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Poudel SP, Behura SK. Relevance of the regulation of the brain-placental axis to the nocturnal bottleneck of mammals. Placenta 2024; 155:11-21. [PMID: 39121583 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evolutionary theory suggests that the ancestors of all placental animals were nocturnal. Visual perceptive function of mammalian brain has evolved extensively, but nearly 70 % of today's mammals are still nocturnal. While placental influence on brain development is known, if placenta plays a role in the visual perceptive function of mammalian brain remains untested. The present study aims to test this hypothesis. METHODS In this study, single-nuclei RNA sequencing was performed to identify genes expressed in the pig placenta and fetal brain, and then compared with the orthologous genes expressed in the placenta and fetal brain cells of mouse. Differential gene expression analysis was performed to identify placental genes regulated differentially between nocturnal and diurnal animals. Phylogenetic modeling was performed to test correlated evolution between placenta type, and the nocturnal or diurnal activity among different mammals. RESULTS The results showed that genes differentially regulated in the fetal brain were related to visual perception whereas the placental genes were related to the nocturnal or diurnal activity in placental animals. Phylogenetic modeling of these genes in thirty-four diverse mammalian species showed evidence for evolutionary link between placenta and the nocturnal/diurnal activity in animals. DISCUSSION The findings of this study suggest that the placenta plays a role in the evolution of visual perceptive function of brain to shape the nocturnal or diurnal activity of placental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar P Poudel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Interdisciplinary Reproduction and Health Group, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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Smout JL, Bain MM, McLaughlin M, Elmer KR. Common lizard primary oviduct cell culture: A model system for the genetic and cellular basis of oviparity and viviparity. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114196. [PMID: 39117090 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114196] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Reproduction by egg-laying (oviparity) or live-bearing (viviparity) is a genetically determined trait fundamental to the biology of amniotes. Squamates are an emerging model for the genetics of reproductive mode yet lack cell culture models valuable for exploring molecular mechanisms. Here, we report a novel primary culture model for reproductive biology: cell cultures derived from the oviduct tissues (infundibulum, uterus and vagina) of oviparous and viviparous common lizards (Lacertidae: Zootoca vivipara). We maintained and expanded these cultures for over 100 days, including repeated subculturing and successful revival of cryopreserved cells. Immunocytochemical investigation suggested expression of both epithelial and fibroblast-like proteins, and RNA sequencing of cultured cells as compared to in vivo oviduct tissue showed changes in gene expression in response to the cell culture environment. Despite this, we confirmed the maintenance of distinct gene expression patterns in viviparous and oviparous cells after 60+ days of cell culture, finding 354 differentially expressed genes between viviparous and oviparous cells. Furthermore, we confirmed the expression of 15 viviparity-associated candidate genes in cells maintained for 60+ days in culture. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of oviduct cell culture for molecular analysis of reproductive mode and provides a tool for future genetic experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Laurence Smout
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Maureen M Bain
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Mark McLaughlin
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Kathryn R Elmer
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, UK.
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Kalhor R, Beslon G, Lafond M, Scornavacca C. A Rigorous Framework to Classify the Postduplication Fate of Paralogous Genes. J Comput Biol 2024. [PMID: 39088355 DOI: 10.1089/cmb.2023.0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene duplication has a central role in evolution; still, little is known on the fates of the duplicated copies, their relative frequency, and on how environmental conditions affect them. Moreover, the lack of rigorous definitions concerning the fate of duplicated genes hinders the development of a global vision of this process. In this paper, we present a new framework aiming at characterizing and formally differentiating the fate of duplicated genes. Our framework has been tested via simulations, where the evolution of populations has been simulated using aevol, an in silico experimental evolution platform. Our results show several patterns that confirm some of the conclusions from previous studies, while also exhibiting new tendencies; this may open up new avenues to better understand the role of duplications as a driver of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Kalhor
- Department of Computer Science, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | | | - Manuel Lafond
- Department of Computer Science, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Celine Scornavacca
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier (Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, EPHE), Montpellier, France
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Stadtmauer DJ, Basanta S, Maziarz JD, Cole AG, Dagdas G, Smith GR, van Breukelen F, Pavličev M, Wagner GP. Comparative single cell analysis reveals complex patterns of cell type and cell signaling innovations at the fetal-maternal interface. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.591945. [PMID: 38746137 PMCID: PMC11092578 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.591945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The decidual-placental interface is one of the most diverse and rapidly evolving tissues in mammals. Its origin as a chimeric fetal-maternal tissue poses a unique evolutionary puzzle. We present single-cell RNA sequencing atlases from the fetal-maternal interfaces of the opossum, a marsupial, the Malagasy common tenrec, an afrotherian with primitive reproductive features, and mouse, guinea pig, and human. Invasive trophoblast shares a common transcriptomic signature across eutherians, which we argue represents a cell type family that radiated following the evolution of hemochorial placentation. We find evidence that the eutherian decidual stromal cell evolved stepwise from a predecidual state retained in Tenrec , followed by a second decidual cell type originating in Boreoeutheria with endocrine characteristics. We reconstruct ligand-receptor signaling to test evolutionary hypotheses at scale. Novel trophoblast and decidual cell types display strong integration into signaling networks compared to other cells. Additionally, we find consistent disambiguation between fetal and maternal signaling. Using phylogenetic analysis, we infer the cell-cell signaling network of the Placental common ancestor, and identify increased rates of signaling evolution in Euarchontoglires. Together, our findings reveal novel cell type identities and cell signaling dynamics at the mammalian fetal-maternal interface.
