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Abstract
Understanding the process of human embryo implantation is impeded by the inability to study this phenomenon in vivo, thus limiting opportunities to gain knowledge to in vitro modeling. Previous models have relied on monolayer co-cultures, which do not replicate the complexity of endometrial tissue. Here, we detail the establishment of three-dimensional endometrial assembloids, comprising gland-like epithelial organoids in a stromal matrix. Endometrial assembloids mimic endometrial tissue structure more faithfully and can be used to study human embryo-endometrial interactions. Co-cultures of human embryos and endometrial assembloids will enhance our fundamental understanding of these processes as well as allowing us to study the mechanisms of persistent reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Rawlings
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Clinical Sciences Building, University Hospital Coventry, Coventry, UK
| | - Maria Tryfonos
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Clinical Sciences Building, University Hospital Coventry, Coventry, UK
| | - Komal Makwana
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Clinical Sciences Building, University Hospital Coventry, Coventry, UK
| | - Deborah M Taylor
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Clinical Sciences Building, University Hospital Coventry, Coventry, UK
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Clinical Sciences Building, University Hospital Coventry, Coventry, UK
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2
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Vrljicak P, Lucas ES, Tryfonos M, Muter J, Ott S, Brosens JJ. Dynamic chromatin remodeling in cycling human endometrium at single-cell level. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113525. [PMID: 38060448 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen-dependent proliferation followed by progesterone-dependent differentiation of the endometrium culminates in a short implantation window. We performed single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing on endometrial samples obtained across the menstrual cycle to investigate the regulation of temporal gene networks that control embryo implantation. We identify uniquely accessible chromatin regions in all major cellular constituents of the endometrium, delineate temporal patterns of coordinated chromatin remodeling in epithelial and stromal cells, and gain mechanistic insights into the emergence of a receptive state through integrated analysis of enriched transcription factor (TF) binding sites in dynamic chromatin regions, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses, and gene expression data. We demonstrate that the implantation window coincides with pervasive cooption of transposable elements (TEs) into the regulatory chromatin landscape of decidualizing cells and expression of TE-derived transcripts in a spatially defined manner. Our data constitute a comprehensive map of the chromatin changes that control TF activities in a cycling endometrium at cellular resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Vrljicak
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Maria Tryfonos
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Joanne Muter
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Sascha Ott
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Warwick Medical School, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
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3
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Hume L, Edge JC, Tinning H, Wang D, Taylor AS, Ovchinnikov V, Geijer-Simpson A, Vrljicak P, Brosens JJ, Lucas ES, Simson NA, Shillito J, Forbes K, O’Connell MJ, Forde N. MicroRNAs emerging coordinate with placental mammals alter pathways in endometrial epithelia important for endometrial function. iScience 2023; 26:106339. [PMID: 36968081 PMCID: PMC10034127 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that conserved placental mammal-specific microRNAs and their targets facilitate endometrial receptivity to implantation. Expression of miR-340-5p, -542-3p, and -671-5p was regulated by exposure of endometrial epithelial cells to progesterone (10 μg/ml) for 24 h coordinate with 1,713 of their predicted targets. Proteomic analysis of cells transfected with miRNA mimic/inhibitor (48 h: n = 3) revealed 1,745 proteins altered by miR-340-5p (mimic; 1,369, inhibitor; 376) of which 171 were predicted targets and P4-regulated. MiR-542-3p altered 2,353 (mimic; 1,378, inhibitor; 975) 100 which were mirDB predicted, including 46 P4-regulated. MiR-671-5p altered 1,744 proteins (mimic; 1,252, inhibitor; 492) 95 of which were predicted targets and 46 P4-regulated. All miRNAs were detected in luteal phase endometrial biopsies, irrespective of pregnancy outcomes. miR-340-5p expression increased in biopsies from individuals suffering previous and subsequent miscarriage compared to those with subsequent live birth. Dysfunction of these miRNAs and their targets contribute to endometrial-derived recurrent pregnancy loss.
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Brosens JJ, Bennett PR, Abrahams VM, Ramhorst R, Coomarasamy A, Quenby S, Lucas ES, McCoy RC. Maternal selection of human embryos in early gestation: Insights from recurrent miscarriage. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:14-24. [PMID: 35094946 PMCID: PMC9325922 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Compared to most mammals, human pregnancy is unusual in that it involves chromosomally diverse embryos, cyclical breakdown and regeneration of the uterine mucosa, and intimate integration of fetal and maternal cells at the uteroplacental interface. Not surprisingly, pregnancy often falters in early gestation. Whether these losses result in clinical miscarriages depends on the origins and impacts of chromosomal errors on fetal development and the ability of the decidualizing endometrium to engage in embryo biosensing and selection. Aneuploidy originating in oocytes during meiosis drives the age-related risk of miscarriage. By contrast, the frequency of endometrial cycles with an impaired decidual response may account for the stepwise increase in miscarriage rates with each pregnancy loss independently of maternal age. Additional physiological mechanisms operate in early gestation to ensure that most failing pregnancies are lost before vascular maternal-fetal connections are established by the end of the first trimester. Here, we summarise how investigations into the mechanisms that cause miscarriage led to new insights into the processes that govern maternal selection of human embryos in early gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales IQUIBICEN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rajiv C McCoy
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
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Bortoletto P, Lucas ES, Melo P, Gallos ID, Devall AJ, Bourne T, Quenby S, Bennett PR, Coomarasamy A, Brosens JJ. Miscarriage syndrome: Linking early pregnancy loss to obstetric and age-related disorders. EBioMedicine 2022; 81:104134. [PMID: 35779492 PMCID: PMC9244729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon embryo implantation, the uterine mucosa - the endometrium - transforms into a robust decidual matrix that accommodates the fetal placenta throughout pregnancy. This transition is driven by the differentiation of endometrial fibroblasts into specialised decidual cells. A synchronised influx of circulating natural killer (NK) cells and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (BM-MSC) is pivotal for decidual homeostasis and expansion in early pregnancy. We hypothesise that pathological signals interfering with the recruitment or activity of extrauterine cells at the maternal-fetal interface link miscarriage to subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes, including further pregnancy losses and preterm labour. NK cells and BM-MSC are key homeostatic regulators in multiple tissues, pointing towards a shared aetiology between recurrent miscarriage and age-related disorders, including cardiometabolic disease. We propose the term ‘miscarriage syndrome’ to capture the health risks associated with miscarriage and discuss how this paradigm can inform clinical practice and accelerate the development of preventative strategies.
