1
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Shen Q, Zhou YH, Zhou YQ. A prospects tool in virus research: Analyzing the applications of organoids in virus studies. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107182. [PMID: 38479469 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107182] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Organoids have emerged as a powerful tool for understanding the biology of the respiratory, digestive, nervous as well as urinary system, investigating infections, and developing new therapies. This article reviews recent progress in the development of organoid and advancements in virus research. The potential applications of these models in studying virul infections, pathogenesis, and antiviral drug discovery are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shen
- Institute of Microbiology Laboratory, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 20036, China; Institute of Microbiology Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai 20036, China
| | - Yu-Han Zhou
- College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Zhou
- Institute of Microbiology Laboratory, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 20036, China; Institute of Microbiology Laboratory, Shanghai Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai 20036, China.
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2
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Onfray C, Chevolleau S, Moinard E, Girard O, Mahadik K, Allsop R, Georgolopoulos G, Lavigne R, Renoult O, Aksoy I, Lemaitre E, Hulin P, Ouimette JF, Fréour T, Pecqueur C, Pineau C, Pasque V, Rougeulle C, David L. Unraveling hallmark suitability for staging pre- and post-implantation stem cell models. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114232. [PMID: 38761378 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The advent of novel 2D and 3D models for human development, including trophoblast stem cells and blastoids, has expanded opportunities for investigating early developmental events, gradually illuminating the enigmatic realm of human development. While these innovations have ushered in new prospects, it has become essential to establish well-defined benchmarks for the cell sources of these models. We aimed to propose a comprehensive characterization of pluripotent and trophoblastic stem cell models by employing a combination of transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenetic, and metabolic approaches. Our findings reveal that extended pluripotent stem cells share many characteristics with primed pluripotent stem cells, with the exception of metabolic activity. Furthermore, our research demonstrates that DNA hypomethylation and high metabolic activity define trophoblast stem cells. These results underscore the necessity of considering multiple hallmarks of pluripotency rather than relying on a single criterion. Multiplying hallmarks alleviate stage-matching bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Onfray
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Simon Chevolleau
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Eva Moinard
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Océane Girard
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Kasturi Mahadik
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Ryan Allsop
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics and Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Grigorios Georgolopoulos
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics and Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Régis Lavigne
- University Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; University Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Ophélie Renoult
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Irene Aksoy
- University Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Elsa Lemaitre
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, BioCore, SFR Bonamy, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Hulin
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, BioCore, SFR Bonamy, 44000 Nantes, France
| | | | - Thomas Fréour
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, 44000 Nantes, France; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; CHU Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Claire Pecqueur
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Charles Pineau
- University Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; University Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Pasque
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics and Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claire Rougeulle
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Laurent David
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, 44000 Nantes, France; Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, BioCore, SFR Bonamy, 44000 Nantes, France.
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3
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Slaby EM, Hansen N, Sharma R, Pirrotte P, Weaver JD. Engineered 3D Hydrogel Matrices to Modulate Trophoblast Stem Cell-Derived Placental Organoid Phenotype. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.594007. [PMID: 38798435 PMCID: PMC11118344 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.594007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Placental organoid models are a promising platform to study human placental development and function. Organoid systems typically use naturally derived hydrogel extracellular matrices (ECM), resulting in batch-to-batch variability that limits experimental reproducibility. As an alternative, synthetic ECM-mimicking hydrogel matrices offer greater consistency and control over environmental cues. Here, we generated trophoblast stem cell-derived placental organoids using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels with tunable degradability and placenta-derived ECM cues to evaluate trophoblast differentiation relative to Matrigel and two-dimensional (2D) culture controls. Our data demonstrate that PEG hydrogels support trophoblast viability and metabolic function comparable to gold standard Matrigel. Additionally, phenotypic characterization via proteomic analysis revealed that PEG and Matrigel matrices drive syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast-dominant placental organoid phenotypes, respectively. Further, three-dimensional (3D) environments promoted greater integrin expression and ECM production than 2D culture. This study demonstrates that engineered 3D culture environments can be used to reliably generate placental organoids and guide trophoblast differentiation.
