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Yang R, Yang F, Wei Y, Huang B, Cao T, Tan H, Liu D, Zou Q, Wen J, Wen L, Lu X, Yu C, Cai H, Xie X, Jiang S, Yao S, Liang Y. Hypoxia-induced Semaphorin 3A promotes the development of endometriosis through regulating macrophage polarization. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112559. [PMID: 38955028 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112559] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is a member of neural guidance factor family well-known for inducing the collapse of nerve cell growth cone and regulating nerve redistribution. It also has been characterized as an immunoregulatory and tumor promoting factor. Our previous study showed that Sema3A was involved in the regulation of sympathetic innervation and neuropathic pain of endometriosis. Nevertheless, the role of Sema3A in the development of endometriosis and its potential upstreaming factor are still not clear. METHODS Histology experiments were carried to detect the expression of Sema3A, hypoxia -inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and the distribution of macrophages. Cell experiments were used to explore the effect of Sema3A on the proliferation and migration of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and to confirm the regulatory action of HIF-1α on Sema3A. In vivo experiments were carried out to explore the role of Sema3A on the development of endometriosis. RESULTS Sema3A was highly expressed in endometriotic lesions and could enhanced the proliferation and migration abilities of ESCs. Aberrant macrophage distribution was found in endometriotic lesions. Sema3A also promoted the differentiation of monocytes into anti-inflammatory macrophages, so indirectly mediating the proliferation and migration of ESCs. Hypoxic microenvironment induced Sema3A mRNA and protein expression in ESCs via HIF-1α. Administration of Sema3A promoted the development of endometriosis in a mouse model. CONCLUSIONS Sema3A, which is regulated by HIF-1α, is a promoting factor for the development of endometriosis. Targeting Sema3A may be a potential treatment strategy to control endometriotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Yajing Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Biqi Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Tiefeng Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Duo Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuyu Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinjuan Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jieyang People's Hospital (Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Jieyang 522081, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Wen
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xi Lu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Changyang Yu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Heng Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jieyang People's Hospital (Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Jieyang 522081, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaofei Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jieyang People's Hospital (Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Jieyang 522081, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaoru Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jieyang People's Hospital (Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Jieyang 522081, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuzhong Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yanchun Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangxi Hospital Division of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Nanning 530022, Guangxi, China.
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Tang H, Lin T, Wu M, Tsai S. Progesterone resistance in endometriosis: A pathophysiological perspective and potential treatment alternatives. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12588. [PMID: 38854774 PMCID: PMC11157498 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12588] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease affecting women of reproductive age. Patients with endometriosis frequently experience severe chronic pain and have higher chances to experience infertility. Progesterone resistance is a major problem that develops during the medical treatment of endometriosis, which often leads to treatment failure of hormonal therapies. Previous studies indicated that the dysregulation of progesterone receptors (PR) is the primary factor leading to progesterone resistance in endometriosis. Methods This review article systematically reviewed and summarized findings extracted from previously published papers available on PubMed, encompassing both experimental studies and clinical trials. Main findings Various determinants influencing PR expression in endometriosis have been identified, including the environmental toxins, microRNAs, cell signaling pathways, genetic mutations, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines. The selective estrogen/progesterone receptor modulators have emerged as novel therapeutic approaches for treating endometriosis, offering potential improvements in overcoming progesterone resistance. Conclusion Concerns and limitations persist despite the newly developed drugs. Therefore, studies on unraveling new therapeutic targets based on the molecular mechanisms of progesterone resistance is warranted for the development potential alternatives to overcome hormonal treatment failure in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao‐Chien Tang
- Institute of Basic Medical SciencesCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Ting‐Chien Lin
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsNational Cheng Kung University HospitalTainanTaiwan
| | - Meng‐Hsing Wu
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsNational Cheng Kung University HospitalTainanTaiwan
- Department of PhysiologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Shaw‐Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical SciencesCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
- Department of PhysiologyCollege of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Science, National Chung Cheng UniversityChiayiTaiwan
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Yuan M, Feng Y, Zhao M, Xu T, Li L, Guo K, Hou D. Identification and verification of genes associated with hypoxia microenvironment in Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16252. [PMID: 37759083 PMCID: PMC10533856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43595-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases year by year, more people begin to study this disease. In recent years, many studies on reactive oxygen species (ROS), neuroinflammation, autophagy, and other fields have confirmed that hypoxia is closely related to AD. However, no researchers have used bioinformatics methods to study the relationship between AD and hypoxia. Therefore, our study aimed to screen the role of hypoxia-related genes in AD and clarify their diagnostic significance. A total of 7681 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in GSE33000 by differential expression analysis and cluster analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to detect 9 modules and 205 hub genes with high correlation coefficients. Next, machine learning algorithms were applied to 205 hub genes and four key genes were selected. Through the verification of external dataset and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), the AD diagnostic model was established by ANTXR2, BDNF and NFKBIA. The bioinformatics analysis results suggest that hypoxia-related genes may increase the risk of AD. However, more in-depth studies are still needed to investigate their association, this article would guide the insights and directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Yuan
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Department of Neurology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Yanjin Feng
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Department of Neurology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Mingri Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Ting Xu
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Department of Neurology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Liuhong Li
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Department of Neurology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Ke Guo
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Department of Neurology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Deren Hou
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Department of Neurology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China.