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Mann ON, Kong CS, Lucas ES, Brosens JJ, Hanyaloglu AC, Brighton PJ. Expression and function of the luteinizing hormone choriogonadotropin receptor in human endometrial stromal cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8624. [PMID: 35597810 PMCID: PMC9124191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12495-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The human luteinising hormone choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is a G-protein coupled receptor activated by both human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and luteinizing hormone (LH), two structurally related gonadotropins with essential roles in ovulation and maintenance of the corpus luteum. LHCGR expression predominates in ovarian tissues where it elicits functional responses through cyclic adenosine mononucleotide (cAMP), Ca2+ and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling. LHCGR expression has also been localized to the human endometrium, with purported roles in decidualization and implantation. However, these observations are contentious. In this investigation, transcripts encoding LHCGR were undetectable in bulk RNA sequencing datasets from whole cycling endometrial tissue and cultured human endometrial stromal cells (EnSC). However, analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed cell-to-cell transcriptional heterogeneity, and we identified a small subpopulation of stromal cells with detectable LHCGR transcripts. In HEK-293 cells expressing recombinant LHCGR, both hCG and LH elicited robust cAMP, Ca2+ and ERK signals that were absent in wild-type HEK-293 cells. However, none of these responses were recapitulated in primary EnSC cultures. In addition, proliferation, viability and decidual transformation of EnSC were refractory to both hCG and LH, irrespective of treatment to induce differentiation. Although we challenge the assertion that LHCGR is expressed at a functionally active level in the human endometrium, the discovery of a discrete subpopulation of EnSC that express LHCGR transcripts may plausibly account for the conflicting evidence in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- O N Mann
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - C-S Kong
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - E S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - J J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - A C Hanyaloglu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - P J Brighton
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
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Rawlings TM, Makwana K, Tryfonos M, Lucas ES. Organoids to model the endometrium: implantation and beyond. Reprod Fertil 2022; 2:R85-R101. [PMID: 35118399 PMCID: PMC8801025 DOI: 10.1530/raf-21-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in assisted reproductive techniques in the 4 decades since the first human birth after in vitro fertilisation, 1–2% of couples experience recurrent implantation failure, and some will never achieve a successful pregnancy even in the absence of a confirmed dysfunction. Furthermore, 1–2% of couples who do conceive, either naturally or with assistance, will experience recurrent early loss of karyotypically normal pregnancies. In both cases, embryo-endometrial interaction is a clear candidate for exploration. The impossibility of studying implantation processes within the human body has necessitated the use of animal models and cell culture approaches. Recent advances in 3-dimensional modelling techniques, namely the advent of organoids, present an exciting opportunity to elucidate the unanswerable within human reproduction. In this review, we will explore the ontogeny of implantation modelling and propose a roadmap to application and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Rawlings
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Komal Makwana
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Maria Tryfonos
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Lipecki J, Mitchell AE, Muter J, Lucas ES, Makwana K, Fishwick K, Odendaal J, Hawkes A, Vrljicak P, Brosens JJ, Ott S. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:747-761. [PMID: 35092277 PMCID: PMC8971653 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can the accuracy of timing of luteal phase endometrial biopsies based on urinary ovulation testing be improved by measuring the expression of a small number of genes and a continuous, non-categorical modelling approach? SUMMARY ANSWER Measuring the expression levels of six genes (IL2RB, IGFBP1, CXCL14, DPP4, GPX3 and SLC15A2) is sufficient to obtain substantially more accurate timing estimates and to assess the reliability of timing estimates for each sample. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Commercially available endometrial timing approaches based on gene expression require large gene sets and use a categorical approach that classifies samples as pre-receptive, receptive or post-receptive. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Gene expression was measured by RTq-PCR in different sample sets, comprising a total of 664 endometrial biopsies obtained 4–12 days after a self-reported positive home ovulation test. A further 36 endometrial samples were profiled by RTq-PCR as well as RNA-sequencing. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A computational procedure, named ‘EndoTime’, was established that models the temporal profile of each gene and estimates the timing of each sample. Iterating these steps, temporal profiles are gradually refined as sample timings are being updated, and confidence in timing estimates is increased. After convergence, the method reports updated timing estimates for each sample while preserving the overall distribution of time points. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to confirm that ordering samples by EndoTime estimates yields sharper temporal expression profiles for held-out genes (not used when determining sample timings) than ordering the same expression values by patient-reported times (GPX3: P < 0.005; CXCL14: P < 2.7e−6; DPP4: P < 3.7e−13). Pearson correlation between EndoTime estimates for the same sample set but based on RTq-PCR or RNA-sequencing data showed a high degree of congruency between the two (P = 8.6e−10, R2 = 0.687). Estimated timings did not differ significantly between control subjects and patients with recurrent pregnancy loss or recurrent implantation failure (P > 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA The RTq-PCR data files are available via the GitHub repository for the EndoTime software at https://github.com/AE-Mitchell/EndoTime, as is the code used for pre-processing of RTq-PCR data. The RNA-sequencing data are available on GEO (accession GSE180485). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Timing estimates are informed by glandular gene expression and will only represent the temporal state of other endometrial cell types if in synchrony with the epithelium. Methods that estimate the day of ovulation are still required as these data are essential inputs in our method. Our approach, in its current iteration, performs batch correction such that larger sample batches impart greater accuracy to timing estimations. In theory, our method requires endometrial samples obtained at different days in the luteal phase. In practice, however, this is not a concern as timings based on urinary ovulation testing are associated with a sufficient level of noise to ensure that a variety of time points will be sampled. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our method is the first to assay the temporal state of luteal-phase endometrial samples on a continuous domain. It is freely available with fully shared data and open-source software. EndoTime enables accurate temporal profiling of any gene in luteal endometrial samples for a wide range of research applications and, potentially, clinical use. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award (Grant/Award Number: 212233/Z/18/Z) and the Tommy's National Miscarriage Research Centre. None of the authors have any competing interests. J.L. was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UK) through the Midlands Integrative Biology Training Partnership (MIBTP, BB/M01116X/1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lipecki
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Joanne Muter
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Komal Makwana
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Amelia Hawkes
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Pavle Vrljicak
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Sascha Ott
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Bioinformatics RTP, Research Technology Platforms, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Correspondence address. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5411-8114
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Rawlings TM, Makwana K, Taylor DM, Molè MA, Fishwick KJ, Tryfonos M, Odendaal J, Hawkes A, Zernicka-Goetz M, Hartshorne GM, Brosens JJ, Lucas ES. Modelling the impact of decidual senescence on embryo implantation in human endometrial assembloids. eLife 2021; 10:e69603. [PMID: 34487490 PMCID: PMC8523170 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidual remodelling of midluteal endometrium leads to a short implantation window after which the uterine mucosa either breaks down or is transformed into a robust matrix that accommodates the placenta throughout pregnancy. To gain insights into the underlying mechanisms, we established and characterized endometrial assembloids, consisting of gland-like organoids and primary stromal cells. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed that decidualized assembloids closely resemble midluteal endometrium, harbouring differentiated and senescent subpopulations in both glands and stroma. We show that acute senescence in glandular epithelium drives secretion of multiple canonical implantation factors, whereas in the stroma it calibrates the emergence of anti-inflammatory decidual cells and pro-inflammatory senescent decidual cells. Pharmacological inhibition of stress responses in pre-decidual cells accelerated decidualization by eliminating the emergence of senescent decidual cells. In co-culture experiments, accelerated decidualization resulted in entrapment of collapsed human blastocysts in a robust, static decidual matrix. By contrast, the presence of senescent decidual cells created a dynamic implantation environment, enabling embryo expansion and attachment, although their persistence led to gradual disintegration of assembloids. Our findings suggest that decidual senescence controls endometrial fate decisions at implantation and highlight how endometrial assembloids may accelerate the discovery of new treatments to prevent reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Rawlings
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Komal Makwana
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Deborah M Taylor
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Matteo A Molè
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Katherine J Fishwick
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Maria Tryfonos
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Joshua Odendaal
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Amelia Hawkes
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Synthetic Mouse and Human Embryology Group, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Division of Biology and Biological EngineeringPasadenaUnited Kingdom
| | - Geraldine M Hartshorne
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS TrustCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
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10
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Kong CS, Ordoñez AA, Turner S, Tremaine T, Muter J, Lucas ES, Salisbury E, Vassena R, Tiscornia G, Fouladi-Nashta AA, Hartshorne G, Brosens JJ, Brighton PJ. Embryo biosensing by uterine natural killer cells determines endometrial fate decisions at implantation. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21336. [PMID: 33749894 PMCID: PMC8251835 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002217r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Decidualizing endometrial stromal cells (EnSC) critically determine the maternal response to an implanting conceptus, triggering either menstruation-like disposal of low-fitness embryos or creating an environment that promotes further development. However, the mechanism that couples maternal recognition of low-quality embryos to tissue breakdown remains poorly understood. Recently, we demonstrated that successful transition of the cycling endometrium to a pregnancy state requires selective elimination of pro-inflammatory senescent decidual cells by activated uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. Here we report that uNK cells express CD44, the canonical hyaluronan (HA) receptor, and demonstrate that high molecular weight HA (HMWHA) inhibits uNK cell-mediated killing of senescent decidual cells. In contrast, low molecular weight HA (LMWHA) did not attenuate uNK cell activity in co-culture experiments. Killing of senescent decidual cells by uNK cells was also inhibited upon exposure to medium conditioned by IVF embryos that failed to implant, but not successful embryos. Embryo-mediated inhibition of uNK cell activity was reversed by recombinant hyaluronidase 2 (HYAL2), which hydrolyses HMWHA. We further report a correlation between the levels of HYAL2 secretion by human blastocysts, morphological scores, and implantation potential. Taken together, the data suggest a pivotal role for uNK cells in embryo biosensing and endometrial fate decisions at implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chow-Seng Kong
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Sarah Turner
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Tina Tremaine
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Joanne Muter
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma Salisbury
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Ali A Fouladi-Nashta
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Geraldine Hartshorne
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Paul J Brighton
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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11
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Quenby S, Gallos ID, Dhillon-Smith RK, Podesek M, Stephenson MD, Fisher J, Brosens JJ, Brewin J, Ramhorst R, Lucas ES, McCoy RC, Anderson R, Daher S, Regan L, Al-Memar M, Bourne T, MacIntyre DA, Rai R, Christiansen OB, Sugiura-Ogasawara M, Odendaal J, Devall AJ, Bennett PR, Petrou S, Coomarasamy A. Miscarriage matters: the epidemiological, physical, psychological, and economic costs of early pregnancy loss. Lancet 2021; 397:1658-1667. [PMID: 33915094 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00682-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 397] [Impact Index Per Article: 132.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Miscarriage is generally defined as the loss of a pregnancy before viability. An estimated 23 million miscarriages occur every year worldwide, translating to 44 pregnancy losses each minute. The pooled risk of miscarriage is 15·3% (95% CI 12·5-18·7%) of all recognised pregnancies. The population prevalence of women who have had one miscarriage is 10·8% (10·3-11·4%), two miscarriages is 1·9% (1·8-2·1%), and three or more miscarriages is 0·7% (0·5-0·8%). Risk factors for miscarriage include very young or older female age (younger than 20 years and older than 35 years), older male age (older than 40 years), very low or very high body-mass index, Black ethnicity, previous miscarriages, smoking, alcohol, stress, working night shifts, air pollution, and exposure to pesticides. The consequences of miscarriage are both physical, such as bleeding or infection, and psychological. Psychological consequences include increases in the risk of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide. Miscarriage, and especially recurrent miscarriage, is also a sentinel risk marker for obstetric complications, including preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, and stillbirth in future pregnancies, and a predictor of longer-term health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and venous thromboembolism. The costs of miscarriage affect individuals, health-care systems, and society. The short-term national economic cost of miscarriage is estimated to be £471 million per year in the UK. As recurrent miscarriage is a sentinel marker for various obstetric risks in future pregnancies, women should receive care in preconception and obstetric clinics specialising in patients at high risk. As psychological morbidity is common after pregnancy loss, effective screening instruments and treatment options for mental health consequences of miscarriage need to be available. We recommend that miscarriage data are gathered and reported to facilitate comparison of rates among countries, to accelerate research, and to improve patient care and policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK.