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Butt Z, Tinning H, O'Connell MJ, Fenn J, Alberio R, Forde N. Understanding conceptus-maternal interactions: what tools do we need to develop? Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:81-92. [PMID: 38064186 DOI: 10.1071/rd23181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between the maternal endometrium and developing embryo/conceptus is critical to support successful pregnancy to term. Studying the peri-implantation period of pregnancy is critical as this is when most pregnancy loss occurs in cattle. Our current understanding of these interactions is limited, due to the lack of appropriate in vitro models to assess these interactions. The endometrium is a complex and heterogeneous tissue that is regulated in a transcriptional and translational manner throughout the oestrous cycle. While there are in vitro models to study endometrial function, they are static and 2D in nature or explant models and are limited in how well they recapitulate the in vivo endometrium. Recent developments in organoid systems, microfluidic approaches, extracellular matrix biology, and in silico approaches provide a new opportunity to develop in vitro systems that better model the in vivo scenario. This will allow us to investigate in a more high-throughput manner the fundamental molecular interactions that are required for successful pregnancy in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenab Butt
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Haidee Tinning
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Mary J O'Connell
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jonathan Fenn
- Computational and Molecular Evolutionary Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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Diessler ME, Hernández R, Gomez Castro G, Barbeito CG. Decidual cells and decidualization in the carnivoran endotheliochorial placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1134874. [PMID: 37009475 PMCID: PMC10060884 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1134874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Decidualization is considered a distinctive feature of eutherian pregnancy, and has appeared during evolution along with the development of invasive forms of placentation, as the endotheliochorial placenta. Although decidualization is not massive in carnivores, as it is in most species developing hemochorial placentas, isolated or grouped cells regarded as decidual have been documented and characterized, mainly in bitches and queens. For the majority of the remaining species of the order, data in the bibliography are fragmentary. In this article, general morphological aspects of decidual stromal cells (DSCs), their time of appearance and lasting, data about the expression of cytoskeletal proteins and molecules considered as markers of decidualization were reviewed. From the data reviewed, it follows that carnivoran DSCs take part either in the secretion of progesterone, prostaglandins, relaxin, among other substances, or at least in the signaling pathways triggered by them. Beyond their physiological roles, some of those molecules are already being used, or are yet under study, for the non-invasive endocrine monitoring and reproductive control of domestic and wild carnivores. Only insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, among the main decidual markers, has been undoubtedly demonstrated in both species. Laminin, on the contrary, was found only in feline DSCs, and prolactin was preliminary reported in dogs and cats. Prolactin receptor, on the other hand, was found in both species. While canine DSCs are the only placental cell type expressing the nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR), that receptor has not been demonstrated neither in feline DSCs, nor in any other cell in the queen placenta, although the use of PGR blockers leads to abortion. Against this background, and from the data gathered so far, it is unquestionable that DSCs in carnivorans do play a pivotal role in placental development and health. The knowledge about placental physiology is critical for medical care and breeding management, primarily in domestic carnivores; it is also absolutely crucial for a conservation approach in the management of endangered carnivore species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Elizabeth Diessler
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV, UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Mónica Elizabeth Diessler,
| | - Rocío Hernández
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV, UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Gimena Gomez Castro
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV, UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FCV, UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Claudio Gustavo Barbeito
- Laboratorio de Histología y Embriología Descriptiva, Experimental y Comparada (LHYEDEC), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV, UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), FCV, UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
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The Connection between Immunocompetence and Reproduction in Wildlife. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030785. [PMID: 36983939 PMCID: PMC10051471 DOI: 10.3390/life13030785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction rate is important for the survival of animal populations. During gravidity, a trade-off occurs between the individual well-being of gravid females and investment in offspring. Due to the high synthesis and energy requirements for the growing fetus, other physiological activities are downregulated in pregnant females. This causes changes in the composition of the reproductive microbiome and a decreased immune response to presented antigens and pathogens. As a result, the immunocompetence of gravid wild animals declines. In general, therefore, increased infection rates during pregnancy can be observed in all wildlife species studied. In the course of evolution, however, this has apparently evolved as a suitable strategy to ensure the survival of the population as a whole.
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Mika K, Lynch VJ. Transposable Elements Continuously Remodel the Regulatory Landscape, Transcriptome, and Function of Decidual Stromal Cells. Genome Biol Evol 2022; 14:6845702. [PMID: 36423206 PMCID: PMC9732941 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evac164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression evolution underlies the origin, divergence, and conservation of biological characters including cell-types, tissues, and organ systems. Previously we showed that large-scale gene expression changes in decidual stromal cells (DSCs) contributed to the origins of pregnancy in eutherians and the divergence of pregnancy traits in primates and that transposable elements likely contributed to these gene expression changes. Here we show that two large waves of TEs remodeled the transcriptome and regulatory landscape of DSCs, including a major wave in primates. Genes nearby TE-derived regulatory elements are among the most progesterone responsive in the genome and play essential roles in orchestrating progesterone responsiveness and the core function of decidual cells by donating progesterone receptor binding sites to the genome. We tested the regulatory abilities of 89 TE consensus sequences and found that nearly all of them acted as repressors in mammalian cells, but treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor unmasked latent enhancer functions. These data indicate that TEs have played an important role in the development, evolution, and function of primate DSCs and suggest a two-step model in which latent enhancer functions of TEs are unmasked after they lose primary repressor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Mika
- Present address: Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, 1025 E 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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