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4
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Hoo R, Ruiz-Morales ER, Kelava I, Rawat M, Mazzeo CI, Tuck E, Sancho-Serra C, Chelaghma S, Predeus AV, Murray S, Fernandez-Antoran D, Waller RF, Álvarez-Errico D, Lee MCS, Vento-Tormo R. Acute response to pathogens in the early human placenta at single-cell resolution. Cell Syst 2024; 15:425-444.e9. [PMID: 38703772 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.04.002] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The placenta is a selective maternal-fetal barrier that provides nourishment and protection from infections. However, certain pathogens can attach to and even cross the placenta, causing pregnancy complications with potential lifelong impacts on the child's health. Here, we profiled at the single-cell level the placental responses to three pathogens associated with intrauterine complications-Plasmodium falciparum, Listeria monocytogenes, and Toxoplasma gondii. We found that upon exposure to the pathogens, all placental lineages trigger inflammatory responses that may compromise placental function. Additionally, we characterized the responses of fetal macrophages known as Hofbauer cells (HBCs) to each pathogen and propose that they are the probable niche for T. gondii. Finally, we revealed how P. falciparum adapts to the placental microenvironment by modulating protein export into the host erythrocyte and nutrient uptake pathways. Altogether, we have defined the cellular networks and signaling pathways mediating acute placental inflammatory responses that could contribute to pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hoo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Iva Kelava
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mukul Rawat
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sara Chelaghma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - David Fernandez-Antoran
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marcus C S Lee
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Rossant J. Why study human embryo development? Dev Biol 2024; 509:43-50. [PMID: 38325560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.001] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the processes and mechanisms underlying early human embryo development has become an increasingly active and important area of research. It has potential for insights into important clinical issues such as early pregnancy loss, origins of congenital anomalies and developmental origins of adult disease, as well as fundamental insights into human biology. Improved culture systems for preimplantation embryos, combined with the new tools of single cell genomics and live imaging, are providing new insights into the similarities and differences between human and mouse development. However, access to human embryo material is still restricted and extended culture of early embryos has regulatory and ethical concerns. Stem cell-derived models of different phases of human development can potentially overcome these limitations and provide a scalable source of material to explore the early postimplantation stages of human development. To date, such models are clearly incomplete replicas of normal development but future technological improvements can be envisaged. The ethical and regulatory environment for such studies remains to be fully resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Rossant
- The Gairdner Foundation and the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, MaRS Centre, Heritage Building, 101 College Street, Suite 335, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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6
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Lyssy F, Forstner D, Brugger BA, Ujčič K, Guettler J, Kupper N, Wernitznig S, Daxboeck C, Neuper L, El-Heliebi A, Kloimboeck T, Kargl J, Huppertz B, Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy N, Gauster M. The chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay revisited - A face-lifted approach for new perspectives in placenta research. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00113-9. [PMID: 38705802 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The study of very early human placentation is largely limited due to ethical restrictions on the use of embryonic tissue and the fact that the placental anatomy of common laboratory animal models varies considerably from that of humans. In recent years several promising models, including trophoblast stem cell-derived organoids, have been developed that have also proven useful for the study of important trophoblast differentiation processes. However, the consideration of maternal blood flow in trophoblast invasion models currently appears to be limited to animal models. An almost forgotten model to study the invasive behavior of trophoblasts is to culture them in vitro on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), showing an extraembryonic vascular network in its mesenchymal stroma that is continuously perfused by the chicken embryonic blood circulation. Here, we present an extension of the previously described ex ovo CAM assay and describe the use of cavity-bearing trophoblast spheroids obtained from the first trimester cell line ACH-3P. We demonstrate how spheroids penetrated the CAM and that erosion of CAM vessels by trophoblasts led to filling of the spheroid cavities with chicken blood, mimicking initial steps of intervillous space blood perfusion. Moreover, we prove that this model is useful for state-of-the-art techniques including immunofluorescence and in situ padlock probe hybridization, making it a versatile tool to study aspects of trophoblast invasion in presence of blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Lyssy
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Désirée Forstner
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Beatrice A Brugger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Kaja Ujčič
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Jacqueline Guettler
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Christine Daxboeck
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Lena Neuper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Amin El-Heliebi
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Teresa Kloimboeck
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Kargl
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | | | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
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7
