Knockdown of TACC3 inhibits trophoblast cell migration and invasion through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

YKL-40 promotes proliferation and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells by activating akt/MMP9 signalling in placenta accreta spectrum disorders

YKL-40 is a secreted glycoprotein that can promote invasion, angiogenesis and inhibit apoptosis, and was highly expressed in a variety of tumours. In this paper, we investigated the impacts of YKL-40 on proliferation and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells during placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) development. The levels of YKL-40 protein in late-pregnant placental tissue were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, and gene expression using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis abilities of HTR-8/SVneo cells were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell, scratch assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Our current results showed that YKL-40 was significantly increased in the PAS group compared to the normal control group (P < 0.01). Biological function experiments showed that YKL-40 significantly promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, and inhibited cell apoptosis. Knockdown of YKL-40 inhibited the activation of Akt/MMP9 signalling in trophoblast cells. These data suggested that YKL-40 might be involved in the progression of PAS, which may be attributed to the regulation of Akt/MMP9 signalling pathway.

Inhibition of LAMP3 mediates the protective effect of vitamin D against hypoxia/reoxygenation in trophoblast cells

Inadequate invasion and excessive apoptosis of trophoblast cells are associated with the development of preeclampsia. Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women may lead to an increased risk of preeclampsia. However, the underlying mechanisms by which vitamin D is effective in preventing preeclampsia are not fully understood. The objectives of this study were to investigate the role of lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 3 (LAMP3) in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and to evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation would protect against the development of preeclampsia by regulating LAMP3 expression. Firstly, the mRNA and protein levels of LAMP3 were significantly upregulated in the placentas of preeclampsia patients compared to normal placentas, especially in trophoblast cells (a key component of the human placenta). In the hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-exposed HTR-8/Svneo trophoblast cells, LAMP3 expression was also upregulated. H/R exposure repressed cell viability and invasion and increased apoptosis of trophoblast cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of LAMP3 increased cell viability and invasion and suppressed apoptosis of H/R-exposed trophoblast cells. We further found that 1,25(OH)2D3 (the hormonally active form of vitamin D) treatment reduced LAMP3 expression in H/R exposed trophoblast cells. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment promoted cell viability and invasion and inhibited apoptosis of H/R-exposed trophoblast cells. Notably, overexpression of LAMP3 abrogated the protective effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on H/R-exposed trophoblast cells. Collectively, we demonstrated trophoblast cytoprotection by vitamin D, a process mediated via LAMP3.

Irisin Protects the Human Placenta from Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis via Activation of the Akt Signaling Pathway

Irisin is a newly discovered exercise-mediated polypeptide hormone. Irisin levels increase during pregnancy however, women with preeclampsia (PE) have significantly lower levels of Irisin compared to women of healthy pregnancies. Even though many studies suggest a role of Irisin in pregnancy, its function in the human placenta is unclear. In the current study, we aimed to understand key roles of Irisin through its ability to protect against apoptosis is the preeclamptic placenta and in ex vivo and in vitro models of hypoxia/re-oxygenation (H/R) injury. Our studies show that Irisin prevents cell death by reducing pro-apoptotic signaling cascades, reducing cleavage of PARP to induce DNA repair pathways and reducing activity of Caspase 3. Irisin caused an increase in the levels of anti-apoptotic BCL2 to pro-apoptotic BAX and reduced ROS levels in an in vitro model of placental ischemia. Furthermore, we show that Irisin treatment acts through the Akt signaling pathway to prevent apoptosis and enhance cell survival. Our findings provide a novel understanding for the anti-apoptotic and pro-survival properties of Irisin in the human placenta under pathological conditions. This work yields new insights into placental development and disease and points towards intervention strategies for placental insufficiencies, such as PE, by protecting and maintaining placental function through inhibiting hypoxic ischemia-induced apoptosis.

STX2 Promotes Trophoblast Growth, Migration, and Invasion Through Activation of the PI3K-AKT Pathway in Preeclampsia

Objectives

Abnormal trophoblast behaviors during pregnancy contribute to the development of preeclampsia (PE). Syntaxin2 (STX2) has been shown to be a crucial epithelial mediator in numerous diseases. However, the functions of STX2 and the mechanisms underlying its role in PE remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the role of STX2 on trophoblast biology and unravel the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development and progression of PE.

