1
|
Bonavina G, Mamillapalli R, Krikun G, Zhou Y, Gawde N, Taylor HS. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes shuttle microRNAs to endometrial stromal fibroblasts that promote tissue proliferation /regeneration/ and inhibit differentiation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:129. [PMID: 38693588 PMCID: PMC11064399 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human bone marrow-derived stem cells (hBMDSCs) are well characterized mediators of tissue repair and regeneration. An increasing body of evidence indicates that these cells exert their therapeutic effects largely through their paracrine actions rather than clonal expansion and differentiation. Here we studied the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) present in extracellular vesicles (EVs) from hBMDSCs in tissue regeneration and cell differentiation targeting endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSF). METHODS Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are isolated from hBMDSCs, characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) techniques. Extracted total RNA from EVs was subjected to RNA seq analysis. Transfection and decidualization studies were carried out in endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSF). Gene expression was analyzed by qRTPCR. Unpaired t-test with Welch's correction was used for data analysis between two groups. RESULTS We identified several microRNAs (miRNAs) that were highly expressed, including miR-21-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-143-3p and let7. MiR-21 is associated with several signaling pathways involved in tissue regeneration, quiescence, cellular senescence, and fibrosis. Both miR-100-5p and miR-143-3p promoted cell proliferation. MiR-100-5p specifically promoted regenerative processes by upregulating TGF-ß3, VEGFA, MMP7, and HGF. MiR-100-5p blocked differentiation or decidualization as evidenced by morphologic changes and downregulation of decidualization mediators including HOXA10, IGFBP1, PRL, PR-B, and PR. CONCLUSION EVs delivered to tissues by hBMDSCs contain specific miRNAs that prevent terminal differentiation and drive repair and regeneration. Delivery of microRNAs is a novel treatment paradigm with the potential to replace BMDSCs in cell-free regenerative therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bonavina
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, 06510, New Haven, CT, USA
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ramanaiah Mamillapalli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, 06510, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Graciela Krikun
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, 06510, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuping Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, 06510, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nimisha Gawde
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, 06510, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, 06510, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ulrich ND, Vargo A, Ma Q, Shen YC, Hannum DF, Gurczynski SJ, Moore BB, Schon S, Lieberman R, Shikanov A, Marsh EE, Fazleabas A, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. Cellular heterogeneity and dynamics of the human uterus in healthy premenopausal women. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.07.583985. [PMID: 38559249 PMCID: PMC10979868 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The human uterus is a complex and dynamic organ whose lining grows, remodels, and regenerates in every menstrual cycle or upon tissue damage. Here we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to profile more the 50,000 uterine cells from both the endometrium and myometrium of 5 healthy premenopausal individuals, and jointly analyzed the data with a previously published dataset from 15 subjects. The resulting normal uterus cell atlas contains more than 167K cells representing the lymphatic endothelium, blood endothelium, stromal, ciliated epithelium, unciliated epithelium, and immune cell populations. Focused analyses within each major cell type and comparisons with subtype labels from prior studies allowed us to document supporting evidence, resolve naming conflicts, and to propose a consensus annotation system of 39 subtypes. We release their gene expression centroids, differentially expressed genes, and mRNA patterns of literature-based markers as a shared community resource. We find many subtypes show dynamic changes over different phases of the cycle and identify multiple potential progenitor cells: compartment-wide progenitors for each major cell type, transitional cells that are upstream of other subtypes, and potential cross-lineage multipotent stromal progenitors that may be capable of replenishing the epithelial, stromal, and endothelial compartments. When compared to the healthy premenopausal samples, a postpartum and a postmenopausal uterus sample revealed substantially altered tissue composition, involving the rise or fall of stromal, endothelial, and immune cells. The cell taxonomy and molecular markers we report here are expected to inform studies of both basic biology of uterine function and its disorders. SIGNIFICANCE We present single-cell RNA sequencing data from seven individuals (five healthy pre-menopausal women, one post-menopausal woman, and one postpartum) and perform an integrated analysis of this data alongside 15 previously published scRNA-seq datasets. We identified 39 distinct cell subtypes across four major cell types in the uterus. By using RNA velocity analysis and centroid-centroid comparisons we identify multiple computationally predicted progenitor populations for each of the major cell compartments, as well as potential cross-compartment, multi-potent progenitors. While the function and interactions of these cell populations remain to be validated through future experiments, the markers and their "dual characteristics" that we describe will serve as a rich resource to the scientific community. Importantly, we address a significant challenge in the field: reconciling multiple uterine cell taxonomies being proposed. To achieve this, we focused on integrating historical and contemporary knowledge across multiple studies. By providing detailed evidence used for cell classification we lay the groundwork for establishing a stable, consensus cell atlas of the human uterus.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu Y, Teh YC, Chong SZ. Going Full TeRM: The Seminal Role of Tissue-Resident Macrophages in Organ Remodeling during Pregnancy and Lactation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:513-521. [PMID: 38315948 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