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Rollman TB, Berkebile ZW, Okae H, Bardwell VJ, Gearhart MD, Bierle CJ. Human trophoblast stem cells restrict human cytomegalovirus replication. J Virol 2024; 98:e0193523. [PMID: 38451085 PMCID: PMC11019952 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01935-23] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental infection plays a central role in the pathogenesis of congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections and is a cause of fetal growth restriction and pregnancy loss. HCMV can replicate in some trophoblast cell types, but it remains unclear how the virus evades antiviral immunity in the placenta and how infection compromises placental development and function. Human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) can be differentiated into extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and organoids, and this study assessed the utility of TSCs as a model of HCMV infection in the first-trimester placenta. HCMV was found to non-productively infect TSCs, EVTs, and STBs. Immunofluorescence assays and flow cytometry experiments further revealed that infected TSCs frequently only express immediate early viral gene products. Similarly, RNA sequencing found that viral gene expression in TSCs does not follow the kinetic patterns observed during lytic infection in fibroblasts. Canonical antiviral responses were largely not observed in HCMV-infected TSCs and TSC-derived trophoblasts. Rather, infection dysregulated factors involved in cell identity, differentiation, and Wingless/Integrated signaling. Thus, while HCMV does not replicate in TSCs, infection may perturb trophoblast differentiation in ways that could interfere with placental function. IMPORTANCE Placental infection plays a central role in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) pathogenesis during pregnancy, but the species specificity of HCMV and the limited availability and lifespan of primary trophoblasts have been persistent barriers to understanding how infection impacts this vital organ. Human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) represent a new approach to modeling viral infection early in placental development. This study reveals that TSCs, like other stem cell types, restrict HCMV replication. However, infection perturbs the expression of genes involved in differentiation and cell fate determination, pointing to a mechanism by which HCMV could cause placental injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B. Rollman
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zachary W. Berkebile
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Vivian J. Bardwell
- Developmental Biology Center, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Micah D. Gearhart
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Craig J. Bierle
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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8
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Horvat Mercnik M, Schliefsteiner C, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Wadsack C. TGFβ signalling: a nexus between inflammation, placental health and preeclampsia throughout pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae007. [PMID: 38519450 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is a unique and pivotal organ in reproduction, controlling crucial growth and cell differentiation processes that ensure a successful pregnancy. Placental development is a tightly regulated and dynamic process, in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily plays a central role. This family of pleiotropic growth factors is heavily involved in regulating various aspects of reproductive biology, particularly in trophoblast differentiation during the first trimester of pregnancy. TGFβ signalling precisely regulates trophoblast invasion and the cell transition from cytotrophoblasts to extravillous trophoblasts, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process. Later in pregnancy, TGFβ signalling ensures proper vascularization and angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells. Beyond its role in trophoblasts and endothelial cells, TGFβ signalling contributes to the polarization and function of placental and decidual macrophages by promoting maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Disturbances in early placental development have been associated with several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) which is one of the severe complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TGFβ is involved in the pathogenesis of PE, thereby offering a potential target for intervention in the human placenta. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the roles of the major members of the TGFβ superfamily, including TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, inhibins, nodals, and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), in the context of placental development and function. The review focusses on their interactions within the major cell types of the placenta, namely trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by PE throughout pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, searching terms: 'TGF signalling preeclampsia', 'pregnancy TGF signalling', 'preeclampsia tgfβ', 'preeclampsia bmp', 'preeclampsia gdf', 'preeclampsia activin', 'endoglin preeclampsia', 'endoglin pregnancy', 'tgfβ signalling pregnancy', 'bmp signalling pregnancy', 'gdf signalling pregnancy', 'activin signalling pregnancy', 'Hofbauer cell tgfβ signalling', 'placental macrophages tgfβ', 'endothelial cells tgfβ', 'endothelium tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion Smad', 'trophoblast invasion bmp', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ', 'tgfβ preeclampsia', 'tgfβ placental development', 'TGFβ placental function', 'endothelial dysfunction preeclampsia tgfβ signalling', 'vascular remodelling placenta TGFβ', 'inflammation pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune response pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune tolerance pregnancy tgfβ', 'TGFβ pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy tregs', 'tgfβ pregnancy tregs', 'TGFβ placenta NK cells', 'TGFβ placenta tregs', 'NK cells preeclampsia', 'Tregs preeclampsia'. Only articles published in English until 2023 were used. OUTCOMES A comprehensive understanding of TGFβ signalling and its role in regulating interconnected cell functions of the main placental cell types provides valuable insights into the processes essential for successful placental development and growth of the foetus during pregnancy. By orchestrating trophoblast invasion, vascularization, immune tolerance, and tissue remodelling, TGFβ ligands contribute to the proper functioning of a healthy maternal-foetal interface. However, dysregulation of TGFβ signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, where the shallow trophoblast invasion, defective vascular remodelling, decreased uteroplacental perfusion, and endothelial cell and immune dysfunction observed in PE, are all affected by an altered TGFβ signalling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The dysregulation of TGFβ signalling in PE has important implications for research and clinical practice. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms, including the role of different ligands and their regulation under pathophysiological conditions, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. Distinguishing between clinically manifested subtypes of PE and studying TGFβ signalling in different placental cell types holistically is an important first step. To put this knowledge into practice, pre-clinical animal models combined with new technologies are needed. This may also lead to improved human research models and identify potential therapeutic targets, ultimately improving outcomes for affected pregnancies and reducing the burden of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Tissue-Specific BMP Signalling ISPA-HUCA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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9
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Zambuto SG, Scott AK, Oyen ML. Beyond 2D: Novel biomaterial approaches for modeling the placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00073-0. [PMID: 38514278 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This review considers fully three-dimensional biomaterial environments of varying complexity as these pertain to research on the placenta. The developments in placental cell sources are first considered, along with the corresponding maternal cells with which the trophoblast interact. We consider biomaterial sources, including hybrid and composite biomaterials. Properties and characterization of biomaterials are discussed in the context of material design for specific placental applications. The development of increasingly complicated three-dimensional structures includes examples of advanced fabrication methods such as microfluidic device fabrication and 3D bioprinting, as utilized in a placenta context. The review finishes with a discussion of the potential for in vitro, three-dimensional placenta research to address health disparities and sexual dimorphism, especially in light of the exciting recent changes in the regulatory environment for in vitro devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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10
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Chen L, Su H, Tao Z, Liang C, Liu Z, Dong Y, Zheng P, Liu Y. DUSP22 Ameliorates Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in HUVECs through Smad2/3 and MAPK Signaling Pathways. Cardiovasc Ther 2024; 2024:5583961. [PMID: 38495810 PMCID: PMC10942825 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5583961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the process by which endothelial cells lose their endothelial properties and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Dual-specific protein phosphatase 22 (DUSP22) inactivates various protein kinases and transcription factors by dephosphorylating serine/threonine residues: hence, it plays a key role in many diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the functional role of DUSP22 in EndMT. In the transforming growth factor-β-induced EndMT model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we observed a downregulation of DUSP22 expression. This DUSP22 deficiency could aggravate EndMT. Conversely, the overexpression of DUSP22 could ameliorate EndMT. We used signaling pathway inhibitors to verify our results and found that DUSP22 could regulate EndMT through the smad2/3 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. In summary, DUSP22 ameliorates EndMT in HUVECs in vitro through the smad2/3 and MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Su
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zekai Tao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cui Liang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhongzhao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiming Dong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peipei Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Lin Z, Wu S, Jiang Y, Chen Z, Huang X, Wen Z, Yuan Y. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms driving enhanced invasion capability of extravillous trophoblast cells: a comprehensive review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:591-608. [PMID: 38315418 PMCID: PMC10957806 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03036-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion is crucial for successful placentation and pregnancy. This review focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that promote heightened EVT invasion. We comprehensively summarize the pivotal roles of hormones, angiogenesis, hypoxia, stress, the extracellular matrix microenvironment, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immunity, inflammation, programmed cell death, epigenetic modifications, and microbiota in facilitating EVT invasion. The molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced EVT invasion may provide valuable insights into potential pathogenic mechanisms associated with diseases characterized by excessive invasion, such as the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), thereby offering novel perspectives for managing pregnancy complications related to deficient EVT invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Lin
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Jiang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoye Huang
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuofeng Wen