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Lv SJ, Sun JN, Gan L, Sun J. Identification of molecular subtypes and immune infiltration in endometriosis: a novel bioinformatics analysis and In vitro validation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130738. [PMID: 37662927 PMCID: PMC10471803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Endometriosis is a worldwide gynacological diseases, affecting in 6-10% of women of reproductive age. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene network and potential signatures of immune infiltration in endometriosis. Methods The expression profiles of GSE51981, GSE6364, and GSE7305 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Core modules and central genes related to immune characteristics were identified using a weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify central genes in immune infiltration. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was used to identify the hub genes. We then constructed subtypes of endometriosis samples and calculated their correlation with hub genes. qRTPCR and Western blotting were used to verify our findings. Results We identified 10 candidate hub genes (GZMB, PRF1, KIR2DL1, KIR2DL3, KIR3DL1, KIR2DL4, FGB, IGFBP1, RBP4, and PROK1) that were significantly correlated with immune infiltration. Our study established a detailed immune network and systematically elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying endometriosis from the aspect of immune infiltration. Discussion Our study provides comprehensive insights into the immunology involved in endometriosis and might contribute to the development of immunotherapy for endometriosis. Furthermore, our study sheds light on the underlying molecular mechanism of endometriosis and might help improve the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-ji Lv
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-ni Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Gan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Lin SC, Li WN, Lin SC, Hou HT, Tsai YC, Lin TC, Wu MH, Tsai SJ. Targeting YAP1 ameliorates progesterone resistance in endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2023:7128246. [PMID: 37071897 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does YAP1 inhibition alleviate progesterone resistance in endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER YAP1 inhibition reduces progesterone resistance in vitro and in vivo. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Progesterone resistance not only causes treatment failure for endometriosis but also inhibits eutopic endometrial cell proliferation, dysregulates decidualization, and reduces the success rates of pregnancy. Hippo/yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Paraffin-embedded tissues containing paired endometriotic and endometrial specimens (n = 42) and serum samples isolated from normal controls (n = 15) or endometriotic patients with (n = 25) or without (n = 21) prior dienogest treatment were analyzed. A mouse model of endometriosis was also used to evaluate the effects of YAP1 inhibition on progesterone resistance. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Primary endometriotic and endometrial stromal cells treated with YAP1 inhibitor or miR-21 mimic/inhibitor were used for the in vitro studies including decidualization induction, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and RNA immunoprecipitation. Tissue specimens and serum from human and mouse were used for immunohistochemistry staining, exosome isolation, and microRNA (miRNA) quantification, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Herein, we report, by using ChIP-PCR and RNA-IP, that YAP1 inhibits progesterone receptor (PGR) expression through upregulation of miR-21-5p. Upregulation of miR-21-5p not only reduces PGR expression but also inhibits endometrial stromal cell decidualization. Indeed, levels of YAP1 and miR-21-5p are inversely correlated with the level of PGR in human endometrial samples. In contrast, knockdown of YAP1 or treatment with verteporfin (VP), a YAP1 inhibitor, reduces miR-21-5p expression, thus leading to an increase in PGR expression in ectopic endometriotic stromal cells. In the mouse model of endometriosis, treatment with VP increases PGR expression and enhances decidualization. More importantly, VP synergistically increases the treatment effect of progestin in causing the regression of endometriotic lesions and improves the decidualization capability of the endometrium. Interestingly, treatment with dienogest, a synthetic progestin, reduces YAP1 and miR-21-5p expression in human cells and in the mouse model of endometriosis. Patients who received dienogest treatment for 6 months show a significant decrease in serum extracellular vesicle-associated miR-21-5p level. LARGE SCALE DATA A public dataset (GSE51981) containing a large cohort of endometriotic tissues is available from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A large cohort of clinical samples is needed to verify the current diagnostic value of miR-21-5p in future studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The reciprocal regulation of YAP1 and PGR suggests that combined YAP1 inhibitor and progestin may be a better therapeutic approach for treating endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (MOST-111-2636-B-006-012, MOST-111-2314-B-006-075-MY3, and MOST-106-2320-B-006-072-MY3). The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ning Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Chih Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Haun-Tzu Hou