During pregnancy and lactation, the uterus and mammary glands undergo remarkable structural changes to perform their critical reproductive functions before reverting to their original dormant state upon childbirth and weaning, respectively. Underlying this incredible plasticity are complex remodeling processes that rely on coordinated decisions at both the cellular and tissue-subunit levels. With their exceptional versatility, tissue-resident macrophages play a variety of supporting roles in these organs during each stage of development, ranging from maintaining immune homeostasis to facilitating tissue remodeling, although much remains to be discovered about the identity and regulation of individual macrophage subsets. In this study, we review the increasingly appreciated contributions of these immune cells to the reproductive process and speculate on future lines of inquiry. Deepening our understanding of their interactions with the parenchymal or stromal populations in their respective niches may reveal new strategies to ameliorate complications in pregnancy and breastfeeding, thereby improving maternal health and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Wu
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ye Chean Teh
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Shu Zhen Chong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ang CJ, Skokan TD, McKinley KL. Mechanisms of Regeneration and Fibrosis in the Endometrium. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2023; 39:197-221. [PMID: 37843929 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-011723-021442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The uterine lining (endometrium) regenerates repeatedly over the life span as part of its normal physiology. Substantial portions of the endometrium are shed during childbirth (parturition) and, in some species, menstruation, but the tissue is rapidly rebuilt without scarring, rendering it a powerful model of regeneration in mammals. Nonetheless, following some assaults, including medical procedures and infections, the endometrium fails to regenerate and instead forms scars that may interfere with normal endometrial function and contribute to infertility. Thus, the endometrium provides an exceptional platform to answer a central question of regenerative medicine: Why do some systems regenerate while others scar? Here, we review our current understanding of diverse endometrial disruption events in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents, and the associated mechanisms of regenerative success and failure. Elucidating the determinants of these disparate repair processes promises insights into fundamental mechanisms of mammalian regeneration with substantial implications for reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Ang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taylor D Skokan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Kara L McKinley
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kriseman ML, Tang S, Liao Z, Jiang P, Parks SE, Cope DI, Yuan F, Chen F, Masand RP, Castro PD, Ittmann MM, Creighton CJ, Tan Z, Monsivais D. SMAD2/3 signaling in the uterine epithelium controls endometrial cell homeostasis and regeneration. Commun Biol 2023; 6:261. [PMID: 36906706 PMCID: PMC10008566 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04619-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The regenerative potential of the endometrium is attributed to endometrial stem cells; however, the signaling pathways controlling its regenerative potential remain obscure. In this study, genetic mouse models and endometrial organoids are used to demonstrate that SMAD2/3 signaling controls endometrial regeneration and differentiation. Mice with conditional deletion of SMAD2/3 in the uterine epithelium using Lactoferrin-iCre develop endometrial hyperplasia at 12-weeks and metastatic uterine tumors by 9-months of age. Mechanistic studies in endometrial organoids determine that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling disrupts organoid morphology, increases the glandular and secretory cell markers, FOXA2 and MUC1, and alters the genome-wide distribution of SMAD4. Transcriptomic profiling of the organoids reveals elevated pathways involved in stem cell regeneration and differentiation such as the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and retinoic acid signaling (RA) pathways. Therefore, TGFβ family signaling via SMAD2/3 controls signaling networks which are integral for endometrial cell regeneration and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya L Kriseman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peixin Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fengju Chen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ramya P Masand
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Patricia D Castro