- The Sixth Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Ghosh A, Kumar R, Kumar RP, Ray S, Saha A, Roy N, Dasgupta P, Marsh C, Paul S. The GATA transcriptional program dictates cell fate equilibrium to establish the maternal-fetal exchange interface and fetal development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310502121. [PMID: 38346193 PMCID: PMC10895349 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310502121] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta establishes a maternal-fetal exchange interface to transport nutrients and gases between the mother and the fetus. Establishment of this exchange interface relies on the development of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (SynT) from trophoblast progenitors, and defect in SynT development often leads to pregnancy failure and impaired embryonic development. Here, we show that mouse embryos with conditional deletion of transcription factors GATA2 and GATA3 in labyrinth trophoblast progenitors (LaTPs) have underdeveloped placenta and die by ~embryonic day 9.5. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed excessive accumulation of multipotent LaTPs upon conditional deletion of GATA factors. The GATA factor-deleted multipotent progenitors were unable to differentiate into matured SynTs. We also show that the GATA factor-mediated priming of trophoblast progenitors for SynT differentiation is a conserved event during human placentation. Loss of either GATA2 or GATA3 in cytotrophoblast-derived human trophoblast stem cells (human TSCs) drastically inhibits SynT differentiation potential. Identification of GATA2 and GATA3 target genes along with comparative bioinformatics analyses revealed that GATA factors directly regulate hundreds of common genes in human TSCs, including genes that are essential for SynT development and implicated in preeclampsia and fetal growth retardation. Thus, our study uncovers a conserved molecular mechanism, in which coordinated function of GATA2 and GATA3 promotes trophoblast progenitor-to-SynT commitment, ensuring establishment of the maternal-fetal exchange interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Ram P Kumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Soma Ray
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Abhik Saha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Namrata Roy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Purbasa Dasgupta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Soumen Paul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160
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13
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Slaby EM, Plaisier SB, Brady SR, Hiremath SC, Weaver JD. Controlling placental spheroid growth and phenotype using engineered synthetic hydrogel matrices. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:933-948. [PMID: 38204396 PMCID: PMC10922805 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01393f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The human placenta is a complex organ comprised of multiple trophoblast subtypes, and inadequate models to study the human placenta in vitro limit the current understanding of human placental behavior and development. Common in vitro placental models rely on two-dimensional culture of cell lines and primary cells, which do not replicate the native tissue microenvironment, or poorly defined three-dimensional hydrogel matrices such as Matrigel™ that provide limited environmental control and suffer from high batch-to-batch variability. Here, we employ a highly defined, synthetic poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel system with tunable degradability and presentation of extracellular matrix-derived adhesive ligands native to the placenta microenvironment to generate placental spheroids. We evaluate the capacity of a hydrogel library to support the viability, function, and phenotypic protein expression of three human trophoblast cell lines modeling varied trophoblast phenotypes and find that degradable synthetic hydrogels support the greatest degree of placental spheroid viability, proliferation, and function relative to standard Matrigel controls. Finally, we show that trophoblast culture conditions modulate cell functional phenotype as measured by proteomics analysis and functional secretion assays. Engineering precise control of placental spheroid development in vitro may provide an important new tool for the study of early placental behavior and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Slaby
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Seema B Plaisier
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA
| | - Sarah R Brady
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Shivani C Hiremath
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
| | - Jessica D Weaver
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA.
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14
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Hori T, Okae H, Shibata S, Kobayashi N, Kobayashi EH, Oike A, Sekiya A, Arima T, Kaji H. Trophoblast stem cell-based organoid models of the human placental barrier. Nat Commun 2024; 15:962. [PMID: 38332125 PMCID: PMC10853531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45279-y] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Human placental villi have essential roles in producing hormones, mediating nutrient and waste exchange, and protecting the fetus from exposure to xenobiotics. Human trophoblast organoids that recapitulate the structure of villi could provide an important in vitro tool to understand placental development and the transplacental passage of xenobiotics. However, such organoids do not currently exist. Here we describe the generation of trophoblast organoids using human trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Following treatment with three kinds of culture medium, TS cells form spherical organoids with a single outer layer of syncytiotrophoblast (ST) cells that display a barrier function. Furthermore, we develop a column-type ST barrier model based on the culture condition of the trophoblast organoids. The bottom membrane of the column is almost entirely covered with syndecan 1-positive ST cells. The barrier integrity and maturation levels of the model are confirmed by measuring transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin. Further analysis reveals that the model can be used to derive the apparent permeability coefficients of model compounds. In addition to providing a suite of tools for the study of placental development, our trophoblast models allow the evaluation of compound transfer and toxicity, which will facilitate drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hori
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Eri H Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Asato Sekiya
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering (IBB), Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062, Japan.