| | - Ioannis D Gallos
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rima K Dhillon-Smith
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Marcelina Podesek
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mary D Stephenson
- University of Illinois Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joanne Fisher
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Jane Brewin
- Tommy's Charity, Laurence Pountney Hill, London, UK
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales IQUIBICEN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Rajiv C McCoy
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert Anderson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shahd Daher
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lesley Regan
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maya Al-Memar
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tom Bourne
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Raj Rai
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ole B Christiansen
- Centre for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss of Western Denmark, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mayumi Sugiura-Ogasawara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Joshua Odendaal
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Adam J Devall
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Stavros Petrou
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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12
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Diniz-da-Costa M, Kong CS, Fishwick KJ, Rawlings T, Brighton PJ, Hawkes A, Odendaal J, Quenby S, Ott S, Lucas ES, Vrljicak P, Brosens JJ. Characterization of highly proliferative decidual precursor cells during the window of implantation in human endometrium. Stem Cells 2021; 39:1067-1080. [PMID: 33764639 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy depends on the wholesale transformation of the endometrium, a process driven by differentiation of endometrial stromal cells (EnSC) into specialist decidual cells. Upon embryo implantation, decidual cells impart the tissue plasticity needed to accommodate a rapidly growing conceptus and invading placenta, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here we characterize a discrete population of highly proliferative mesenchymal cells (hPMC) in midluteal human endometrium, coinciding with the window of embryo implantation. Single-cell transcriptomics demonstrated that hPMC express genes involved in chemotaxis and vascular transmigration. Although distinct from resident EnSC, hPMC also express genes encoding pivotal decidual transcription factors and markers, most prominently prolactin. We further show that hPMC are enriched around spiral arterioles, scattered throughout the stroma, and occasionally present in glandular and luminal epithelium. The abundance of hPMC correlated with the in vitro colony-forming unit activity of midluteal endometrium and, conversely, clonogenic cells in culture express a gene signature partially conserved in hPMC. Cross-referencing of single-cell RNA-sequencing data sets indicated that hPMC differentiate into a recently discovered decidual subpopulation in early pregnancy. Finally, we demonstrate that recurrent pregnancy loss is associated with hPMC depletion. Collectively, our findings characterize midluteal hPMC as novel decidual precursors that are likely derived from circulating bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and integral to decidual plasticity in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Diniz-da-Costa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Chow-Seng Kong
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Katherine J Fishwick
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Thomas Rawlings
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Paul J Brighton
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Amelia Hawkes
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Joshua Odendaal
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust, Coventry, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sascha Ott
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust, Coventry, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Pavle Vrljicak
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust, Coventry, UK.,Centre for Early Life, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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13
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Harden SL, Zhou J, Gharanei S, Diniz-da-Costa M, Lucas ES, Cui L, Murakami K, Fang J, Chen Q, Brosens JJ, Lee YH. Exometabolomic Analysis of Decidualizing Human Endometrial Stromal and Perivascular Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:626619. [PMID: 33585482 PMCID: PMC7876294 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.626619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of endometrial fibroblasts into specialized decidual cells controls embryo implantation and transforms the cycling endometrium into a semi-permanent, immune-protective matrix that accommodates the placenta throughout pregnancy. This process starts during the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle with decidual transformation of perivascular cells (PVC) surrounding the terminal spiral arterioles and endometrial stromal cells (EnSC) underlying the luminal epithelium. Decidualization involves extensive cellular reprogramming and acquisition of a secretory phenotype, essential for coordinated placental trophoblast invasion. Secreted metabolites are an emerging class of signaling molecules, collectively known as the exometabolome. Here, we used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to characterize and analyze time-resolved changes in metabolite secretion (exometabolome) of primary PVC and EnSC decidualized over 8 days. PVC were isolated using positive selection of the cell surface marker SUSD2. We identified 79 annotated metabolites differentially secreted upon decidualization, including prostaglandin, sphingolipid, and hyaluronic acid metabolites. Secreted metabolites encompassed 21 metabolic pathways, most prominently glycerolipid and pyrimidine metabolism. Although temporal exometabolome changes were comparable between decidualizing PVC and EnSC, 32 metabolites were differentially secreted across the decidualization time-course. Further, targeted metabolomics demonstrated significant differences in secretion of purine pathway metabolites between decidualized PVC and EnSC. Taken together, our findings indicate that the metabolic footprints generated by different decidual subpopulations encode spatiotemporal information that may be important for optimal embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Harden
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Singapore–MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jieliang Zhou
- Translational ‘Omics and Biomarkers Group, KK Research Centre, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seley Gharanei
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Diniz-da-Costa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Emma S. Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Liang Cui
- Singapore–MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Keisuke Murakami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jinling Fang
- Singapore–MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Centre for Early Life, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Yie Hou Lee
- Singapore–MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
- Translational ‘Omics and Biomarkers Group, KK Research Centre, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Gharanei S, Fishwick K, Peter Durairaj R, Jin T, Siamantouras E, Liu KK, Straube A, Lucas ES, Weston CJ, Rantakari P, Salmi M, Jalkanen S, Brosens JJ, Tan BK. Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 Determines the Cellular Properties of Endometrial Pericytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:621016. [PMID: 33537312 PMCID: PMC7848099 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.621016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is an inflammation-inducible adhesion molecule and a primary amine oxidase involved in immune cell trafficking. Leukocyte extravasation into tissues is mediated by adhesion molecules expressed on endothelial cells and pericytes. Pericytes play a major role in the angiogenesis and vascularization of cycling endometrium. However, the functional properties of pericytes in the human endometrium are not known. Here we show that pericytes surrounding the spiral arterioles in midluteal human endometrium constitutively express VAP-1. We first characterize these pericytes and demonstrate that knockdown of VAP-1 perturbed their biophysical properties and compromised their contractile, migratory, adhesive and clonogenic capacities. Furthermore, we show that loss of VAP-1 disrupts pericyte-uterine natural killer cell interactions in vitro. Taken together, the data not only reveal that endometrial pericytes represent a cell population with distinct biophysical and functional properties but also suggest a pivotal role for VAP-1 in regulating the recruitment of innate immune cells in human endometrium. We posit that VAP-1 could serve as a potential biomarker for pregnancy pathologies caused by a compromised perivascular environment prior to conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seley Gharanei
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Tianrong Jin
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kuo-Kang Liu
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Straube
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Emma S. Lucas
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Weston
- Centre for Liver Research & National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Unit, Level 5 Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Pia Rantakari
- Medicity Research Laboratory and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marko Salmi
- Medicity Research Laboratory and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sirpa Jalkanen
- Medicity Research Laboratory and Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Bee Kang Tan
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
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15
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Lucas ES, Vrljicak P, Muter J, Diniz-da-Costa MM, Brighton PJ, Kong CS, Lipecki J, Fishwick KJ, Odendaal J, Ewington LJ, Quenby S, Ott S, Brosens JJ. Recurrent pregnancy loss is associated with a pro-senescent decidual response during the peri-implantation window. Commun Biol 2020; 3:37. [PMID: 31965050 PMCID: PMC6972755 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0763-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During the implantation window, the endometrium becomes poised to transition to a pregnant state, a process driven by differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells (DC). Perturbations in this process, termed decidualization, leads to breakdown of the feto-maternal interface and miscarriage, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we reconstructed the decidual pathway at single-cell level in vitro and demonstrate that stromal cells first mount an acute stress response before emerging as DC or senescent DC (snDC). In the absence of immune cell-mediated clearance of snDC, secondary senescence transforms DC into progesterone-resistant cells that abundantly express extracellular matrix remodelling factors. Additional single-cell analysis of midluteal endometrium identified DIO2 and SCARA5 as marker genes of a diverging decidual response in vivo. Finally, we report a conspicuous link between a pro-senescent decidual response in peri-implantation endometrium and recurrent pregnancy loss, suggesting that pre-pregnancy screening and intervention may reduce the burden of miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma S Lucas
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Pavle Vrljicak
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Joanne Muter
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Maria M Diniz-da-Costa
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Paul J Brighton
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Chow-Seng Kong
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Julia Lipecki
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Katherine J Fishwick
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Joshua Odendaal
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Lauren J Ewington
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Sascha Ott
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
