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Hori T, Okae H, Shibata S, Kobayashi N, Kobayashi EH, Oike A, Sekiya A, Arima T, Kaji H. Trophoblast stem cell-based organoid models of the human placental barrier. Nat Commun 2024; 15:962. [PMID: 38332125 PMCID: PMC10853531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45279-y] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Human placental villi have essential roles in producing hormones, mediating nutrient and waste exchange, and protecting the fetus from exposure to xenobiotics. Human trophoblast organoids that recapitulate the structure of villi could provide an important in vitro tool to understand placental development and the transplacental passage of xenobiotics. However, such organoids do not currently exist. Here we describe the generation of trophoblast organoids using human trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Following treatment with three kinds of culture medium, TS cells form spherical organoids with a single outer layer of syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cells that display a barrier function. Furthermore, we develop a column-type ST barrier model based on the culture condition of the trophoblast organoids. The bottom membrane of the column is almost entirely covered with syndecan 1-positive ST cells. The barrier integrity and maturation levels of the model are confirmed by measuring transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin. Further analysis reveals that the model can be used to derive the apparent permeability coefficients of model compounds. In addition to providing a suite of tools for the study of placental development, our trophoblast models allow the evaluation of compound transfer and toxicity, which will facilitate drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hori
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Eri H Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Asato Sekiya
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan.
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Kouthouridis S, Sotra A, Khan Z, Alvarado J, Raha S, Zhang B. Modeling the Progression of Placental Transport from Early- to Late-Stage Pregnancy by Tuning Trophoblast Differentiation and Vascularization. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301428. [PMID: 37830445 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301428] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The early-stage placental barrier is characterized by a lack of fetal circulation and by a thick trophoblastic barrier, whereas the later-stage placenta consists of vascularized chorionic villi encased in a thin, differentiated trophoblast layer, ideal for nutrient transport. In this work, predictive models of early- and late-stage placental transport are created using blastocyst-derived placental stem cells (PSCs) by modulating PSC differentiation and model vascularization. PSC differentiation results in a thinner, fused trophoblast layer, as well as an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin secretion, barrier permeability, and secretion of certain inflammatory cytokines, which are consistent with in vivo findings. Further, gene expression confirms this shift toward a differentiated trophoblast subtype. Vascularization results in a molecule type- and size-dependent change in dextran and insulin permeability. These results demonstrate that trophoblast differentiation and vascularization have critical effects on placental barrier permeability and that this model can be used as a predictive measure to assess fetal toxicity of xenobiotic substances at different stages of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Kouthouridis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Alexander Sotra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Zaim Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Justin Alvarado
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics and the Graduate Programme in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, 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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Chappell J, Aughwane R, Clark AR, Ourselin S, David AL, Melbourne A. A review of feto-placental vasculature flow modelling. Placenta 2023; 142:56-63. [PMID: 37639951 PMCID: PMC10873207 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The placenta provides the vital nutrients and removal of waste products required for fetal growth and development. Understanding and quantifying the differences in structure and function between a normally functioning placenta compared to an abnormal placenta is vital to provide insights into the aetiology and treatment options for fetal growth restriction and other placental disorders. Computational modelling of blood flow in the placenta allows a new understanding of the placental circulation to be obtained. This structured review discusses multiple recent methods for placental vascular model development including analysis of the appearance of the placental vasculature and how placental haemodynamics may be simulated at multiple length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Chappell
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences (BMEIS), King's College, London, UK.
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College, London, UK
| | | | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences (BMEIS), King's College, London, UK
| | - Anna L David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College, London, UK
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences (BMEIS), King's College, London, UK
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Sobańska AW. In silico assessment of risks associated with pesticides exposure during pregnancy. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138649. [PMID: 37043889 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Novel Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models of compounds' placenta (PL) permeability expressed as their log FM (fetus-to-mother blood concentration) values or binary PL1/0 (crossing/non-crossing) score were generated using a number of statistical tools: Multiple Linear Regression, Boosted Trees, Principal Component Analysis and Artificial Neural Networks, on the basis of molecular descriptors calculated by Mordred software and selected using Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis. It was established that the most important predictor of both log FM and the binary PL1/0 score is Lipinski - a binary variable reflecting the compounds' ability to satisfy the criteria of drug-likeness according to the Lipinski's "Rule of 5". The quantitative (log FM) and qualitative (PL1/0) models of PL permeability were applied to 345 pesticides from different chemical families (triazines, carbamates, pyrethroids, organochlorine, organophosphorus and miscellaneous compounds). The ability of studied pesticides to cross the placenta was assessed; the basic physico-chemical parameters responsible for good or poor placenta transport of pesticides were identified and the relationships between the pesticides' PL permeability, blood-brain barrier (BBB) transfer and gastro-intestinal (GI) absorption were investigated. It was found (on the basis of logistic regression analysis) that the probability of a compound crossing the placenta (PL1) is inversely correlated with its lipophilicity and molar refractivity and positively correlated with the total count of oxygen and nitrogen atoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna W Sobańska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry Medical University of Lodz, 90-151, Łódź, Muszyńskiego 1, Poland.
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Zahra A, Kerslake R, Kyrou I, Randeva HS, Sisu C, Karteris E. Impact of Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Bisphenol A (BPA) on the Gene Expression Profile in an In Vitro Model of the Normal Human Ovary. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5334. [PMID: 35628146 PMCID: PMC9141570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including the xenoestrogen Bisphenol A (BPA), can interfere with hormonal signalling. Despite increasing reports of adverse health effects associated with exposure to EDCs, there are limited data on the effect of BPA in normal human ovaries. In this paper, we present a detailed analysis of the transcriptomic landscape in normal Human Epithelial Ovarian Cells (HOSEpiC) treated with BPA (10 and 100 nM). Gene expression profiles were determined using high-throughput RNA sequencing, followed by functional analyses using bioinformatics tools. In total, 272 and 454 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in 10 and 100 nM BPA-treated HOSEpiCs, respectively, compared to untreated controls. Biological pathways included mRNA surveillance pathways, oocyte meiosis, cellular senescence, and transcriptional misregulation in cancer. BPA exposure has a considerable impact on 10 genes: ANAPC2, AURKA, CDK1, CCNA2, CCNB1, PLK1, BUB1, KIF22, PDE3B, and CCNB3, which are also associated with progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathways. Future studies should further explore the effects of BPA and its metabolites in the ovaries in health and disease, making use of validated in vitro and in vivo models to generate data that will address existing knowledge gaps in basic biology, hazard characterisation, and risk assessment associated with the use of xenoestrogens such as BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aeman Zahra
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (A.Z.); (R.K.)
| | - Rachel Kerslake
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (A.Z.); (R.K.)
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; (I.K.); (H.S.R.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Harpal S. Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; (I.K.); (H.S.R.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Cristina Sisu
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (A.Z.); (R.K.)
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (A.Z.); (R.K.)
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