Materials and Methods

We first compared the expression of STX2 in placental tissues from women with PE and women with normal pregnancies. Then, we investigated the role of STX2 on trophoblast proliferation, migration and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo and primary human trophoblast cells by loss or gain of function experiments. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation, pulldown and immunofluorescence assays were performed to investigate the co-localization of STX2 with other proteins, and to help clarify the mechanisms underlying STX2-mediated functions on trophoblasts.

Results

We demonstrated that STX2 expression was downregulated in placental tissues of women with PE compared with those from normal pregnancies. Loss and gain of function experiments further confirmed a role for STX2 in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in trophoblasts. By co-immunoprecipitation, pulldown and immunofluorescence co-localization assays, we revealed that STX2 selectively interacted with p85, a subunit of PI3K, and directly recruited p85 to the cytomembrane, thereby activating the AKT signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that the AKT activation was abolished by the use of a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), which negatively affected STX2-mediated functions on trophoblasts.

Conclusion

All together, our findings point to a crucial role for STX2 in PE progression. Our new insights also suggest that STX2 may be a potential diagnostic tool and a novel therapeutic target for treating PE.

Differential circular RNA expression profiles in umbilical cord blood exosomes from preeclampsia patients

Background

Exosomal circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of physiological development and disease pathogenesis. However, the roles of exosomal circRNAs from umbilical cord blood in preeclampsia (PE) occurrence remains poorly understood.

Methods

We used microarray technology to establish the differential circRNA expression profiles in umbilical cord blood exosomes from PE patients compared with normal controls. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to further predict the potential effects of the differentially expressed circRNAs and their interactions with miRNAs.

Results

According to the microarray data, we identified 143 significantly up-regulated circRNAs and 161 significantly down-regulated circRNAs in umbilical cord blood exosomes of PE patients compared with controls. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) biological pathway analyses showed that circRNA parental genes involved in the regulation of metabolic process, trophoblast growth and invasion were significantly enriched, which play important roles in PE development. Moreover, pathway network was constructed to reveal the key pathways in PE, such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Further circRNA/miRNA interactions analysis demonstrated that most exosomal circRNAs had miRNA binding sites, and some miRNAs were associated with PE.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of exosomal circRNAs in the pathogenesis of PE and lay a foundation for extensive studies on the role of exosomal circRNAs in PE development.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03777-7.

TACC3 is a prognostic biomarker for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and correlates with immune cell infiltration and T cell exhaustion

Growing evidence has demonstrated that transforming acidic coiled-coil protein 3 (TACC3), a member of the TACC family, may be involved in regulating cell mitosis, transcription, and tumorigenesis. However, the role of TACC3 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains unknown. In this study, multiple databases were used to determine the pattern of TACC3 in KIRC. We found that high TACC3 expression was associated with poor overall survival (OS) in stage I, II, IV and grade 3 KIRC patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that TACC3 was an independent risk factor for OS among KIRC patients. Moreover, TACC3 expression correlated with immune cell infiltration levels of B cells, T cells (CD8+, CD4+, follicular helper, regulatory and gamma delta), total and resting natural killer cells, total and activated dendritic cells, and resting mast cells. Furthermore, T cell exhaustion markers, such as PD1, CTLA4, LAG3 and TIM-3 were highly expressed in TACC3 overexpressing tissues. In addition, GSEA analysis revealed that the role of TACC3 in KIRC may be closely linked to immune-associated pathways. Therefore, our study reveals that TACC3 is a prognostic biomarker for OS among KIRC patients and may be associated with immune cell infiltration and T cell exhaustion.