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16
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Tewary S, Lucas ES, Fujihara R, Kimani PK, Polanco A, Brighton PJ, Muter J, Fishwick KJ, Da Costa MJMD, Ewington LJ, Lacey L, Takeda S, Brosens JJ, Quenby S. Impact of sitagliptin on endometrial mesenchymal stem-like progenitor cells: A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled feasibility trial. EBioMedicine 2020; 51:102597. [PMID: 31928963 PMCID: PMC7000352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.102597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is associated with the loss of endometrial mesenchymal stem-like progenitor cells (eMSC). DPP4 inhibitors may increase homing and engraftment of bone marrow-derived cells to sites of tissue injury. Here, we evaluated the effect of the DPP4 inhibitor sitagliptin on eMSC in women with RPL, determined the impact on endometrial decidualization, and assessed the feasibility of a full-scale clinical trial. METHODS A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled feasibility trial on women aged 18 to 42 years with a history of 3 or more miscarriages, regular menstrual cycles, and no contraindications to sitagliptin. Thirty-eight subjects were randomised to either 100 mg sitagliptin daily for 3 consecutive cycles or identical placebo capsules. Computer generated, permuted block randomisation was used to allocate treatment packs. Colony forming unit (CFU) assays were used to quantify eMSC in midluteal endometrial biopsies. The primary outcome measure was CFU counts. Secondary outcome measures were endometrial thickness, study acceptability, and first pregnancy outcome within 12 months following the study. Tissue samples were subjected to explorative investigations. FINDINGS CFU counts following sitagliptin were higher compared to placebo only when adjusted for baseline CFU counts and age (RR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.32-1.75, P<0.01). The change in CFU count was 1.68 in the sitagliptin group and 1.08 in the placebo group. Trial recruitment, acceptability, and drug compliance were high. There were no serious adverse events. Explorative investigations showed that sitagliptin inhibits the expression of DIO2, a marker gene of senescent decidual cells. INTERPRETATION Sitagliptin increases eMSCs and decreases decidual senescence. A large-scale clinical trial evaluating the impact of preconception sitagliptin treatment on pregnancy outcome in RPL is feasible and warranted. FUNDING Tommy's Baby Charity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION EU Clinical Trials Register no. 2016-001120-54.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreeya Tewary
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Risa Fujihara
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Juntendo University, Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Peter K Kimani
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Angela Polanco
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Paul J Brighton
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Joanne Muter
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Katherine J Fishwick
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Maria José Minhoto Diniz Da Costa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Lauren J Ewington
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Lauren Lacey
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Juntendo University, Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
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Peter Durairaj RR, Aberkane A, Polanski L, Maruyama Y, Baumgarten M, Lucas ES, Quenby S, Chan JKY, Raine-Fenning N, Brosens JJ, Van de Velde H, Lee YH. Deregulation of the endometrial stromal cell secretome precedes embryo implantation failure. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:478-487. [PMID: 28402555 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is implantation failure following ART associated with a perturbed decidual response in endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER Dynamic changes in the secretome of decidualizing EnSCs underpin the transition of a hostile to a supportive endometrial microenvironment for embryo implantation; perturbation in this transitional pathway prior to ART is associated with implantation failure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Implantation is the rate-limiting step in ART, although the contribution of an aberrant endometrial microenvironment in IVF failure remains ill defined. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In vitro characterization of the temporal changes in the decidual response of primary EnSCs isolated prior to a successful or failed ART cycle. An analysis of embryo responses to secreted cues from undifferentiated and decidualizing EnSCs was performed. The primary clinical outcome of the study was a positive urinary pregnancy test 14 days after embryo transfer. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Primary EnSCs were isolated from endometrial biopsies obtained prior to IVF treatment and cryopreserved. EnSCs from 10 pregnant and 10 non-pregnant patients were then thawed, expanded in culture, subjected to clonogenic assays, and decidualized for either 2 or 8 days. Transcript levels of decidual marker gene [prolactin (PRL), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B1)] were analysed using real-time quantitative PCR and temporal secretome changes of 45 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were measured by multiplex suspension bead immunoassay. The impact of the EnSC secretome on human blastocyst development was scored morphologically; and embryo secretions in response to EnSC cues analyzed by multiplex suspension bead immunoassay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Clonogenicity and induction of decidual marker genes were comparable between EnSC cultures from pregnant and non-pregnant group groups (P > 0.05). Analysis of 23 secreted factors revealed that successful implantation was associated with co-ordinated secretome changes in decidualizing EnSCs, which were most pronounced on Day 2 of differentiation: 17 differentially secreted proteins on Day 2 of decidualization relative to undifferentiated (Day 0) EnSCs (P < 0.05); 11 differentially secreted proteins on Day 8 relative to Day 2 (P < 0.05); and eight differentially secreted proteins on Day 8 relative to Day 0 (P < 0.05). By contrast, failed implantation was associated with a disordered secretome response. Blastocyst development was compromised when cultured for 24 h in medium conditioned by undifferentiated EnSCs when compared to decidualizing EnSCs. Analysis of the embryo microdroplets revealed that human blastocysts mount a secretory cytokine response to soluble decidual factors produced during the early (Day 2) but not late phase (Day 8) of differentiation. The embryo responses to secreted factors from decidualizing EnSCs were comparable between the pregnant and non-pregnant group (P > 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although this study uses primary EnSCs and human embryos, caution is warranted when extrapolating the results to the in vivo situation because of the correlative nature of the study and limited sample size. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our finding raises the prospect that endometrial analysis prior to ART could minimize the risk of treatment failure. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by funds from the Biomedical Research Unit in Reproductive Health, a joint initiative of the University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust and Warwick Medical School, the University of Nottingham and Nurture Fertility, and the National Medical Research Council, Singapore (NMRC/BNIG14NOV023), the "Instituut voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie" (IWT, Flanders, Belgium), the "Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek" (FWO, Flanders, Belgium) and the "Wetenschappelijk Fonds Willy Gepts" (WFWG, UZ Brussel). The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruban Rex Peter Durairaj
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Asma Aberkane
- Reproductive Immunology and Implantation, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lukasz Polanski
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Yojiro Maruyama
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Miriam Baumgarten
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899, Singapore
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899, Singapore
| | - Jerry K Y Chan
- KK Research Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899, Singapore.,Nurture Fertility, The East Midlands Fertility Centre, Bostocks Lane, Nottingham NG10 5QG, UK
| | - Nick Raine-Fenning
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.,Obstetrics & Gynaecology-Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899, Singapore
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Reproductive Immunology and Implantation, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yie Hou Lee
- KK Research Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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18
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Vrljicak P, Lucas ES, Lansdowne L, Lucciola R, Muter J, Dyer NP, Brosens JJ, Ott S. Analysis of chromatin accessibility in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells. FASEB J 2018; 32:2467-2477. [PMID: 29259032 PMCID: PMC6040682 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701098r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous decidualization of the endometrium in response to progesterone signaling is confined to menstruating species, including humans and other higher primates. During this process, endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) differentiate into specialized decidual cells that control embryo implantation. We subjected undifferentiated and decidualizing human EnSCs to an assay for transposase accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) to map the underlying chromatin changes. A total of 185,084 open DNA loci were mapped accurately in EnSCs. Altered chromatin accessibility upon decidualization was strongly associated with differential gene expression. Analysis of 1533 opening and closing chromatin regions revealed over-representation of DNA binding motifs for known decidual transcription factors (TFs) and identified putative new regulators. ATAC-seq footprint analysis provided evidence of TF binding at specific motifs. One of the largest footprints involved the most enriched motif-basic leucine zipper-as part of a triple motif that also comprised the estrogen receptor and Pax domain binding sites. Without exception, triple motifs were located within Alu elements, which suggests a role for this primate-specific transposable element (TE) in the evolution of decidual genes. Although other TEs were generally under-represented in open chromatin of undifferentiated EnSCs, several classes contributed to the regulatory DNA landscape that underpins decidual gene expression.-Vrljicak, P., Lucas, E. S., Lansdowne, L., Lucciola, R., Muter, J., Dyer, N. P., Brosens, J. J., Ott, S. Analysis of chromatin accessibility in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Vrljicak
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Warwick Medical School, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service (NHS) Trust, United Kingdom.,Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Warwick Medical School, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service (NHS) Trust, United Kingdom.,Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Lansdowne
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Raffaella Lucciola
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Muter
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel P Dyer
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Warwick Medical School, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service (NHS) Trust, United Kingdom.,Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Ott
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Warwick Medical School, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service (NHS) Trust, United Kingdom.,Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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19
