC to trophoblast cells. Such transmission results in the accumulation of ROS and subsequent DNA damage in trophoblastic cells, which might lead to improper migration and invasion of an embryo. In light of these findings, the application of antioxidants prior to implantation might be a promising strategy to improve implantation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Deryabin
- Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Group, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - J S Ivanova
- Laboratory of Intracellular Signaling and Transport, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - A V Borodkina
- Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Group, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Hwang YJ, Sung GJ, Marquardt R, Young SL, Lessey BA, Kim TH, Cheon YP, Jeong JW. SIRT1 plays an important role in implantation and decidualization during mouse early pregnancy. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1072-1082. [PMID: 35134122 PMCID: PMC9198957 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a member of the sirtuin family that functions to deacetylate both histones and non-histone proteins. Previous studies have identified significant SIRT1 upregulation in eutopic endometrium from infertile women with endometriosis. However, SIRT1 function in the uterus has not been directly studied. Using immunochemistry analysis, we found SIRT1 to be most strongly expressed at GD4.5 and GD5.5 in decidualized cells and at GD7.5 in secondary decidual cells in mouse. To assess the role of SIRT1 in uterine function, we generated uterine Sirt1 conditional knockout mice (Pgrcre/+Sirt1f/f; Sirt1d/d). A 6-month fertility trial revealed that Sirt1d/d females were subfertile. Implantation site numbers were significantly decreased in Sirt1d/d mice compared with controls at GD5.5. Sirt1d/d implantation sites at GD4.5 could be divided into two groups, Group #1 with luminal closure and nonspecific COX2 expression compared with controls (14/20) and Group #2 with an open lumen and no COX2 (6/20). In Sirt1d/d Group #1, nuclear FOXO1 expression in luminal epithelial cells was significantly decreased. In Sirt1d/d Group #2, nuclear FOXO1 expression was almost completely absent, and there was strong PGR expression in epithelial cells. At GD5.5, stromal PGR and COX2 were significantly decreased in Sirt1d/d uterine in the areas surrounding the embryo compared with controls, indicating defective decidualization. An artificially induced decidualization test revealed that Sirt1d/d females showed defects in decidualization response. All together, these data suggest that SIRT1 is important for decidualization and contributes to preparing a receptive endometrium for successful implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Jeong Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Basic Sciences, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gi-Jun Sung
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Ryan Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertilithy, Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Basic Sciences, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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Li R, Wang TY, Xu X, Emery OM, Yi M, Wu SP, DeMayo FJ. Spatial transcriptomic profiles of mouse uterine microenvironments at pregnancy day 7.5†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:529-545. [PMID: 35357464 PMCID: PMC9382390 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine dysfunctions lead to fertility disorders and pregnancy complications. Normal uterine functions at pregnancy depend on crosstalk among multiple cell types in uterine microenvironments. Here, we performed the spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-seq assays to determine local gene expression profiles at the embryo implantation site of the mouse uterus on pregnancy day 7.5 (D7.5). The spatial transcriptomic annotation identified 11 domains of distinct gene signatures, including a mesometrial myometrium, an anti-mesometrial myometrium, a mesometrial decidua enriched with natural killer cells, a vascular sinus zone for maternal vessel remodeling, a fetal-maternal interface, a primary decidual zone, a transition decidual zone, a secondary decidual zone, undifferentiated stroma, uterine glands, and the embryo. The scRNA-Seq identified 12 types of cells in the D7.5 uterus including three types of stromal fibroblasts with differentiated and undifferentiated markers, one cluster of epithelium including luminal and glandular epithelium, mesothelium, endothelia, pericytes, myelomonocytic cell, natural killer cells, and lymphocyte B. These single-cell RNA signatures were then utilized to deconvolute the cell-type compositions of each individual uterine microenvironment. Functional annotation assays on spatial transcriptomic data revealed uterine microenvironments with distinguished metabolic preferences, immune responses, and various cellular behaviors that are regulated by region-specific endocrine and paracrine signals. Global interactome among regions is also projected based on the spatial transcriptomic data. This study provides high-resolution transcriptome profiles with locality information at the embryo implantation site to facilitate further investigations on molecular mechanisms for normal pregnancy progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tian-yuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics Supportive Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Olivia M Emery
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - MyeongJin Yi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Correspondence: Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T. W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. Tel: +9842873987; E-mail:
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Autophagy as a Therapeutic Target of Natural Products Enhancing Embryo Implantation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010053. [PMID: 35056110 PMCID: PMC8779555 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is an emerging health issue worldwide, and female infertility is intimately associated with embryo implantation failure. Embryo implantation is an essential process during the initiation of prenatal development. Recent studies have strongly suggested that autophagy in the endometrium is the most important factor for successful embryo implantation. In addition, several studies have reported the effects of various natural products on infertility improvement via the regulation of embryo implantation, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity. However, it is unclear whether natural products can improve embryo implantation ability by regulating endometrial autophagy. Therefore, we performed a literature review of studies on endometrial autophagy, embryo implantation, natural products, and female infertility. Based on the information from these studies, this review suggests a new treatment strategy for female infertility by proposing natural products that have been proven to be safe and effective as endometrial autophagy regulators; additionally, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the regulation of endometrial autophagy by natural products and female infertility, with an emphasis on embryo implantation.
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The investigation of the role of sirtuin-1 on embryo implantation in oxidative stress-induced mice. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2349-2361. [PMID: 33993396 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02229-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Implantation is essential for a successful pregnancy. Despite the increasing number of studies, implantation is still an unknown process. This study aimed to determine whether sirtuin-1 has a role in embryo implantation in oxidative stress-induced mice. METHODS Pregnant mice were separated into 5 groups: control, vehicle, paraquat, SRT1720, and SRT1720+Paraquat. Paraquat is a herbicide and is used to induce oxidative stress. SRT1720 is a specific sirtuin-1 activator. Implantation and inter-implantation sites were removed in the morning of the 5th day of pregnancy after Chicago blue injection was performed. Sirtuin-1 and Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot while acetylated lysine was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined by fluorometric and spectrometric methods, respectively. RESULTS Although there was no embryo implantation in paraquat-treated mice, 5 out of 9 SRT1720+Paraquat-treated mice had implantation sites which were significantly higher compared to the paraquat-treated group. Sirtuin-1 and FoxO1 expressions were increased at implantation sites of SRT1720-treated mice. ROS/RNS levels were decreased, while deacetylated FoxO1 levels and SOD activity were increased in SRT1720-treated mice. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that sirtuin-1 may play a role in embryo implantation against oxidative stress through FoxO1-SOD signaling.
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