MiR-125b participates in the occurrence of preeclampsia by regulating the migration and invasion of extravillous trophoblastic cells through STAT3 signaling pathway

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major risk factor for maternal and fetal mortality. Studies showed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in PE, and are closely related to extra-villous trophoblastic proliferation and invasion. The current study determined miR-125b expression in PE patients, and explored the role of miR-125b in the occurrence and development of PE and its possible mechanism, aiming to provide a novel basis for the diagnosis and treatment of PE. The level of miR-125b in serum derived from pregnant women was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, invasion and migration of HTR-8/SVneo were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell and scratch assay, respectively. The target gene of miR-125b was predicted by Targetscan, and verified by luciferase reporter assay. The expressions of related proteins were determined by Western Blotting. The miR-125b level in the serum of PE patients was up-regulated as compared with normal pregnant women, and high level of miR-125b reduced cell proliferation, inhibited invasion and migration of HTR-8/SVneo as well as the expressions of STAT3, p-STAT3 and SOCS3, while low level of miR-125b produced the opposite results. STAT3 was predicted as the target gene of miR-125b, and the high level of miR-125b inhibited STAT3 signaling pathway. High expression of miR-125b may be involved in the occurrence of PE through inhibiting STAT3 pathway to inhibit the migration and invasion of extra-villous trophoblastic cells.

MSC-Secreted Exosomal H19 Promotes Trophoblast Cell Invasion and Migration by Downregulating let-7b and Upregulating FOXO1

Exosomes perform important functions for intercellular communication through extracellular signaling pathways, leading to the regulation of important biological processes, including cell proliferation, but also systemic dysfunctions such as preeclampsia (PE). However, the inhibitory effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs)-derived exosomes in PE remain largely unknown. Thus, we assessed the possibility that exosomes could transport long non-coding RNA H19 and the correlation between H19 and the apoptosis of trophoblast cells. The expression of microRNA let-7b and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) was characterized in placental tissues of PE patients. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to examine the roles of FOXO1 and let-7b in trophoblast cells. Interactions between let-7b and H19 as well as between let-7b and FOXO1 were confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation. HTR-8/SVneo cells were co-cultured with exosomes derived from MSCs overexpressing H19, followed by invasion, migration, and apoptosis assessments of trophoblast cells. We found that let-7b was highly expressed and FOXO1 was poorly expressed in placental tissues of PE patients. Furthermore, H19 acts as a competitive endogenous RNA against let-7b, and let-7b directly targeted FOXO1. Moreover, H19 could be transferred to trophoblast cells via MSC-secreted exosomes. MSC-derived exosomes overexpressing H19 decreased let-7b, increased FOXO1, and activated the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, thus increasing invasion and migration and inhibiting apoptosis of trophoblast cells. These results suggest that MSC-derived exosomes overexpressing H19 may be a novel direction for therapeutic strategies against PE.

ANXA4 promotes trophoblast invasion via the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway in preeclampsia

The inadequate trophoblast invasion is associated with the development of preeclampsia (PE). Considering that annexin A4 (ANXA4) enhances tumor invasion, we aimed to explore the functional role of ANXA4 in trophoblast cells and to examine the underlying mechanism. ANXA4 expression in PE placentas was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were determined using a MTT assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, and phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS) were detected by Western blotting. Placentas were prepared for pathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining and apoptosis determination using the TUNEL method. Expression of ANXA4, PI3K, p-Akt and p-eNOS was downregulated in human PE placentas and PE placenta-derived extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVCTs). Furthermore, ANXA4 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and invasion, inhibited cell apoptosis, and upregulated protein expression of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-eNOS in human trophoblast cells HTR-8/SVneo and JEG-3. By contrast, ANXA4 knockdown exerted the opposite effects. Furthermore, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002 abrogated the ANXA4 overexpression-mediated effects on trophoblast behavior. Furthermore, eNOS knockdown abrogated the ANXA4 overexpression-induced promotion of cell invasion and MMP2/9 expression. Additionally, in N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)-induced PE rats, ANXA4 overexpression alleviated PE progression, accompanied by an increase in expression of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-eNOS in rat placentas. Our findings demonstrate that ANXA4 expression is downregulated in PE. ANXA4 may promote trophoblast invasion via the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway.