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Brighton PJ, Maruyama Y, Fishwick K, Vrljicak P, Tewary S, Fujihara R, Muter J, Lucas ES, Yamada T, Woods L, Lucciola R, Hou Lee Y, Takeda S, Ott S, Hemberger M, Quenby S, Brosens JJ. Clearance of senescent decidual cells by uterine natural killer cells in cycling human endometrium. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 29227245 PMCID: PMC5724991 DOI: 10.7554/elife.31274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In cycling human endometrium, menstruation is followed by rapid estrogen-dependent growth. Upon ovulation, progesterone and rising cellular cAMP levels activate the transcription factor Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs), leading to cell cycle exit and differentiation into decidual cells that control embryo implantation. Here we show that FOXO1 also causes acute senescence of a subpopulation of decidualizing EnSCs in an IL-8 dependent manner. Selective depletion or enrichment of this subpopulation revealed that decidual senescence drives the transient inflammatory response associated with endometrial receptivity. Further, senescent cells prevent differentiation of endometrial mesenchymal stem cells in decidualizing cultures. As the cycle progresses, IL-15 activated uterine natural killer (uNK) cells selectively target and clear senescent decidual cells through granule exocytosis. Our findings reveal that acute decidual senescence governs endometrial rejuvenation and remodeling at embryo implantation, and suggest a critical role for uNK cells in maintaining homeostasis in cycling endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Brighton
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Yojiro Maruyama
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katherine Fishwick
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Pavle Vrljicak
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Shreeya Tewary
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Risa Fujihara
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joanne Muter
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Taihei Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Laura Woods
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Raffaella Lucciola
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Yie Hou Lee
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,KK Research Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sascha Ott
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Joris Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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20
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Peter Durairaj RR, Aberkane A, Polanski L, Maruyama Y, Baumgarten M, Lucas ES, Quenby S, Chan JKY, Raine-Fenning N, Brosens JJ, Van de Velde H, Lee YH. Deregulation of the endometrial stromal cell secretome precedes embryo implantation failure. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:582. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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21
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Lucas ES, Watkins AJ. The Long-Term Effects of the Periconceptional Period on Embryo Epigenetic Profile and Phenotype; The Paternal Role and His Contribution, and How Males Can Affect Offspring's Phenotype/Epigenetic Profile. Adv Exp Med Biol 2017; 1014:137-154. [PMID: 28864989 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62414-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The number of adults afflicted with heart disease, obesity and diabetes, central components of metabolic disorder, has grown rapidly in recent decades, affecting up to one quarter of the world's population. Typically, these diseases are attributed to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking. However, studies have now identified strong associations between patterns of growth during foetal and neonatal life and an increase predisposition towards developing heart disease, obesity and diabetes in adult life. While the connection between a mother's diet and the long-term health of her offspring has been studied in great detail, our understanding of whether offspring health might be affected by a father's diet remains limited. Greater insight into the impact that paternal nutrition has on sperm quality, epigenetic status and potential offspring programming mechanisms is needed to redress this parental-programming knowledge imbalance. Disturbances in paternal reproductive epigenetic status represents one key mechanism linking paternal diet with the programing of offspring development and adult health, as many enzymatic processes involved in epigenetic regulation use metabolic intermediates to modify DNA and histones. Here, poor paternal nutrition could result in perturbed sperm and testicular epigenetic status, impacting on post-fertilisation gene transcriptional regulation and protein expression in offspring tissues, resulting in increased incidences of metabolic disorder in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma S Lucas
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Adam J Watkins
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
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22
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Lucas ES, Dyer NP, Fishwick K, Ott S, Brosens JJ. Success after failure: the role of endometrial stem cells in recurrent miscarriage. Reproduction 2016; 152:R159-66. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial stem-like cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and epithelial progenitor cells, are essential for cyclic regeneration of the endometrium following menstrual shedding. Emerging evidence indicates that endometrial MSCs (eMSCs) constitute a dynamic population of cells that enables the endometrium to adapt in response to a failed pregnancy. Recurrent miscarriage is associated with relative depletion of endometrial eMSCs, which not only curtails the intrinsic ability of the endometrium to adapt to reproductive failure but also compromises endometrial decidualization, an obligatory transformation process for embryo implantation. These novel findings should pave the way for more effective screening of women at risk of pregnancy failure before conception.
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23
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Muter J, Brighton PJ, Lucas ES, Lacey L, Shmygol A, Quenby S, Blanks AM, Brosens JJ. Progesterone-Dependent Induction of Phospholipase C-Related Catalytically Inactive Protein 1 (PRIP-1) in Decidualizing Human Endometrial Stromal Cells. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2883-93. [PMID: 27167772 PMCID: PMC4972893 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Decidualization denotes the transformation of endometrial stromal cells into specialized decidual cells. In pregnancy, decidual cells form a protective matrix around the implanting embryo, enabling coordinated trophoblast invasion and formation of a functional placenta. Continuous progesterone (P4) signaling renders decidual cells resistant to various environmental stressors, whereas withdrawal inevitably triggers tissue breakdown and menstruation or miscarriage. Here, we show that PLCL1, coding phospholipase C (PLC)-related catalytically inactive protein 1 (PRIP-1), is highly induced in response to P4 signaling in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs). Knockdown experiments in undifferentiated HESCs revealed that PRIP-1 maintains basal phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein kinase B activity, which in turn prevents illicit nuclear translocation of the transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 and induction of the apoptotic activator BIM. By contrast, loss of this scaffold protein did not compromise survival of decidual cells. PRIP-1 knockdown did also not interfere with the responsiveness of HESCs to deciduogenic cues, although the overall expression of differentiation markers, such as PRL, IGFBP1, and WNT4, was blunted. Finally, we show that PRIP-1 in decidual cells uncouples PLC activation from intracellular Ca(2+) release by attenuating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate signaling. In summary, PRIP-1 is a multifaceted P4-inducible scaffold protein that gates the activity of major signal transduction pathways in the endometrium. It prevents apoptosis of proliferating stromal cells and contributes to the relative autonomy of decidual cells by silencing PLC signaling downstream of Gq protein-coupled receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Muter
- Division of Biomedical Sciences (J.M., P.J.B., E.S.L., L.L., A.S., S.Q., A.M.B., J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust (S.Q., J.J.B.), Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom; and Tommy's National Miscarriage Research Centre (E.S.L., S.Q., J.J.B.), University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Brighton
- Division of Biomedical Sciences (J.M., P.J.B., E.S.L., L.L., A.S., S.Q., A.M.B., J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust (S.Q., J.J.B.), Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom; and Tommy's National Miscarriage Research Centre (E.S.L., S.Q., J.J.B.), University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Biomedical Sciences (J.M., P.J.B., E.S.L., L.L., A.S., S.Q., A.M.B., J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust (S.Q., J.J.B.), Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom; and Tommy's National Miscarriage Research Centre (E.S.L., S.Q., J.J.B.), University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Lacey
- Division of Biomedical Sciences (J.M., P.J.B., E.S.L., L.L., A.S., S.Q., A.M.B., J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust (S.Q., J.J.B.), Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom; and Tommy's National Miscarriage Research Centre (E.S.L., S.Q., J.J.B.), University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom
| | - Anatoly Shmygol
- Division of Biomedical Sciences (J.M., P.J.B., E.S.L., L.L., A.S., S.Q., A.M.B., J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust (S.Q., J.J.B.), Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom; and Tommy's National Miscarriage Research Centre (E.S.L., S.Q., J.J.B.), University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences (J.M., P.J.B., E.S.L., L.L., A.S., S.Q., A.M.B., J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust (S.Q., J.J.B.), Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom; and Tommy's National Miscarriage Research Centre (E.S.L., S.Q., J.J.B.), University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M Blanks
- Division of Biomedical Sciences (J.M., P.J.B., E.S.L., L.L., A.S., S.Q., A.M.B., J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust (S.Q., J.J.B.), Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom; and Tommy's National Miscarriage Research Centre (E.S.L., S.Q., J.J.B.), University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences (J.M., P.J.B., E.S.L., L.L., A.S., S.Q., A.M.B., J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Trust (S.Q., J.J.B.), Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom; and Tommy's National Miscarriage Research Centre (E.S.L., S.Q., J.J.B.), University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX United Kingdom
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24
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Denisenko O, Lucas ES, Sun C, Watkins AJ, Mar D, Bomsztyk K, Fleming TP. Regulation of ribosomal RNA expression across the lifespan is fine-tuned by maternal diet before implantation. Biochim Biophys Acta 2016; 1859:906-13. [PMID: 27060415 PMCID: PMC4914606 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cells and organisms respond to nutrient deprivation by decreasing global rates of transcription, translation and DNA replication. To what extent such changes can be reversed is largely unknown. We examined the effect of maternal dietary restriction on RNA synthesis in the offspring. Low protein diet fed either throughout gestation or for the preimplantation period alone reduced cellular RNA content across fetal somatic tissues during challenge and increased it beyond controls in fetal and adult tissues after challenge release. Changes in transcription of ribosomal RNA, the major component of cellular RNA, were responsible for this phenotype as evidenced by matching alterations in RNA polymerase I density and DNA methylation at ribosomal DNA loci. Cellular levels of the ribosomal transcription factor Rrn3 mirrored the rRNA expression pattern. In cell culture experiments, Rrn3 overexpression reduced rDNA methylation and increased rRNA expression; the converse occurred after inhibition of Rrn3 activity. These observations define novel mechanism where poor nutrition before implantation irreversibly alters basal rates of rRNA transcription thereafter in a process mediated by rDNA methylation and Rrn3 factor. Maternal malnutrition downregulates rDNA transcription in fetal tissues. Switch to normal diet permanently upregulates rDNA transcription compared to controls. These changes are mediated by DNA methylation and Pol I transcription factor Rrn3. This mechanism is activated before implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Denisenko