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15
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Wang M, Liu Y, Sun R, Liu F, Li J, Yan L, Zhang J, Xie X, Li D, Wang Y, Li S, Zhu X, Li R, Lu F, Xiao Z, Wang H. Single-nucleus multi-omic profiling of human placental syncytiotrophoblasts identifies cellular trajectories during pregnancy. Nat Genet 2024; 56:294-305. [PMID: 38267607 PMCID: PMC10864176 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01647-w] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The human placenta has a vital role in ensuring a successful pregnancy. Despite the growing body of knowledge about its cellular compositions and functions, there has been limited research on the heterogeneity of the billions of nuclei within the syncytiotrophoblast (STB), a multinucleated entity primarily responsible for placental function. Here we conducted integrated single-nucleus RNA sequencing and single-nucleus ATAC sequencing analyses of human placentas from early and late pregnancy. Our findings demonstrate the dynamic heterogeneity and developmental trajectories of STB nuclei and their correspondence with human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC)-derived STB. Furthermore, we identified transcription factors associated with diverse STB nuclear lineages through their gene regulatory networks and experimentally confirmed their function in hTSC and trophoblast organoid-derived STBs. Together, our data provide insights into the heterogeneity of human STB and represent a valuable resource for interpreting associated pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Run Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fenting Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqian Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Long Yan
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jixiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinwei Xie
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiwen Li
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xili Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Falong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhenyu Xiao
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongmei Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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16
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Yang Y, Jia W, Luo Z, Li Y, Liu H, Fu L, Li J, Jiang Y, Lai J, Li H, Saeed BJ, Zou Y, Lv Y, Wu L, Zhou T, Shan Y, Liu C, Lai Y, Liu L, Hutchins AP, Esteban MA, Mazid MA, Li W. VGLL1 cooperates with TEAD4 to control human trophectoderm lineage specification. Nat Commun 2024; 15:583. [PMID: 38233381 PMCID: PMC10794710 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44780-8] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In contrast to rodents, the mechanisms underlying human trophectoderm and early placenta specification are understudied due to ethical barriers and the scarcity of embryos. Recent reports have shown that human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can differentiate into trophectoderm (TE)-like cells (TELCs) and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), offering a valuable in vitro model to study early placenta specification. Here, we demonstrate that the VGLL1 (vestigial-like family member 1), which is highly expressed during human and non-human primate TE specification in vivo but is negligibly expressed in mouse, is a critical regulator of cell fate determination and self-renewal in human TELCs and TSCs derived from naïve PSCs. Mechanistically, VGLL1 partners with the transcription factor TEAD4 (TEA domain transcription factor 4) to regulate chromatin accessibility at target gene loci through histone acetylation and acts in cooperation with GATA3 and TFAP2C. Our work is relevant to understand primate early embryogenesis and how it differs from other mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueli Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenqi Jia
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Luo
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunpan Li
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Fu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junjian Lai
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haiwei Li
- Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Babangida Jabir Saeed
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zou
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan Lv
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Stem Cell Research Facility, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yongli Shan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yiwei Lai
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew P Hutchins
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miguel A Esteban
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China.
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China.
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Md Abdul Mazid
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China.