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chuan Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tin-Chien Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Liu Y, Xie C, Li T, Lu C, Fan L, Zhang Z, Peng S, Lv N, Lu D. PCGEM1 promotes cell proliferation and migration in endometriosis by targeting miR-124-3p-mediated ANTXR2 expression. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:104. [PMID: 36915057 PMCID: PMC10012497 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02250-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis, a common gynaecological disease in women, affects 10% of women of childbearing age. Among infertile women, this proportion is as high as 30-50%. Despite the high prevalence of endometriosis, the pathogenesis of endometriosis is still unclear. METHODS In the present study, bioinformatics analysis and molecular and animal experiments were employed to explore the functions of PCGEM1 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We established an endometriosis rat model and isolated endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and primary normal ESCs (NESCs). Bioinformatics analysis was adopted to study the roles of PCGEM1 in promoting the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Luciferase reporter assays and RNA pull-down assays were carried out to study the mechanism by which PCGEM1 regulates ANTXR2. RESULTS Our results indicated that PCGEM1 promoted the motility and proliferation of ectopic endometrial cells, and the underlying mechanism was due to the direct binding of PCGEM1 to miR-124-3p to modulate ANTXR2 expression. CONCLUSION PCGEM1 can influence endometrial stromal cell proliferation and motility and may be a novel therapeutic target for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 100026, Beijing, China
| | - Chengmao Xie
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 100026, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 100026, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 100026, Beijing, China
| | - Linyuan Fan
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 100026, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 100026, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Peng
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 100026, Beijing, China
| | - Na Lv
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 100026, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 100026, Beijing, China.
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Identification and Analysis of Potential Immune-Related Biomarkers in Endometriosis. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:2975581. [PMID: 36660246 PMCID: PMC9845045 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2975581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is an inflammatory gynecological disease leading to deep pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and infertility. The pathophysiology of endometriosis is complex and depends on a variety of biological processes and pathways. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify reliable biomarkers for early detection and accurate diagnosis to predict clinical outcomes and aid in the early intervention of endometriosis. We screened transcription factor- (TF-) immune-related gene (IRG) regulatory networks as potential biomarkers to reveal new molecular subgroups for the early diagnosis of endometriosis. Methods To explore potential therapeutic targets for endometriosis, the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort), and TF databases were used to obtain data related to the recognition of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed IRGs (DEIRGs), and differentially expressed TFs (DETFs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the DETFs and DEIRGs. Then, DETFs and DEIRGs were further validated in the external datasets of GSE51981 and GSE1230103. Then, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to verify the hub genes. Simultaneously, the Pearson correlation analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses were used to indicate the potential mechanisms of TF-IRGs at the molecular level and obtain hub IRGs. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic value of the hub IRGs. Results We screened a total of 94 DETFs and 121 DEIRGs in endometriosis. Most downregulated DETFs showed decreased expression in the endometria of moderate/severe endometriosis patients. The top-ranked upregulated DEIRGs were upregulated in the endometra of infertile women. Functional analysis showed that DETFs and DEIRGs may be involved in the biological behaviors and pathways of endometriosis. The TF-IRG PPI network was successfully constructed. Compared with the control group, high C3, VCAM1, ITGB2, and C3AR1 expression had statistical significance in endometriosis among the hub DEIRGs. They also showed higher sensitivity and specificity by ROC analysis for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Finally, compared with controls, C3 and VCAM1 were highly expressed in endometriosis tissue samples. In addition, they also showed high specificity and sensitivity for diagnosing endometriosis. Conclusion Overall, we discovered the TF-IRG regulatory network and analyzed 4 hub IRGs that were closely related to endometriosis, which contributes to the diagnosis of endometriosis. Additionally, we verified that DETFs or DEIRGs were associated with the clinicopathological features of endometriosis, and external datasets also confirmed the hub IRGs. Finally, C3 and VCAM1 were highly expressed in endometriosis tissue samples compared with controls and may be potential biomarkers of endometriosis, which are helpful for the early diagnosis of endometriosis.