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michael M Ittmann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang T, Tan J. Therapeutic effect of menstrual blood stem cells in rats with thin endometrium. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2023; 52:13-23. [PMID: 37283114 PMCID: PMC10407991 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2022-0509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the therapeutic effect of transplantation of menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) in rats with thin endometrium. METHODS Thirty SPF grade female SD rats aged 8-10 weeks were randomly divided into model control group and MenSC group, with 15 rats in each group. The thin endometrium injury model was prepared by chemical method in one side of the uterus of both groups. On the 7th day of modeling, normal saline or the third generation of MenSCs were injected into the model uterus at multiple points, and the other side of the uterus was used as an internal control without treatment. HE staining was used to observe the histological structure of endometrium; immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of cyto-keratin (CK) 18 and vimentin in endometrial tissue; 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) cell proliferation assay was used to evaluate the cell proliferation in endometrial tissue; immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial marker CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in endometrial tissue; the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), integrin β3 (ITGβ3) and homeobox A10 (HOXA10) in endometrial tissue was determined by realtime RT-PCR. After treatments, the female and male rats were caged in a ratio of 2∶1 to observe the effect of MenSC on the reproductive function of thin endometrium model rats. RESULTS Compared with the surgical control group, the endometrium in the model control group was thinner, and the numbers of glands and blood vessels were less (all P<0.01). After MenSC transplantation, the thickness of endometrium, the numbers of blood vessels and glands were significantly increased (all P<0.01). The proliferative cells in the basal layer of endometrium in MenSC group were more than those in the model control group (P<0.05), and the expression of vimentin, CK18, CD34 and VEGF in the uterus of rats in MenSC group were significantly higher than those in the model control group (P<0.05). LIF, ITGβ3 and HOXA10 gene expression levels were also significantly higher than those in the model control group (all P<0.05). The results of pregnancy experiment showed that the number of embryo implantation in MenSC group was higher than that in model control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS MenSC transplantation can promote the proliferation of endometrial cells, upregulate vimentin, CK18, CD34 and VEGF levels, and promote the recovery of endometrial morphology and function, thus improving the endometrial receptivity and fertility of the rats with thin endometrium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China.
| | - Jichun Tan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rosa-E-Silva ACJDS, Mamillapalli R, Rosa-E-Silva JC, Ucar A, Schwartz J, Taylor HS. Uterine administration of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 increases the pregnancy rates in mice with induced endometriosis. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:65-73. [PMID: 36252793 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of intrauterine injection of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), also known as a stem cell chemoattractant (stromal cell-derived factor 1), on fertility and endometrial receptivity in mice with endometriosis. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING Academic Medical Center. ANIMAL(S) Fifty-six mice underwent chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Thirty-six of these mice underwent either surgery to induce endometriosis (n = 20) or sham surgery (n = 16). INTERVENTION(S) Injection of CXCL12 as a potential therapeutic agent to improve fertility in endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pregnancy rate, bone marrow-derived cell (BMDC) recruitment and endometrial receptivity markers. RESULT(S) The mice with or without endometriosis received a single uterine injection of either CXCL12 or placebo. Uterine injection of CXCL12 increased the pregnancy rates in a mouse model of endometriosis. Mice were euthanized after delivery, and implantation markers homeobox A11, alpha-v beta-3 integrin, and progesterone receptor were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, whereas green fluorescent protein positive BMDC recruitment was quantified by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The sham surgery groups without endometriosis had the highest cumulative pregnancy rate (100%) regardless of CXCL12 treatment. The endometriosis group treated with placebo had the lowest pregnancy rate. An increased pregnancy rate was noted in the endometriosis group after treatment with CXCL12. There was also an increase in BMDC recruitment and endometrial expression of progesterone receptor and alpha-v beta-3 integrin in the endometriosis group that received CXCL12 compared with that in the endometriosis group that received placebo. CONCLUSION(S) Uterine injection of CXCL12 increased the pregnancy rates in a mouse model of endometriosis. These results suggest that CXCL12 has a potential role as a therapeutic agent in women with infertility related to endometriosis and potentially other endometrial receptivity defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Japur de Sá Rosa-E-Silva
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics-Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brasil
| | - Ramanaiah Mamillapalli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Julio Cesar Rosa-E-Silva
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics-Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brasil