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Rm 242, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Mailpoint 840, Level D Lab & Path Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Congshan Sun
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Mailpoint 840, Level D Lab & Path Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Adam J Watkins
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Mailpoint 840, Level D Lab & Path Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Daniel Mar
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Rm 242, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Karol Bomsztyk
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Rm 242, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tom P Fleming
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Mailpoint 840, Level D Lab & Path Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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25
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Lucas ES, Dyer NP, Murakami K, Lee YH, Chan YW, Grimaldi G, Muter J, Brighton PJ, Moore JD, Patel G, Chan JKY, Takeda S, Lam EWF, Quenby S, Ott S, Brosens JJ. Loss of Endometrial Plasticity in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Stem Cells 2015; 34:346-56. [PMID: 26418742 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Menstruation drives cyclic activation of endometrial progenitor cells, tissue regeneration, and maturation of stromal cells, which differentiate into specialized decidual cells prior to and during pregnancy. Aberrant responsiveness of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) to deciduogenic cues is strongly associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), suggesting a defect in cellular maturation. MeDIP-seq analysis of HESCs did not reveal gross perturbations in CpG methylation in RPL cultures, although quantitative differences were observed in or near genes that are frequently deregulated in vivo. However, RPL was associated with a marked reduction in methylation of defined CA-rich motifs located throughout the genome but enriched near telomeres. Non-CpG methylation is a hallmark of cellular multipotency. Congruently, we demonstrate that RPL is associated with a deficiency in endometrial clonogenic cell populations. Loss of epigenetic stemness features also correlated with intragenic CpG hypomethylation and reduced expression of HMGB2, coding high mobility group protein 2. We show that knockdown of this sequence-independent chromatin protein in HESCs promotes senescence and impairs decidualization, exemplified by blunted time-dependent secretome changes. Our findings indicate that stem cell deficiency and accelerated stromal senescence limit the differentiation capacity of the endometrium and predispose for pregnancy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma S Lucas
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel P Dyer
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Keisuke Murakami
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Yie Hou Lee
- Interdisciplinary Research Groups of BioSystems and Micromechanics, and Infectious Diseases, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi-Wah Chan
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Grimaldi
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Muter
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Brighton
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D Moore
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Gnyaneshwari Patel
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jerry K Y Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine (ICTEM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Ott
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, England, United Kingdom
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Watkins AJ, Lucas ES, Marfy-Smith S, Bates N, Kimber SJ, Fleming TP. Maternal nutrition modifies trophoblast giant cell phenotype and fetal growth in mice. Reproduction 2015; 149:563-75. [PMID: 25755287 PMCID: PMC4418750 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian placentation is dependent upon the action of trophoblast cells at the time of implantation. Appropriate fetal growth, regulated by maternal nutrition and nutrient transport across the placenta, is a critical factor for adult offspring long-term health. We have demonstrated that a mouse maternal low-protein diet (LPD) fed exclusively during preimplantation development (Emb-LPD) increases offspring growth but programmes adult cardiovascular and metabolic disease. In this study, we investigate the impact of maternal nutrition on post-implantation trophoblast phenotype and fetal growth. Ectoplacental cone explants were isolated at day 8 of gestation from female mice fed either normal protein diet (NPD: 18% casein), LPD (9% casein) or Emb-LPD and cultured in vitro. We observed enhanced spreading and cell division within proliferative and secondary trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) emerging from explants isolated from LPD-fed females when compared with NPD and Emb-LPD explants after 24 and 48 h. Moreover, both LPD and Emb-LPD explants showed substantial expansion of TGC area during 24–48 h, not observed in NPD. No difference in invasive capacity was observed between treatments using Matrigel transwell migration assays. At day 17 of gestation, LPD- and Emb-LPD-fed conceptuses displayed smaller placentas and larger fetuses respectively, resulting in increased fetal:placental ratios in both groups compared with NPD conceptuses. Analysis of placental and yolk sac nutrient signalling within the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 pathway revealed similar levels of total and phosphorylated downstream targets across groups. These data demonstrate that early post-implantation embryos modify trophoblast phenotype to regulate fetal growth under conditions of poor maternal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Watkins
- Centre for Biological SciencesSouthampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UKSchool of Life and Health SciencesAston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UKFaculty of Life SciencesUniversity of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK Centre for Biological SciencesSouthampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UKSchool of Life and Health SciencesAston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UKFaculty of Life SciencesUniversity of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Centre for Biological SciencesSouthampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UKSchool of Life and Health SciencesAston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UKFaculty of Life SciencesUniversity of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Stephanie Marfy-Smith
- Centre for Biological SciencesSouthampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UKSchool of Life and Health SciencesAston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UKFaculty of Life SciencesUniversity of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Nicola Bates
- Centre for Biological SciencesSouthampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UKSchool of Life and Health SciencesAston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UKFaculty of Life SciencesUniversity of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Centre for Biological SciencesSouthampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UKSchool of Life and Health SciencesAston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UKFaculty of Life SciencesUniversity of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Tom P Fleming
- Centre for Biological SciencesSouthampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UKSchool of Life and Health SciencesAston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UKFaculty of Life SciencesUniversity of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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Sun C, Denisenko O, Sheth B, Cox A, Lucas ES, Smyth NR, Fleming TP. Epigenetic regulation of histone modifications and Gata6 gene expression induced by maternal diet in mouse embryoid bodies in a model of developmental programming. BMC Dev Biol 2015; 15:3. [PMID: 25609498 PMCID: PMC4305257 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-015-0053-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Dietary interventions during pregnancy alter offspring fitness. We have shown mouse maternal low protein diet fed exclusively for the preimplantation period (Emb-LPD) before return to normal protein diet (NPD) for the rest of gestation, is sufficient to cause adult offspring cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Moreover, Emb-LPD blastocysts sense altered nutrition within the uterus and activate compensatory cellular responses including stimulated endocytosis within extra-embryonic trophectoderm and primitive endoderm (PE) lineages to protect fetal growth rate. However, these responses associate with later disease. Here, we investigate epigenetic mechanisms underlying nutritional programming of PE that may contribute to its altered phenotype, stabilised during subsequent development. We use embryonic stem (ES) cell lines established previously from Emb-LPD and NPD blastocysts that were differentiated into embryoid bodies (EBs) with outer PE-like layer. Results Emb-LPD EBs grow to a larger size than NPD EBs and express reduced Gata6 transcription factor (regulator of PE differentiation) at mRNA and protein levels, similar to Emb-LPD PE derivative visceral yolk sac tissue in vivo in later gestation. We analysed histone modifications at the Gata6 promoter in Emb-LPD EBs using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. We found significant reduction in histone H3 and H4 acetylation and RNA polymerase II binding compared with NPD EBs, all markers of reduced transcription. Other histone modifications, H3K4Me2, H3K9Me3 and H3K27Me3, were unaltered. A similar but generally non-significant histone modification pattern was found on the Gata4 promoter. Consistent with these changes, histone deacetylase Hdac-1, but not Hdac-3, gene expression was upregulated in Emb-LPD EBs. Conclusions First, these data demonstrate ES cells and EBs retain and propagate nutritional programming adaptations in vitro, suitable for molecular analysis of mechanisms, reducing animal use. Second, they reveal maternal diet induces persistent changes in histone modifications to regulate Gata6 expression and PE growth and differentiation that may affect lifetime health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tom P Fleming
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Mailpoint 840, Level D Lab & Path Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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Muter J, Lucas ES, Chan YW, Brighton PJ, Moore JD, Lacey L, Quenby S, Lam EWF, Brosens JJ. The clock protein period 2 synchronizes mitotic expansion and decidual transformation of human endometrial stromal cells. FASEB J 2015; 29:1603-14. [PMID: 25573754 PMCID: PMC4396614 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-267195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Implantation requires coordinated interactions between the conceptus and surrounding decidual cells, but the involvement of clock genes in this process is incompletely understood. Circadian oscillations are predicated on transcriptional-translational feedback loops, which balance the activities of the transcriptional activators CLOCK (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput) and brain muscle arnt-like 1 and repressors encoded by PER (Period) and Cryptochrome genes. We show that loss of PER2 expression silences circadian oscillations in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs). Down-regulation occurred between 12 and 24 hours following differentiation and coincided with reduced CLOCK binding to a noncanonical E-box enhancer in the PER2 promoter. RNA sequencing revealed that premature inhibition of PER2 by small interfering RNA knockdown leads to a grossly disorganized decidual response. Gene ontology analysis highlighted a preponderance of cell cycle regulators among the 1121 genes perturbed upon PER2 knockdown. Congruently, PER2 inhibition abrogated mitotic expansion of differentiating HESCs by inducing cell cycle block at G2/M. Analysis of 70 midluteal endometrial biopsies revealed an inverse correlation between PER2 transcript levels and the number of miscarriages in women suffering reproductive failure (Spearman rank test, ρ = −0.3260; P = 0.0046). Thus, PER2 synchronizes endometrial proliferation with initiation of aperiodic decidual gene expression; uncoupling of these events may cause recurrent pregnancy loss.—Muter, J., Lucas, E. S., Chan, Y.-W., Brighton, P. J., Moore, J. D., Lacey, L., Quenby, S., Lam, E. W.-F., Brosens, J. J. The clock protein period 2 synchronizes mitotic expansion and decidual transformation of human endometrial stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Muter