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Li J, He Y, Qu Y, Ren C, Wang X, Cheng Y, Sun L, Zhang X, Zhang G. Promotion of BST2 expression by the transcription factor IRF6 affects the progression of endometriosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1115504. [PMID: 37143676 PMCID: PMC10151653 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1115504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis (EM) is a benign, multifactorial, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that is characterized by persistent activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and some features of malignancies, such as proliferation and lymphangiogenesis. To date, the pathogenesis of EM is still unclear. In this study, we investigated whether BST2 plays a role in the development of EM. Methods Bioinformatic analysis was performed with data from public databases to identify potential candidate targets for drug treatment. Experiments were conducted at the cell, tissue, and mouse EM model levels to characterize the aberrant expression patterns, molecular mechanisms, biological behaviors of endometriosis as well as treatment outcomes. Results BST2 was significantly upregulated in ectopic endometrial tissues and cells compared with control samples. Functional studies indicated that BST2 promoted proliferation, migration, and lymphangiogenesis and inhibited apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. The transcription factor (TF) IRF6 induced high BST2 expression by directly binding the BST2 promoter. The underlying mechanism by which BST2 functions in EM was closely related to the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway. New lymphatic vessels may serve as a channel for the infiltration of immune cells into the endometriotic microenvironment; these immune cells further produce the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, which in turn further activates the NF-κB pathway to promote lymphangiogenesis in endometriosis. Conclusion Taken together, our findings provide novel insight into the mechanism by which BST2 participates in a feedback loop with the NF-κB signaling pathway and reveal a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixin Li
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanan He
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanjun Qu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chengcheng Ren
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Liyuan Sun
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guangmei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Guangmei Zhang,
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Chen CC, Chou YC, Hsu CY, Tsai EM, Er TK. Transcriptome Profiling of Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrial Stromal Cells in Women with Endometriosis Based on High-Throughput Sequencing. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102432. [PMID: 36289693 PMCID: PMC9598494 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease that affects approximately 5–10% of reproductive-aged women. However, the etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis are currently unclear. The objective of this study was to identify a potential pathogenic gene of endometriosis using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. Human endometrial stromal cells were isolated from four patients receiving surgical treatment for endometriosis during laparoscopic surgery, and RNA-seq was used to examine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal cells. The functional significance of the differentially expressed genes was analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A total of 1309 upregulated and 663 downregulated genes were identified through the analysis of the transcriptomes of eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal cells. Furthermore, KEGG analysis indicated that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, and MAPK signaling pathway. Our study identified differential gene expression in eutopic as compared to ectopic endometrial tissue stromal cells. We strongly believe that our findings can bring new insights into the underlying mechanisms of endometriosis. However, future research is necessary to clarify the roles of the identified genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chieh Chen
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Che Chou
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Kiong Er
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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10
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Zhou Y, Jin Y, Wang Y, Wu R. Hypoxia activates the unfolded protein response signaling network: An adaptive mechanism for endometriosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:945578. [PMID: 36339404 PMCID: PMC9630844 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.945578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS) is a chronic gynecological disease that affects women of childbearing age. However, the exact cause remains unclear. The uterus is a highly vascularized organ that continuously exposes endometrial cells to high oxygen concentrations. According to the "planting theory" of EMS pathogenesis, when endometrial cells fall from the uterine cavity and retrograde to the peritoneal cavity, they will face severe hypoxic stress. Hypoxic stress remains a key issue even if successfully implanted into the ovaries or peritoneum. In recent years, increasing evidence has confirmed that hypoxia is closely related to the occurrence and development of EMS. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) can play an essential role in the pathological process of EMS by regulating carbohydrate metabolism, angiogenesis, and energy conversion of ectopic endometrial cells. However, HIF-1α alone is insufficient to achieve the complete program of adaptive changes required for cell survival under hypoxic stress, while the unfolded protein response (UPR) responding to endoplasmic reticulum stress plays an essential supplementary role in promoting cell survival. The formation of a complex signal regulation network by hypoxia-driven UPR may be the cytoprotective adaptation mechanism of ectopic endometrial cells in unfavorable microenvironments.