Silencing BRIT1 Facilitates the Abilities of Invasiveness and Migration in Trophoblast Cells

Background

The improper invasion of trophoblast cells (TC) can cause various diseases. BRCT-repeat inhibitor of hTERT expression (BRIT1) is involved in the invasion of tumors. Here, we analyzed the effects of BRIT1 on the invasion of TC.

Material/Methods

The expression of BRIT1 in JEG-3, B6Tert, and HTR8/SVneo cells was evaluated by transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. The viability, invasion, and migration of HTR8/SVneo cells were measured using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assays. The activities of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 (pro-MMP-2) and pro-MMP-9 were tested by gelatin zymography assay. The levels of invasion- and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related factors were assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.

Results

Levels of BRIT1 in HTR8/SVneo cells were higher than that of JEG-3 and B6Tert cells. The transfection efficiency of BRIT1 siRNA-2 was better than BRIT1 siRNA-1 in HTR8/SVneo cells. BRIT1 siRNA-2 did not change cell viability, whereas it promoted cell invasion and migration. BRIT1 siRNA-2 enhanced the activities of pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9, as well MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels, and reduced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 expression. Moreover, BRIT1 siRNA-2 significantly increased the levels of Wnt2, Wnt3, and β-catenin.

Conclusions

BRIT1 silencing accelerated the invasion and migration of TC and activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our results may provide new insights for finding new molecular targets to cure disease caused by insufficient invasion of TC.

Knockdown of activated Cdc42-associated kinase inhibits human extravillous trophoblast migration and invasion and decreases protein expression of pho-Akt and matrix metalloproteinase

Introduction: The sufficient invasion and migration of human extravillous trophoblast (EVTs) cells are crucial for placentation. Inadequate invasion of trophoblasts may correlate with the development of preeclampsia. Many studies have suggested that activated Cdc42-associated kinase (ACK1) is associated with tumor metastasis and invasion. This study investigated the ACK1 expression and its function in trophoblasts during placental development.Methods: ACK1 expression in human placentas was determined through immunofluorescence. We investigated the migration/invasion of the immortalized human first-trimester EVT cell line HTR8/SVneo. Hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) conditions were applied to mimic preeclampsia model in vitro. Lentiviral vector-based short-hairpin RNA directed against the sequence of ACK1 (ACK1 shRNA) was used to knock down ACK1 expression in HTR8/SVneo cells. Cell apoptosis and proliferation were determined through flow cytometry and cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, respectively. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2/9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1/2 was measured by western blotting.Results: ACK1 localized within trophoblasts of human placental villi, decidual cells in the maternal decidua. ACK1 levels in preeclampsia (PE) placentas were significantly lower than those in controls. ACK1 shRNA significantly inhibited HTR8/SVneo cells migration and invasion but did not affect their apoptosis and proliferation. ACK1 knockdown decreased MMP2/9 and increased TIMP1/2 expression, as well as downregulated the phosphorylation of AKt (p-Akt). In addition, ACK1 and MMP2/9 were downregulated following treatment with LY294002, whereas ACK1 shRNA had no effect on phosphorylation of PI3K(p-PI3K). After exposed in H/R condition, ACK1 expression, MMP2/9 protein, and p-Akt were also significantly decreased.Discussion and conclusions: ACK1 expression is lowered in preeclamptic placentas and promotes trophoblast cell invasion, migration. H/R conditions decrease ACK1 expression and appear to decouple the positive relationship between ACK1 expression and Akt activation.

Overexpression of long non-coding RNA H19 promotes invasion and autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in trophoblast cells

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE), characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, is a leading cause of perinatal and maternal mortality. Considering that mutation of H19 gene is closely associated with PE, we aimed to explore the functional role of long non-coding RNA H19 (lncRNA-H19) in trophoblast cells.

METHODS

Expression of lncRNA-H19 in placenta tissues from patients with PE and healthy pregnant women after delivery was determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Then, lncRNA-H19 was abnormally expressed in JEG-3 and HTR-8 cells by stable cell transfection. Cell viability and invasion were assessed by using CCK-8 and Matrigel-coated Millicell system, respectively. Expression of key proteins associated with invasion and autophagy as well as key kinases in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways were measured by Western blot analysis. Number of GFP-labeled autophagosomes was counted under a confocal microscope.