| | - Abdullah Ucar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joshua Schwartz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Filip C, Covali R, Socolov D, Carauleanu A, Tanasa IA, Scripcariu IS, Ciuhodaru M, Butureanu T, Pavaleanu I, Akad M, Boiculese LV, Socolov R. The postpartum uterine ultrasonographic scale in assessment of uterine involution after cesarean section in treated thrombophilia pregnant patients at term. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24645. [PMID: 36082463 PMCID: PMC9459266 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy is a prothrombotic condition which can be abnormally exaggerated in women with thrombophilia. Methods In a prospective study, patients who delivered at term, by cesarean section, between 1 October 2017 and 1 December 2021, who already had a diagnosis of thrombophilia before coming to our hospital, were included in the study group (n = 80). A similar number of nonthrombophilia patients (n = 80) without any history of thrombotic events, age‐ and para‐matched with the study group, were included in the control group. The postpartum uterine ultrasonographic scale (PUUS) values, in the first 24–48 h, were correlated with the patients' data. Results The P‐LCR (platelet large cell ratio), was significantly higher in the treated thrombophilia group (p = 0.042). There was no correlation between PUUS and complete blood count values, coagulation factors, maternal characteristics, or fetal outcomes, except for postpartum neutrophils (p = 0.047) and postpartum platelet count (p = 0.046). Conclusions Postpartum uterine involution was not significantly different, after cesarean section, between treated thrombophilia patients and nonthrombophilia patients. Involution correlated only with postpartum neutrophils and postpartum platelet count.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Filip
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Romania
| | - Roxana Covali
- Department of Radiology, Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| | - Demetra Socolov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Cuza Voda Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| | - Alexandru Carauleanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Cuza Voda Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| | - Ingrid Andrada Tanasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Cuza Voda Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| | - Ioana Sadyie Scripcariu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Cuza Voda Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| | - Madalina Ciuhodaru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| | - Tudor Butureanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| | - Ioana Pavaleanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| | - Mona Akad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| | | | - Razvan Socolov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Iasi Romania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ludke A, Hatta K, Yao A, Li RK. Uterus: A Unique Stem Cell Reservoir Able to Support Cardiac Repair via Crosstalk among Uterus, Heart, and Bone Marrow. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142182. [PMID: 35883625 PMCID: PMC9324611 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests that the prevalence of cardiac disease is lower in premenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women and men. Although multiple factors contribute to this difference, uterine stem cells may be a major factor, as a high abundance of these cells are present in the uterus. Uterine-derived stem cells have been reported in several studies as being able to contribute to cardiac neovascularization after injury. However, our studies uniquely show the presence of an “utero-cardiac axis”, in which uterine stem cells are able to home to cardiac tissue to promote tissue repair. Additionally, we raise the possibility of a triangular relationship among the bone marrow, uterus, and heart. In this review, we discuss the exchange of stem cells across different organs, focusing on the relationship that exists between the heart, uterus, and bone marrow. We present increasing evidence for the existence of an utero-cardiac axis, in which the uterus serves as a reservoir for cardiac reparative stem cells, similar to the bone marrow. These cells, in turn, are able to migrate to the heart in response to injury to promote healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ludke
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
| | - Kota Hatta
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
| | - Alina Yao
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
| | - Ren-Ke Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-581-7492
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fang YY, Lyu F, Abuwala N, Tal A, Chen AY, Taylor HS, Tal R. Chemokine C-X-C receptor 4 mediates recruitment of bone marrow-derived nonhematopoietic and immune cells to the pregnant uterus†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1083-1097. [PMID: 35134114 PMCID: PMC9198949 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (BMDPCs) are mobilized to the circulation in pregnancy and get recruited to the pregnant decidua where they contribute functionally to decidualization and successful implantation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying BMDPCs recruitment to the decidua are unknown. CXCL12 ligand and its CXCR4 receptor play crucial roles in the mobilization and homing of stem/progenitor cells to various tissues. To investigate the role of CXCL12-CXCR4 axis in BMDPCs recruitment to decidua, we created transgenic GFP mice harboring CXCR4 gene susceptible to tamoxifen-inducible Cre-mediated ablation. These mice served as BM donors into wild-type C57BL/6 J female recipients using a 5-fluorouracil-based nongonadotoxic submyeloablation to achieve BM-specific CXCR4 knockout (CXCR4KO). Successful CXCR4 ablation was confirmed by RT-PCR and in vitro cell migration assays. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry showed a significant increase in GFP+ BM-derived cells (BMDCs) in the implantation site as compared to the nonpregnant uterus of control (2.7-fold) and CXCR4KO (1.8-fold) mice. This increase was uterus-specific and was not observed in other organs. This pregnancy-induced increase occurred in both hematopoietic (CD45+) and nonhematopoietic (CD45-) uterine BMDCs in control mice. In contrast, in CXCR4KO mice there was no increase in nonhematopoietic BMDCs in the pregnant uterus. Moreover, decidual recruitment of myeloid cells but not NK cells was diminished by BM CXCR4 deletion. Immunofluorescence showed the presence of nonhematopoietic GFP+ cells that were negative for CD45 (panleukocyte) and DBA (NK) markers in control but not CXCR4KO decidua. In conclusion, we report that CXCR4 expression in nonhematopoietic BMDPCs is essential for their recruitment to the pregnant decidua.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Fang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fang Lyu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nafeesa Abuwala
