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Apodaca S, Di Salvatore M, Muñoz-Calderón A, Curto MDLÁ, Longhi SA, Schijman AG. Novel 3D human trophoblast culture to explore T. cruzi infection in the placenta. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1433424. [PMID: 39165920 PMCID: PMC11333438 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1433424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Human trophoblastic cell lines, such as BeWo, are commonly used in 2D models to study placental Trypanosoma cruzi infections. However, these models do not accurately represent natural infections. Three-dimensional (3D) microtissue cultures offer a more physiologically relevant in vitro model, mimicking tissue microarchitecture and providing an environment closer to natural infections. These 3D cultures exhibit functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, morphogenesis, and gene expression that resemble in vivo conditions. Methods We developed a 3D culture model using the human trophoblastic cell line BeWo and nonadherent agarose molds from the MicroTissues® 3D Petri Dish® system. Both small (12-256) and large (12-81) models were tested with varying initial cell numbers. We measured the diameter of the 3D cultures and evaluated cell viability using Trypan Blue dye. Trophoblast functionality was assessed by measuring β-hCG production via ELISA. Cell fusion was evaluated using confocal microscopy, with Phalloidin or ZO-1 marking cell edges and DAPI staining nuclei. T. cruzi infection was assessed by microscopy and quantitative PCR, targeting the EF1-α gene for T. cruzi and GAPDH for BeWo cells, using three parasite strains: VD (isolated from a congenital Chagas disease infant and classified as Tc VI), and K98 and Pan4 (unrelated to congenital infection and classified as Tc I). Results Seeding 1000 BeWo cells per microwell in the large model resulted in comparable cellular viability to 2D cultures, with a theoretical diameter of 408.68 ± 12.65 μm observed at 5 days. Functionality, assessed through β-hCG production, exceeded levels in 2D cultures at both 3 and 5 days. T. cruzi infection was confirmed by qPCR and microscopy, showing parasite presence inside the cells for all three tested strains. The distribution and progression of the infection varied with each strain. Discussion This innovative 3D model offers a simple yet effective approach for generating viable and functional cultures susceptible to T. cruzi infection, presenting significant potential for studying the placental microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Alejandro G. Schijman
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de la Enfermedad de Chagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor Torres" (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Hou T, Zhang P, Tian H, Luo Y, Li J, Zhang K, Li Y. Semaphorin 4A Maintains Trophoblastic Function via Activating the STAT3 Pathway. Biomolecules 2024; 14:826. [PMID: 39062540 PMCID: PMC11274653 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of trophoblastic cells play a crucial role in ensuring the effective preservation of pregnancy at the maternal-fetal interface. Any deviations in the structure and function of these cells might potentially result in the development of numerous pregnancy-related disorders, including missed abortion (MA). This study involved the examination of semaphorin 4A (SEMA4A) expression in missed abortion (n = 18) and normal early pregnancy (n = 18) villus. The findings of this study indicate a statistically significant decrease in the expression of SEMA4A in the villi of individuals diagnosed with missed abortion, as compared to the control group. The results of our vitro study showed that SEMA4A promoted the migration and proliferation of trophoblast cells and inhibited their apoptosis. Subsequent studies have shown that SEMA4A may be involved in regulating p-STAT3/STAT3, MMP9, bcl-2, and BAX levels. In summary, the findings of this study indicate a correlation between the decreased level of SEMA4A in chorionic villi and missed abortion. These results offer novel theoretical insights into the proper implantation and development of SEMA4A embryos at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Hou
- Graduate School of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
- Department of Gynecology, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, Tianjin 300400, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Haishen Tian
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Kuo Zhang
- Graduate School of University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yali Li
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
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Zambuto SG, Scott AK, Oyen ML. Beyond 2D: Novel biomaterial approaches for modeling the placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00073-0. [PMID: 38514278 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.006] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This review considers fully three-dimensional biomaterial environments of varying complexity as these pertain to research on the placenta. The developments in placental cell sources are first considered, along with the corresponding maternal cells with which the trophoblast interact. We consider biomaterial sources, including hybrid and composite biomaterials. Properties and characterization of biomaterials are discussed in the context of material design for specific placental applications. The development of increasingly complicated three-dimensional structures includes examples of advanced fabrication methods such as microfluidic device fabrication and 3D bioprinting, as utilized in a placenta context. The review finishes with a discussion of the potential for in vitro, three-dimensional placenta research to address health disparities and sexual dimorphism, especially in light of the exciting recent changes in the regulatory environment for in vitro devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Parameshwar PK, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineering placental trophoblast fusion: A potential role for biomechanics in syncytialization. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00054-7. [PMID: 38448351 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.02.006] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The process by which placental trophoblasts fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast around the chorionic villi is not fully understood. Mechanical features of the in vivo and in vitro culture environments have recently emerged as having the potential to influence fusion efficiency, and considering these mechanical cues may ultimately allow predictive control of trophoblast syncytialization. Here, we review recent studies that suggest that biomechanical factors such as shear stress, tissue stiffness, and dimensionally-related stresses affect villous trophoblast fusion efficiency. We then discuss how these stimuli might arise in vivo and how they can be incorporated in cultures to study and enhance villous trophoblast fusion. We believe that this mechanical paradigm will provide novel insight into manipulating the syncytialization process to better engineer improved models, understand disease progression, and ultimately develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, H7B 1B7, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, and Research Center Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3L 1K5, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada; Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Menon R, Muglia LJ, Levin LH. Review on new approach methods to gain insight into the feto-maternal interface physiology. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1304002. [PMID: 38098843 PMCID: PMC10720461 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1304002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-human animals represent a large and important feature in the history of biomedical research. The validity of their use, in terms of reproducible outcomes and translational confidence to the human situation, as well as ethical concerns surrounding that use, have been and remain controversial topics. Over the last 10 years, the communities developing microphysiological systems (MPS) have produced new approach method (NAMs) such as organoids and organs-on-a-chip. These alternative methodologies have shown indications of greater reliability and translatability than animal use in some areas, represent more humane substitutions for animals in these settings, and - with continued scientific effort - may change the conduct of basic research, clinical studies, safety testing, and drug development. Here, we present an introduction to these more human-relevant methodologies and suggest how a suite of pregnancy associated feto-maternal interface system-oriented NAMs may be integrated as reliable partial-/full animal replacements for investigators, significantly aid animal-/environmental welfare, and improve healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Louis J. Muglia
- The Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Kanda T, Kagami K, Iizuka T, Kasama H, Matsumoto T, Sakai Y, Suzuki T, Yamamoto M, Matsuoka A, Yamazaki R, Hattori A, Horie A, Daikoku T, Ono M, Fujiwara H. Spheroid formation induces chemokine production in trophoblast-derived Swan71 cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13752. [PMID: 37491922 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM In the cell column of anchoring villi, the cytotrophoblast differentiates into extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and invades the endometrium in contact with maternal immune cells. Recently, chemokines were proposed to regulate the decidual immune response. To investigate the roles of chemokines around the anchoring villi, we examined the expression profiles of chemokines in the first-trimester trophoblast-derived Swan71 cells using a three-dimensional culture model. METHOD OF STUDY The gene expressions in the spheroid-formed Swan71 cells were examined by microarray and qPCR analyses. The protein expressions were examined by immunochemical staining. The chemoattractant effects of spheroid-formed Swan71 cells were examined by migration assay using monocyte-derived THP-1 cells. RESULTS The expressions of an EVT marker, laeverin, and matrix metalloproteases, MMP2 and MMP9, were increased in the spheroid-cultured Swan71 cells. Microarray and qPCR analysis revealed that mRNA expressions of various chemokines, CCL2, CCL7, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL8, and CXCL10, in the spheroid-cultured Swan71 cells were up-regulated as compared with those in the monolayer-cultured Swan71 cells. These expressions were significantly suppressed by hypoxia. Migration assay showed that culture media derived from the spheroid-formed Swan71 cells promoted THP-1 cell migration. CONCLUSION This study indicated that chemokine expressions in Swan71 cells increase under a spheroid-forming culture and the culture media have chemoattractant effects. Since three-dimensional cell assembling in the spheroid resembles the structure of the cell column, this study also suggests that chemokines play important roles in the interaction between EVT and immune cells in their early differentiation stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhito Kanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Haruki Kasama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takeo Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuya Sakai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takuma Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Ayumi Matsuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Rena Yamazaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Akira Hattori
- Department of System Chemotherapy and Molecular Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihito Horie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Animal Disease Model, Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
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