RESULTS

Level of lncRNA-H19 in the placenta tissues from PE patients was higher than that from healthy controls. LncRNA-H19 overexpression reduced cell viability but increased invasion of JEG-3 and HTR-8 cells. LncRNA-H19 silence showed the opposite effects. In addition, lncRNA-H19 overexpression promoted autophagy in trophoblast cells. Furthermore, phosphorylated levels of key kinases in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways were enhanced by lncRNA-H19 overexpression while were reduced by lncRNA-H19 silence.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA-H19, which was up-regulated in PE, reduced cell viability but promoted invasion and autophagy in trophoblast cells, along with activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Our study provides a theoretical basis for pathogenesis of PE, aiding to identification of novel therapeutic strategies for PE.

Knockdown of TACC3 Inhibits the Proliferation and Invasion of Human Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells

Transforming acidic coiled-coil protein 3 (TACC3) is a member of the TACC family and plays an important role in regulating cell mitosis, transcription, and tumorigenesis. However, the expression pattern and roles of TACC3 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TACC3 in RCC. We demonstrated overexpression of TACC3 in human RCC cell lines at both RNA and protein levels. Moreover, knockdown of TACC3 repressed RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. In addition, knockdown of TACC3 inactivated PI3K/Akt signaling in RCC cells. Furthermore, knockdown of TACC3 significantly reduced tumor growth in xenograft tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, our findings showed that TACC3 was increased in human RCC cell lines, and knockdown of TACC3 inhibited the ability of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Therefore, TACC3 may act as a therapeutic target for the treatment of human RCC.

Detergent-Insoluble Proteome Analysis Revealed Aberrantly Aggregated Proteins in Human Preeclampsia Placentas

Preeclampsia (PE) is a placenta disease, featured by hypertension, proteinuria, and other multiorgan dysfunctions, and its etiology is unclear. We and others have shown that intensive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) occur in the PE placenta. In this study, we isolated detergent-insoluble proteins (DIPs) from human placenta tissues, which were enriched with protein aggregates, to characterize the placenta UPR in PE. With data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry, we identified 2066 DIPs across all normal (n = 10) and PE (n = 10) placenta samples, among which 110 and 108 DIPs were significantly up- and down-regulated in PE, respectively. Per clustering analysis, differential DIPs could generally distinguish PE from normal placentas. We verified the MS quantitation of endoglin and vimentin by immunoblotting. In addition, we observed that PE placenta tissues have remarkably more endoglin in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, we found that DIPs were evenly distributed across different chromosomes and could be enriched in diversified gene ontology terms, while differential DIPs avoided to distribute on X-chromosome. Significantly up-regulated DIPs in PE were focused on the top functions of lipid metabolism, while 23 of these DIPs could form the top network regulating cellular movement, development, growth, and proliferation. Our results implicate that human PE placentas have disease-relevant differential DIPs, which reflect aberrantly aggregated proteins of placental tissues. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to ProteomeXchange consortium with the data set identifier PXD006654, and iProX database (accession number: IPX0000948000).

The role of TACC3 in mitotic spindle organization

TACC3 regulates spindle organization during mitosis and also regulates centrosome-mediated microtubule nucleation by affecting γ-Tubulin ring complexes. In addition, it interacts with different proteins (such as ch-TOG, clathrin and Aurora-A) to function in mitotic spindle assembly and stability. By forming the TACC3/ch-TOG complex, TACC3 acts as a plus end-tracking protein to promote microtubule elongation. The TACC3/ch-TOG/clathrin complex is formed to stabilize kinetochore fibers by crosslinking adjacent microtubules. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of TACC3 by Aurora-A is important for the formation of TACC3/ch-TOG/clathrin and its recruitment to kinetochore fibers. Recently, the aberrant expression of TACC3 in a variety of human cancers has been linked with mitotic defects. Thus, in this review, we will discuss our current understanding of the biological roles of TACC3 in mitotic spindle organization.