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11
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Maksym RB, Hoffmann-Młodzianowska M, Skibińska M, Rabijewski M, Mackiewicz A, Kieda C. Immunology and Immunotherapy of Endometriosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245879. [PMID: 34945174 PMCID: PMC8708975 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological and systemic diseases, with a remarkable immune background. Patients suffer from pain and fertility reduction. Due to the distinct immune component, an immunotherapeutic approach may gain importance in the future. In endometriosis, shifts in the cell fractions of the immune system are well known. Moreover, hypoxia concomitant with inflammation causes a disturbed immune response. The removal of endometriosis has a therapeutic effect, normalizes the immune disorders, and remains the most effective causative treatment in terms of pain and infertility. A key issue is whether a similar effect can be achieved for fertility with non-invasive immunotherapy where surgery is inadvisable or cannot be performed for various reasons. Numerous immunotherapy trials, including vaccines, were conducted on animals only, although the research is encouraging. Among the promising methods of non-specific immunotherapy is the administration of an ethiodized oil contrast. Moreover, due to the significant successes of immunotherapy in oncology, the possibility of immunotherapy affecting NK cells has been postulated. NK cells are responsible for the surveillance and apoptosis of ectopic cells. Expanding the arsenal of endometriosis treatment by immunotherapy is promising due to the significant contribution of immunological factors and the limitations of current treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosław B. Maksym
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Hoffmann-Młodzianowska
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; (M.H.-M.); (C.K.)
| | - Milena Skibińska
- Doctoral Studies, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Michał Rabijewski
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Department of Diagnostics & Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; (M.H.-M.); (C.K.)
- Centre for Molecular Biophysics, UPR CNRS 4301, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orléans, France
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12
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Circulating miRNAs Related to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions (EMT) as the New Molecular Markers in Endometriosis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:900-916. [PMID: 34449536 PMCID: PMC8929046 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue found outside the uterus, most commonly in the peritoneal cavity. Endometriosis lesions are heterogenous but usually contain endometrial stromal cells and epithelial glands, immune cell infiltrates and are vascularized and innervated by nerves. The complex etiopathogenesis and heterogenity of the clinical symptoms, as well as the lack of a specific non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers, underline the need for more advanced diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, the contribution of environmental, hormonal and immunological factors in the disease etiology is insufficient, and the contribution of genetic/epigenetic factors is still fragmentary. Therefore, there is a need for more focused study on the molecular mechanisms of endometriosis and non-invasive diagnostic monitoring systems. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) demonstrate high stability and tissue specificity and play a significant role in modulating a range of molecular pathways, and hence may be suitable diagnostic biomarkers for the origin and development of endometriosis. Of these, the most frequently studied are those related to endometriosis, including those involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), whose expression is altered in plasma or endometriotic lesion biopsies; however, the results are ambiguous. Specific miRNAs expressed in endometriosis may serve as diagnostics markers with prognostic value, and they have been proposed as molecular targets for treatment. The aim of this review is to present selected miRNAs associated with EMT known to have experimentally confirmed significance, and discuss their utility as biomarkers in endometriosis.
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13
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Meng L, Yuan W, Chi H, Han R, Zhang Y, Pan X, Meng J, Liu Y, Song J, Zhong J, Liu X. Genetic deletion of CMG2 exacerbates systemic-to-pulmonary shunt-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21421. [PMID: 33749907 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000299r] [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: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) secondary to congenital heart disease (CHD-PAH) with systemic-to-pulmonary shunt (SPS) is characterized by proliferative vascular remodeling. Capillary morphogenesis gene-2 (CMG2) plays a key role in cell proliferation and apoptosis. This study aimed to determine the role of CMG2 in the pathogenesis of SPS-induced PAH. CMG2 levels were significantly downregulated in pulmonary arterioles from patients with Eisenmenger syndrome and rats with SPS-induced PAH. CMG2 was highly expressed in several cells including human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs). CMG2-/- rats exhibited more severe PAH and pulmonary vascular remodeling than wild-type rats when exposed to SPS for 8 weeks. Overexpression of CMG2 significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HPASMCs, while knockdown of CMG2 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. Next-generation sequencing and subsequent validation results suggested that PI3K-AKT was the most prominent signaling pathway regulated by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CMG2-/- rat lungs. Our work identified a novel role for CMG2 in SPS-induced PAH based on the findings that CMG2 deficiency exacerbates SPS-induced vascular remodeling in the development of PAH, indicating that CMG2 might act as a potential target for the treatment of CHD-PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liukun Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Yuan