- *Division of Translational & Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, and Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma S Lucas
- *Division of Translational & Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, and Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Wah Chan
- *Division of Translational & Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, and Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Brighton
- *Division of Translational & Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, and Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D Moore
- *Division of Translational & Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, and Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Lacey
- *Division of Translational & Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, and Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- *Division of Translational & Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, and Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- *Division of Translational & Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, and Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J Brosens
- *Division of Translational & Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, and Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Murakami K, Lee YH, Lucas ES, Chan YW, Durairaj RP, Takeda S, Moore JD, Tan BK, Quenby S, Chan JKY, Gargett CE, Brosens JJ. Decidualization induces a secretome switch in perivascular niche cells of the human endometrium. Endocrinology 2014; 155:4542-53. [PMID: 25116707 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The endometrial perivascular microenvironment is rich in mesenchymal stem-like cells that express type 1 integral membrane protein Sushi domain containing 2 (SUSD2) but the role of these cells in the decidual transformation of this tissue in pregnancy is unknown. We used an antibody directed against SUSD2 (W5C5) to isolate perivascular (W5C5(+)) and nonperivascular (W5C5(-)) fibroblasts from mid-luteal biopsies. We show that SUSD2 expression, and hence the ratio of W5C5(+):W5C5(-) cells, changes in culture depending on cell-cell contact and activation of the Notch signaling pathway. RNA sequencing revealed that cultures derived from W5C5(+) progenitor cells remain phenotypically distinct by the enrichment of novel and established endometrial perivascular signature genes. In an undifferentiated state, W5C5(+)-derived cells produced lower levels of various chemokines and inflammatory modulators when compared with their W5C5(-) counterparts. This divergence in secretomes was switched and became more pronounced upon decidualization, which transformed perivascular W5C5(+) cells into the dominant source of a range of chemokines and cytokines, including leukemia inhibitory factor and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7. Our findings suggest that the decidual response is spatially organized at the embryo-maternal interface with differentiating perivascular cells establishing distinct cytokine and chemokine profiles that could potentially direct trophoblast toward maternal vessels and govern local immune responses in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Murakami
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories (K.M., E.S.L., R.P.D., B.K.T., S.Q., J.J.B.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (K.M., S.T.), Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan; Interdisciplinary Research Groups of BioSystems and Micromechanics, and Infectious Diseases (Y.H.L.), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore 138602; Warwick Systems Biology Centre (Y.-W.C., J.D.M.), University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; Department of Reproductive Medicine (J.K.Y.C.), KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore 229899; Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program (J.K.Y.C.), Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, 169857; and The Ritchie Centre (C.E.G.), Monash Institute of Medical Research-Prince Henry's Institute, Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Australia
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Brosens JJ, Salker MS, Teklenburg G, Nautiyal J, Salter S, Lucas ES, Steel JH, Christian M, Chan YW, Boomsma CM, Moore JD, Hartshorne GM, Sućurović S, Mulac-Jericevic B, Heijnen CJ, Quenby S, Koerkamp MJG, Holstege FCP, Shmygol A, Macklon NS. Uterine selection of human embryos at implantation. Sci Rep 2014; 4:3894. [PMID: 24503642 PMCID: PMC3915549 DOI: 10.1038/srep03894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryos frequently harbor large-scale complex chromosomal errors that impede normal development. Affected embryos may fail to implant although many first breach the endometrial epithelium and embed in the decidualizing stroma before being rejected via mechanisms that are poorly understood. Here we show that developmentally impaired human embryos elicit an endoplasmic stress response in human decidual cells. A stress response was also evident upon in vivo exposure of mouse uteri to culture medium conditioned by low-quality human embryos. By contrast, signals emanating from developmentally competent embryos activated a focused gene network enriched in metabolic enzymes and implantation factors. We further show that trypsin, a serine protease released by pre-implantation embryos, elicits Ca2+ signaling in endometrial epithelial cells. Competent human embryos triggered short-lived oscillatory Ca2+ fluxes whereas low-quality embryos caused a heightened and prolonged Ca2+ response. Thus, distinct positive and negative mechanisms contribute to active selection of human embryos at implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan J Brosens
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Madhuri S Salker
- 1] Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK [2] Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 ONN, UK
| | - Gijs Teklenburg
- Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaya Nautiyal
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 ONN, UK
| | - Scarlett Salter
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Jennifer H Steel
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 ONN, UK
| | - Mark Christian
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Yi-Wah Chan
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Carolien M Boomsma
- Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan D Moore
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Geraldine M Hartshorne
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Sandra Sućurović
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Biserka Mulac-Jericevic
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Cobi J Heijnen
- Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Marian J Groot Koerkamp
- Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C P Holstege
- Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anatoly Shmygol
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Nick S Macklon
- 1] Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands [2] Division of Developmental Origins of Adult Diseases (DOHaD), University of Southampton, Coxford Road, Southampton SO16 5YA, UK
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Murakami K, Bhandari H, Lucas ES, Takeda S, Gargett CE, Quenby S, Brosens JJ, Tan BK. Deficiency in clonogenic endometrial mesenchymal stem cells in obese women with reproductive failure--a pilot study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82582. [PMID: 24340046 PMCID: PMC3858319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The mechanisms of obesity associated reproductive complications remain poorly understood. Endometrial mesenchymal stem-cells are critical for cyclic renewal and uterine function. Recently, W5C5(+) cells, with high clonogenicity, capable of producing endometrial stroma in vivo, have been described. We sought to investigate the abundance and cloning efficiency of W5C5(+) and W5C5(-) endometrial cells in relation to Body Mass Index, age and reproductive outcome. DESIGN W5C5(+) and W5C5(-) cells were purified from mid-luteal endometrial biopsies (n = 54) by magnetic bead separation and subjected to in vitro colony-forming assays. RESULTS First trimester pregnancy losses were significantly higher in obese subjects (n = 12) compared to overweight (n = 20) and subjects with normal Body Mass Index (n = 22) (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively). W5C5(+) cells (%) were significantly lower in obese subjects compared to subjects with normal Body Mass Index (P<0.05). W5C5(+) cloning efficiency was significantly lower in obese subjects compared to overweight and subjects with normal Body Mass Index (P<0.05, respectively). W5C5(-) cloning efficiency was significantly lower in obese subjects compared to subjects with normal Body Mass Index (P<0.05). Body Mass Index was significantly negatively correlated with W5C5(+) cloning efficiency and W5C5(-) cloning efficiency (P<0.01, respectively), and positively correlated with first trimester loss (P<0.01). We found no significant results with age (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our observations suggest that the regenerative capacity and plasticity of the endometrium of obese women is suboptimal, which in turn may account for the increased risk of reproductive complications associated with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Murakami
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harish Bhandari
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Emma S. Lucas
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Bee K. Tan
- Division of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Kuroda K, Venkatakrishnan R, James S, Šucurovic S, Mulac-Jericevic B, Lucas ES, Takeda S, Shmygol A, Brosens JJ, Quenby S. Elevated periimplantation uterine natural killer cell density in human endometrium is associated with impaired corticosteroid signaling in decidualizing stromal cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:4429-37. [PMID: 24025400 PMCID: PMC4207949 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-1977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) profoundly up-regulate 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1), the enzyme that converts inert cortisone to active cortisol. We postulated that the induction of a cortisol gradient upon decidualization of the periimplantation endometrium may impact on the uterine natural killer (uNK) cell population and on local expression of corticosteroid-dependent target genes. METHODS Midluteal endometrial biopsies (n = 55) were processed for uNK cell (CD56) analysis and primary HESC cultures. The cultures remained either untreated or were decidualized for 4 or 8 days. A tissue microarray was constructed from endometria with normal (n = 18) and elevated uNK cell (n = 18) scores. An abnormal uNK cell test was defined as greater than 5% CD56(+) cells in the subluminal stroma. RESULTS Increased uNK cell density was associated with lower endometrial expression of 11βHSD1 and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) but not glucocorticoid receptor in vivo. Elevated uNK cell density also corresponded to impaired induction of key decidual markers (11βHSD1, prolactin, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1) and MR-dependent enzymes (dehydrogenase/reductase member 3 and retinol saturase) in differentiating HESC cultures. Increased uNK cell density in vivo was not associated with increased in vitro expression of either IL-15 or IL-11, two cytokines implicated in uNK cell regulation. CONCLUSIONS Elevated levels of uNK cells in the stroma underlying the surface epithelium are associated with inadequate cortisol biosynthesis by resident decidualizing cells and suboptimal induction of key MR-dependent enzymes involved in lipid biogenesis and the retinoid transport pathway. Our observations suggest that uNK cell testing identifies those women at risk of reproductive failure due to relative uterine cortisol deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Kuroda
- Department of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom.