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aya Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alice Y Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Reshef Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Singh P, Metkari S, Bhartiya D. Additional evidence to support OCT-4 positive VSELs and EnSCs as the elusive tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells in adult mice uterus. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:60. [PMID: 35123545 PMCID: PMC8818151 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective True identity and specific set of markers to enrich endometrial stem cells still remains elusive. Present study was undertaken to further substantiate that very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are the true and elusive stem cells in adult mice endometrium. Methods This was achieved by undertaking three sets of experiments. Firstly, SSEA-1+ and Oct-4 + positive VSELs, sorted from GFP mice, were transplanted into the uterine horns of wild-type Swiss mice and GFP uptake was studied within the same estrus cycle. Secondly, uterine lumen was scratched surgically and OCT-4 expressing stem/progenitor cells were studied at the site of injury after 24–72 h. Thirdly, OCT-4 expression was studied in the endometrium and myometrium of adult mice after neonatal exposure to estradiol (20 µg/pup/day on days 5–7 after birth). Results GFP + ve VSELs expressing SSEA-1 and Oct-4 engrafted and differentiated into the epithelial cells lining the lumen as well as the glands during the estrus stage when maximum remodeling occurs. Mechanical scratching activated tissue-resident, nuclear OCT-4 positive VSELs and slightly bigger ‘progenitors’ endometrial stem cells (EnSCs, cytoplasmic OCT-4) which underwent clonal expansion and further differentiated into luminal and glandular epithelial cells. Neonatal exposure to endocrine disruption resulted in increased numbers of OCT-4 positive VSELs/EnSCs in adult endometrium. Discussion Results support the presence of functionally active VSELs in adult endometrium. VSELs self-renew and give rise to EnSCs that further differentiate into epithelial cells under normal physiological conditions. Also, VSELs are vulnerable to endocrine insults. To conclude VSELs are true and elusive uterine stem cells that maintain life-long uterine homeostasis and their dysregulation may result in various pathologies. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02703-8.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tal R, Kisa J, Abuwala N, Kliman HJ, Shaikh S, Chen AY, Lyu F, Taylor HS. Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells contribute to remodeling of the postpartum uterus. Stem Cells 2021; 39:1489-1505. [PMID: 34224633 PMCID: PMC9313624 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial stem/progenitor cells play a role in postpartum uterine tissue regeneration, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. While circulating bone marrow (BM)-derived cells (BMDCs) contribute to nonhematopoietic endometrial cells, the contribution of BMDCs to postpartum uterus remodeling is unknown. We investigated the contribution of BMDCs to the postpartum uterus using 5-fluorouracil-based nongonadotoxic BM transplant from green fluorescent protein (GFP) donors into wild-type C57BL/6J female mice. Flow cytometry showed an influx of GFP+ cells to the uterus immediately postpartum accounting for 28.7% of total uterine cells, followed by a rapid decrease to prepregnancy levels. The majority of uterine GFP+ cells were CD45+ leukocytes, and the proportion of nonhematopoietic CD45-GFP+ cells peaked on postpartum day (PPD) 1 (17.5%). Immunofluorescence colocalization of GFP with CD45 pan-leukocyte and F4/80 macrophage markers corroborated these findings. GFP+ cells were found mostly in subepithelial stromal location. Importantly, GFP+ cytokeratin-positive epithelial cells were found within the luminal epithelium exclusively on PPD1, demonstrating direct contribution to postpartum re-epithelialization. A subset (3.2%) of GFP+ cells were CD31+CD45- endothelial cells, and found integrated within blood vessel endothelium. Notably, BM-derived GFP+ cells demonstrated preferential proliferation (PCNA+) and apoptosis (TUNEL+) on PPD1 vs resident GFP- cells, suggesting an active role for BMDCs in rapid tissue turnover. Moreover, GFP+ cells gradually acquired cell senescence together with decreased proliferation throughout the postpartum. In conclusion, BM-derived progenitors were found to have a novel nonhematopoietic cellular contribution to postpartum uterus remodeling. This contribution may have an important functional role in physiological as well as pathological postpartum endometrial regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reshef Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jacqueline Kisa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nafeesa Abuwala
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Harvey J Kliman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shafiq Shaikh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alice Y Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Fang Lyu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|