- Medical Research Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension Research, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjie Chi
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension Research, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruijuan Han
- Department of Cardiology, Baotou Central hospital, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yeping Zhang
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension Research, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangbin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension Research, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Song
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension Research, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuchang Zhong
- Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension Research, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Medical Research Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension Research, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Heart Center & Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension Research, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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14
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Jin ZR, Fang D, Liu BH, Cai J, Tang WH, Jiang H, Xing GG. Roles of CatSper channels in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia and the therapeutic effects of acupuncture-like treatment on asthenozoospermia. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:2822-2844. [PMID: 33456575 PMCID: PMC7806476 DOI: 10.7150/thno.51869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Idiopathic asthenozoospermia (iAZS) is one of the major causes of male infertility and has no effective therapeutic treatment. Understanding the potential mechanisms that cause it may be helpful in seeking novel targets and treatment strategies for overcoming the problem of low sperm motility in iAZS individuals. Methods: Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was utilized to assess the sperm motility. RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and calcium imaging analysis were performed to examine the expression and function of CatSper channels. Hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were used to evaluate the functional characteristics of epididymal sperm. In vivo fertility assay was applied to determine the fertility of rats. CatSper1 knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed to confirm the roles of CatSper channels in the pathogenesis of iAZS and the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on AZS model rats. Results: Here, we reported a functional down-regulation of CatSper channel from CatSper1 to CatSper 4 in the sperm of both iAZS patients and ornidazole (ORN)-induced AZS model rats, and an impaired sperm function characterized by a reduction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction in the epididymal sperm of AZS rats. Knockdown of CatSper1 in the testis tissues is sufficient to induce AZS in normal rats, and this action was validated by the reversal effects of CatSper1 overexpression. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and electroacupuncture (EA) at 2 Hz frequency improve the sperm motility via enhancing the functional expression of CatSper channels in the sperm. Gene silencing CatSper1 in the sperm abolishes the therapeutic effects of 2 Hz-EA treatment on AZS rats. Conclusions: We conclude that a functional down-regulation of CatSper channel in the sperm may be a contributor or a downstream indicator for a portion of AZS, especially iAZS, while 2 Hz-TEAS or EA treatment has a therapeutic effect on iAZS through inducing the functional up-regulation of CatSper channels in the sperm. This study provides a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of some AZS especially iAZS, and presents a potential therapeutic target of CatSper for iAZS treatment. Acupuncture treatment like TEAS may be used as a promising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy for male infertility caused by iAZS in clinical practice.
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15
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Lan J, Xie K. miR-202-3p overexpression attenuates endometriosis-like lesions by modulating YAP-dependent transcription of S100A6 in murine models. Life Sci 2020; 265:118757. [PMID: 33197444 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Recent evidence has suggested the important implications of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the processes of proliferation and tissue remodeling in endometriosis (EMS). We therefore aim to determine the role of miR-202-3p in the pathophysiology of EMS and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Experimental endometriosis was induced in ovariectomized mice implanted with a slow-release 17-β estradiol capsule. Eutopic endometrial stromal cells (euESCs) were isolated and assayed for proliferative, invasive and apoptotic properties by EdU staining, Transwell assays, and flow cytometry. The invasive and apoptotic features in the endometrium of mice with EMS in vivo were evaluated by using immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL assays. RESULTS miR-202-3p was observed to be downregulated in the endometrial tissues of EMS patients. MiR-202-3p was also found to target YAP1 which resulted in reduced euESC proliferation and invasion and increased apoptosis. YAP1 was able to phosphorylated STAT3 which consequently upregulated S100A6 to promote the proliferative and invasive abilities of euESCs. MiR-202-3p was thereby proposed to act as an inhibitor of proliferation and tissue damage in the in vivo setting of EMS, its effects however, were able to be counteracted byS100A6, which reversed the effects of miR-202-3p on tissue injury and cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Our data together evidenced that miR-202-3p targeted YAP1 to reduce STAT3-mediated S100A6 whereby preventing the progression of EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lan
- The Second Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital (The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Kangling Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China.