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Kuroda K, Venkatakrishnan R, Salker MS, Lucas ES, Shaheen F, Kuroda M, Blanks A, Christian M, Quenby S, Brosens JJ. Induction of 11β-HSD 1 and activation of distinct mineralocorticoid receptor- and glucocorticoid receptor-dependent gene networks in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 27:192-202. [PMID: 23275455 DOI: 10.1210/me.2012-1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The actions of glucocorticoids at the feto-maternal interface are not well understood. Here, we show that decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) in response to progesterone and cAMP signaling is associated with a strong induction of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) expression and enzyme activity. Decidualization also triggered a gradual decrease in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and reciprocal increase in mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) levels. Gene expression profiling of differentiating HESCs after small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of either GR or MR identified 239 and 167 significantly regulated genes, respectively. Interestingly, GR-repressed genes were enriched for Krüppel-associated box domain containing zinc-finger proteins, transcriptional repressors involved in heterochromatin formation. In agreement, GR knockdown was sufficient to enhance trimethylated H3K9 levels in decidualizing cells. Conversely, we identified several MR-dependent genes implicated in lipid droplet biogenesis and retinoid metabolism. For example, the induction in differentiating HESCs of DHRS3, encoding a highly conserved enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation/reduction of retinoids and steroids, was enhanced by aldosterone, attenuated in response to MR knockdown, and abolished upon treatment with the MR antagonist RU26752. Furthermore, we demonstrate that decidualization is associated with dynamic changes in the abundance and distribution of cytoplasmic lipid droplets, the formation of which was blocked by RU26752. In summary, progesterone drives local cortisol biosynthesis by decidual cells through induction of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1), leading to transcriptional regulation of distinct GR and MR gene networks involved in epigenetic programming and lipid and retinoid metabolism, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Kuroda
- Department of Reproductive Health, Clinical Science Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom
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Salker MS, Nautiyal J, Steel JH, Webster Z, Šućurović S, Nicou M, Singh Y, Lucas ES, Murakami K, Chan YW, James S, Abdallah Y, Christian M, Croy BA, Mulac-Jericevic B, Quenby S, Brosens JJ. Disordered IL-33/ST2 activation in decidualizing stromal cells prolongs uterine receptivity in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52252. [PMID: 23300625 PMCID: PMC3531406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidualization renders the endometrium transiently receptive to an implanting blastocyst although the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here we show that human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) rapidly release IL-33, a key regulator of innate immune responses, upon decidualization. In parallel, differentiating HESCs upregulate the IL-33 transmembrane receptor ST2L and other pro-inflammatory mediators before mounting a profound anti-inflammatory response that includes downregulation of ST2L and increased expression of the soluble decoy receptor sST2. We demonstrate that HESCs secrete factors permissive of embryo implantation in mice only during the pro-inflammatory phase of the decidual process. IL-33 knockdown in undifferentiated HESCs was sufficient to abrogate this pro-inflammatory decidual response. Further, sequential activation of the IL-33/ST2L/sST2 axis was disordered in decidualizing HESCs from women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Signals from these cultures prolonged the implantation window but also caused subsequent pregnancy failure in mice. Thus, Il-33/ST2 activation in HESCS drives an autoinflammatory response that controls the temporal expression of receptivity genes. Failure to constrain this response predisposes to miscarriage by allowing out-of-phase implantation in an unsupportive uterine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri S. Salker
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaya Nautiyal
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer H. Steel
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Webster
- Embryonic Stem Cell Facility, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Šućurović
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marilena Nicou
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yogesh Singh
- Department of Infection and Immunity, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma S. Lucas
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Keisuke Murakami
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Wah Chan
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Sean James
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Yazan Abdallah
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Christian
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - B. Anne Croy
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Biserka Mulac-Jericevic
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jan J. Brosens
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Fleming TP, Lucas ES, Watkins AJ, Eckert JJ. Adaptive responses of the embryo to maternal diet and consequences for post-implantation development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:35-44. [DOI: 10.1071/rd11905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal periconceptional (PC) nutrition, coupled with maternal physiological condition, can impact on reproductive performance and potential across mammalian species. Oocyte quality and embryo development are affected adversely by either nutrient restriction or excess. Moreover, the quality of maternal PC nutrition can have lasting effects through fetal development and postnatally into adulthood. Chronic disease, notably cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and abnormal behaviour have been identified in adult offspring in small and large animal models of PC nutrient restriction. These long-term effects associate with compensatory responses that begin from the time of early embryo development. This review assesses the field of PC nutrition in vivo on short- and long-term developmental consequences in rodent and ruminant models and considers the implications for human health.
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Watkins AJ, Lucas ES, Wilkins A, Cagampang FRA, Fleming TP. Maternal periconceptional and gestational low protein diet affects mouse offspring growth, cardiovascular and adipose phenotype at 1 year of age. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28745. [PMID: 22194901 PMCID: PMC3240629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human and animal studies have revealed a strong association between periconceptional environmental factors, such as poor maternal diet, and an increased propensity for cardiovascular and metabolic disease in adult offspring. Previously, we reported cardiovascular and physiological effects of maternal low protein diet (LPD) fed during discrete periods of periconceptional development on 6-month-old mouse offspring. Here, we extend the analysis in 1 year aging offspring, evaluating mechanisms regulating growth and adiposity. Isocaloric LPD (9% casein) or normal protein diet (18% casein; NPD) was fed to female MF-1 mice either exclusively during oocyte maturation (for 3.5 days prior to mating; Egg-LPD, Egg-NPD, respectively), throughout gestation (LPD, NPD) or exclusively during preimplantation development (for 3.5 days post mating; Emb-LPD). LPD and Emb-LPD female offspring were significantly lighter and heavier than NPD females respectively for up to 52 weeks. Egg-LPD, LPD and Emb-LPD offspring displayed significantly elevated systolic blood pressure at 52 weeks compared to respective controls (Egg-NPD, NPD). LPD females had significantly reduced inguinal and retroperitoneal fat pad: body weight ratios compared to NPD females. Expression of the insulin receptor (Insr) and insulin-like growth factor I receptor (Igf1r) in retroperitoneal fat was significantly elevated in Emb-LPD females (P<0.05), whilst Emb-LPD males displayed significantly decreased expression of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) gene compared to NPD offspring. LPD females displayed significantly increased expression of Ucp1 in interscapular brown adipose tissue when compared to NPD offspring. Our results demonstrate that aging offspring body weight, cardiovascular and adiposity homeostasis can be programmed by maternal periconceptional nutrition. These adverse outcomes further exemplify the criticality of dietary behaviour around the time of conception on long-term offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Watkins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom.
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Lucas ES, Watkins AJ, Cox AL, Marfy-Smith SJ, Smyth N, Fleming TP. Tissue-specific selection of reference genes is required for expression studies in the mouse model of maternal protein undernutrition. Theriogenology 2011; 76:558-69. [PMID: 21550104 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Suboptimal maternal nutrition during gestation results in the establishment of long-term phenotypic changes and an increased disease risk in the offspring. To elucidate how such environmental sensitivity results in physiological outcomes, the molecular characterisation of these offspring has become the focus of many studies. However, the likely modification of key cellular processes such as metabolism in response to maternal undernutrition raises the question of whether the genes typically used as reference constants in gene expression studies are suitable controls. Using a mouse model of maternal protein undernutrition, we have investigated the stability of seven commonly used reference genes (18s, Hprt1, Pgk1, Ppib, Sdha, Tbp and Tuba1) in a variety of offspring tissues including liver, kidney, heart, retro-peritoneal and inter-scapular fat, extra-embryonic placenta and yolk sac, as well as in the preimplantation blastocyst and blastocyst-derived embryonic stem cells. We find that although the selected reference genes are all highly stable within this system, they show tissue, treatment and sex-specific variation. Furthermore, software-based selection approaches rank reference genes differently and do not always identify genes which differ between conditions. Therefore, we recommend that reference gene selection for gene expression studies should be thoroughly validated for each tissue of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Lucas
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Lucas
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK.
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Thurston A, Lucas ES, Allegrucci C, Steele W, Young LE. Region-specific DNA methylation in the preimplantation embryo as a target for genomic plasticity. Theriogenology 2007; 68 Suppl 1:S98-106. [PMID: 17482250 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It has been long known that the unique genetic sequence each embryo inherits is not the sole determinant of phenotype. However, only recently have epigenetic modifications to DNA been implicated in providing potential developmental plasticity to the embryonic and fetal genome, with environmental influences directly altering the epigenetic modifications that contribute to tissue-specific gene regulation. Most is known about the potential environmental regulation of DNA methylation, epigenetic addition of methyl groups to cytosine residues in DNA that acts in the long-term silencing of affected sequences. While most attention has been paid to the methylation of imprinted gene sequences, in terms of developmental plasticity there are many more parts of the genome that are methylated and that could be affected. This review explores the distribution of cytosine methylation in the genome and discusses the potential effects of regional plasticity on subsequent development. Widening our consideration of potentially plastic regions is likely to greatly enhance our understanding of how individuals are shaped not only by DNA sequence, but by the environment in which pluripotent embryonic cells are transformed into the many cell types of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Thurston
- Wolfson Centre for Stem cells, Tissue Engineering and Modelling (STEM), University of Nottingham, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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