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16
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Extracellular vesicle-associated VEGF-C promotes lymphangiogenesis and immune cells infiltration in endometriosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:25859-25868. [PMID: 33004630 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920037117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a highly prevalent gynecological disease with severe negative impacts on life quality and financial burden. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, which highlights the need for further investigation about the pathophysiology of this disease to provide clues for developing novel therapeutic regimens. Herein, we identified that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, a potent lymphangiogenic factor, is up-regulated in endometriotic cells and contributes to increased lymphangiogenesis. Bioinformatic analysis and molecular biological characterization revealed that VEGF-C is negatively regulated by an orphan nuclear receptor, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII). Further studies demonstrated that proinflammatory cytokines, via suppression of COUP-TFII level, induce VEGF-C overexpression. More importantly, we show that functional VEGF-C is transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs) to enhance the lymphangiogenic ability of lymphatic endothelial cells. Autotransplanted mouse model of endometriosis showed lenvatinib treatment abrogated the increased lymphatic vessels development in the endometriotic lesion, enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes, and immune cells infiltration, indicating that blocking VEGF-C signaling can reduce local chronic inflammation and concomitantly endometriosis development. Evaluation of EV-transmitted VEGF-C from patients' sera demonstrates it is a reliable noninvasive way for clinical diagnosis. Taken together, we identify the vicious cycle of inflammation, COUP-TFII, VEGF-C, and lymphangiogenesis in the endometriotic microenvironment, which opens up new horizons in understanding the pathophysiology of endometriosis. VEGF-C not only can serve as a diagnostic biomarker but also a molecular target for developing therapeutic regimens.
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17
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Fan R, Gu Z, Guang X, Marín JC, Varas V, González BA, Wheeler JC, Hu Y, Li E, Sun X, Yang X, Zhang C, Gao W, He J, Munch K, Corbett-Detig R, Barbato M, Pan S, Zhan X, Bruford MW, Dong C. Genomic analysis of the domestication and post-Spanish conquest evolution of the llama and alpaca. Genome Biol 2020; 21:159. [PMID: 32616020 PMCID: PMC7331169 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their regional economic importance and being increasingly reared globally, the origins and evolution of the llama and alpaca remain poorly understood. Here we report reference genomes for the llama, and for the guanaco and vicuña (their putative wild progenitors), compare these with the published alpaca genome, and resequence seven individuals of all four species to better understand domestication and introgression between the llama and alpaca. RESULTS Phylogenomic analysis confirms that the llama was domesticated from the guanaco and the alpaca from the vicuña. Introgression was much higher in the alpaca genome (36%) than the llama (5%) and could be dated close to the time of the Spanish conquest, approximately 500 years ago. Introgression patterns are at their most variable on the X-chromosome of the alpaca, featuring 53 genes known to have deleterious X-linked phenotypes in humans. Strong genome-wide introgression signatures include olfactory receptor complexes into both species, hypertension resistance into alpaca, and fleece/fiber traits into llama. Genomic signatures of domestication in the llama include male reproductive traits, while in alpaca feature fleece characteristics, olfaction-related and hypoxia adaptation traits. Expression analysis of the introgressed region that is syntenic to human HSA4q21, a gene cluster previously associated with hypertension in humans under hypoxic conditions, shows a previously undocumented role for PRDM8 downregulation as a potential transcriptional regulation mechanism, analogous to that previously reported at high altitude for hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. CONCLUSIONS The unprecedented introgression signatures within both domestic camelid genomes may reflect post-conquest changes in agriculture and the breakdown of traditional management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiwen Fan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi China
| | - Zhongru Gu
- CAS Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cardiff University – Institute of Zoology Joint Laboratory for Biocomplexity Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Juan Carlos Marín
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Bio Bio, Chillán, Chile
| | - Valeria Varas
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias mención Ecología y Evolución, Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias., Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Benito A. González
- Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y de la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jane C. Wheeler
- CONOPA-Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo de Camélidos Sudamericanos, Pachacamac, Lima, Peru
| | - Yafei Hu
- BGI Genomics, BGI, Shenzhen, China
| | - Erli Li
- BGI Genomics, BGI, Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | | | - Wenjun Gao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi China
| | - Junping He
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi China
| | - Kasper Munch
- Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Russel Corbett-Detig
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering and Genomics Institute, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Mario Barbato
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Technology – DIANA, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Shengkai Pan
- CAS Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cardiff University – Institute of Zoology Joint Laboratory for Biocomplexity Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjiang Zhan
- CAS Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cardiff University – Institute of Zoology Joint Laboratory for Biocomplexity Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Michael W. Bruford
- Cardiff University – Institute of Zoology Joint Laboratory for Biocomplexity Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Biosciences and Sustainable Places Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales UK
| | - Changsheng Dong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi China
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18
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Chen PS, Chiu WT, Hsu PL, Lin SC, Peng IC, Wang CY, Tsai SJ. Pathophysiological implications of hypoxia in human diseases. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:63. [PMID: 32389123 PMCID: PMC7212687 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is essentially required by most eukaryotic organisms as a scavenger to remove harmful electron and hydrogen ions or as a critical substrate to ensure the proper execution of enzymatic reactions. All nucleated cells can sense oxygen concentration and respond to reduced oxygen availability (hypoxia). When oxygen delivery is disrupted or reduced, the organisms will develop numerous adaptive mechanisms to facilitate cells survived in the hypoxic condition. Normally, such hypoxic response will cease when oxygen level is restored. However, the situation becomes complicated if hypoxic stress persists (chronic hypoxia) or cyclic normoxia-hypoxia phenomenon occurs (intermittent hypoxia). A series of chain reaction-like gene expression cascade, termed hypoxia-mediated gene regulatory network, will be initiated under such prolonged or intermittent hypoxic conditions and subsequently leads to alteration of cellular function and/or behaviors. As a result, irreversible processes occur that may cause physiological disorder or even pathological consequences. A growing body of evidence implicates that hypoxia plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of major causes of mortality including cancer, myocardial ischemia, metabolic diseases, and chronic heart and kidney diseases, and in reproductive diseases such as preeclampsia and endometriosis. This review article will summarize current understandings regarding the molecular mechanism of hypoxia in these common and important diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pai-Sheng Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Tai Chiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Pei-Ling Hsu
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - I-Chen Peng
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chia-Yih Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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19
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Zhang M, Li J, Duan S, Fang Z, Tian J, Yin H, Zhai Q, Wang X, Zhang L. Comprehensive characterization of endometrial competing endogenous RNA network in infertile women of childbearing age. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:4204-4221. [PMID: 32112646 PMCID: PMC7093184 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is widely associated with infertility in women of childbearing age, for which there have been no effective treatments. Recent studies suggest that the dysregulation of RNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, so we conduct the case-control genetic analysis to characterize the expression and interaction of different subtypes of RNAs in infertile women with endometriosis. The ectopic and eutopic endometrium of patients undergoing infertility treatment were collected and subjected to high throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted to construct the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. As a result, the RNA interactive network was constructed in endometriosis, and a set of mRNAs such as cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) along with their corresponding miRNAs and lncRNAs were found to promote the growth and death of endometrial stromal cells, which was essential for the pathogenesis of endometriosis. These data suggest that RNA crosstalk is a crucial segment in the development of endometriosis, where CDK1 and PCNA may serve as emerging targets for the treatment of endometriosis-related infertility in women of childbearing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Shandong University, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Junxia Li
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261042, China
| | - Shuyin Duan
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Shandong University, Jinan 250001, China
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhenya Fang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Shandong University, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Jiaqi Tian
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261042, China
| | - Haoyu Yin
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261042, China
| | - Qingfeng Zhai
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261042, China
| | - Xietong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Shandong University, Jinan 250001, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Shandong University, Jinan 250001, China
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261042, China
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20
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Wu MH, Hsiao KY, Tsai SJ. Hypoxia: The force of endometriosis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2019; 45:532-541. [PMID: 30618168 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Summarize recent findings of how hypoxia regulates numerous important processes to facilitate the implantation, proliferation and progression of ectopic endometriotic lesions. METHODS Most up-to-date evidences about how hypoxia contributes to the disease pathogenesis of endometriosis and potential therapeutic approaches were collected by conducting a comprehensive search of medical literature electronic databases. Quality of data was analyzed by experienced experts including gynecologist and basic scientists. RESULTS Uterus is a highly vascularized organ, which makes endometrial cells constantly expose to high concentration of oxygen. When endometrial tissues shed off from the eutopic uterus and retrograde to the peritoneal cavity, they face severe hypoxic stress. Even with successful implantation to ovaries or peritoneum, the hypoxic stress remains as a critical issue because endometrial cells are used to live in the well-oxygenated environment. Under the hypoxia condition, cells undergo epigenetic modulation and evolve several survival processes including steroidogenesis, angiogenesis, inflammation and metabolic switch. The complex gene regulatory network driven by hypoxia ensures endometriotic cells can survive under the hostile peritoneal microenvironment. CONCLUSION Hypoxia plays critical roles in promoting pathological processes to facilitate the development of endometriosis. Targeting hypoxia-mediated gene network represents an alternative approach for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Hsing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Yang Hsiao
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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