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17
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Kidder BL, Ruden X, Singh A, Marben TA, Rass L, Chakravarty A, Xie Y, Puscheck EE, Awonuga AO, Harris S, Ruden DM, Rappolee DA. Novel high throughput screen reports that benzo(a)pyrene overrides mouse trophoblast stem cell multipotency, inducing SAPK activity, HAND1 and differentiated trophoblast giant cells. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(23)00644-6. [PMID: 38245404 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cultured mouse trophoblast stem cells (mTSC) maintain proliferation/normal stemness (NS) under FGF4, which when removed, causes normal differentiation (ND). Hypoxic, or hyperosmotic stress forces trophoblast giant cells (TGC) differentiate. Hypoxic, hyperosmotic, and genotoxic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), which is found in tobacco smoke, force down-regulation of inhibitor of differentiation (Id)2, enabling TGC differentiation. Hypoxic and hyperosmotic stress induce TGC by SAPK-dependent HAND1 increase. Here we test whether BaP forces mTSC-to-TGC while inducing SAPK and HAND1. METHODS Hand1 and SAPK activity were assayed by immunoblot, mTSC-to-TGC growth and differentiation were assayed at Tfinal after 72hr exposure of BaP, NS, ND, Retinoic acid (RA), or sorbitol. Nuclear-stained cells were micrographed automatically by a live imager, and assayed by ImageJ/FIJI, Biotek Gen 5, AIVIA proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) software or open source, CellPose artificial intelligence/AI software. RESULTS BaP (0.05-1μM) activated SAPK and HAND1 without diminishing growth. TSC-to-TGC differentiation was assayed with increasingly accuracy for 2-4 N cycling nuclei and >4 N differentiating TGC nuclei, using ImageJ/FIJI, Gen 5, AIVIA, or CellPose AI software. The AIVIA and Cellpose AI software matches human accuracy. The lowest BaP effects on SAPK activation/HAND1 increase are >10-fold more sensitive than similar effects for mESC. RA induces 44-47% 1st lineage TGC differentiation, but the same RA dose induces only 1% 1st lineage mESC differentiation. DISCUSSION First, these pilot data suggest that mTSC can be used in high throughput screens (HTS) to predict toxicant exposures that force TGC differentiation. Second, mTSC differentiated more cells than mESC for similar stress exposures, Third, open source AI can replace human micrograph quantitation and enable a miscarriage-predicting HTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Kidder
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - X Ruden
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; Reproductive Stress Inc, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, USA
| | - A Singh
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; WSU CMMG, USA
| | - T A Marben
- University of Detroit, Mercy (NIH Build Fellow), USA
| | - L Rass
- Barber Foundation Fellows/WSU, USA
| | | | - Y Xie
- Western Fertility, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E E Puscheck
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; Invia Infertility, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - S Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - D M Ruden
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; IEHS, WSU, USA
| | - D A Rappolee
- CS Mott Center/WSU Ob/gyn Department, USA; Reproductive Stress Inc, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, USA; Dept of Physiology, WSU, USA.
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18
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Karvas RM, Theunissen TW. Generation of 3D Trophoblast Organoids from Human Naïve Pluripotent Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2767:85-103. [PMID: 37402094 PMCID: PMC10766861 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2023_496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The human placenta is a transient organ that functions to support the needs of the fetus throughout gestation. Trophoblasts are the major epithelial cells found within the placenta and comprise a variety of distinct cell types with specialized roles in fetal-maternal communication. Our understanding of human trophoblast development remains limited due to ethical and legal restrictions on accessing first-trimester placental tissues, as well as the inability of common animal models to replicate primate placental development. It is therefore important to advance in vitro models of human trophoblast development as a basis for studying pregnancy-associated complications and diseases. In this chapter, we describe a protocol for generating 3D trophoblast organoids from naïve human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The resulting stem-cell-derived trophoblast organoids (SC-TOs) contain distinct cytotrophoblast (CTB), syncytiotrophoblast (STB), and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell types, which closely correspond to trophoblast identities in the human post-implantation embryo. We discuss methods for characterizing SC-TOs by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, mRNA and microRNA expression profiling, and placental hormone secretion. Furthermore, SC-TOs can undergo differentiation into specialized 3D EVT organoids, which display robust invasion when co-cultured with human endometrial cells. Thus, the protocol described herein offers an accessible 3D model system of human placental development and trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Panda A, Pham TXA, Khodeer S, Pasque V. Induction of Human Extraembryonic Mesoderm Cells from Naive Pluripotent Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2767:105-113. [PMID: 37243859 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2023_483] [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] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The human extraembryonic mesoderm (EXM) is an important tissue in the postimplantation embryo which is specified before gastrulation in primates but not in rodents. EXM is mesenchymal and plays an important role in embryogenesis, including early erythropoiesis, and provides mechanical support to the developing embryo. Recently, it has been shown that self-renewing extraembryonic mesoderm cells (EXMCs) can be modeled in vitro by using human naive pluripotent stem cells. Here, we present a detailed step-by-step protocol to induce EXMCs from naive pluripotent stem cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitesh Panda
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (LISCO), Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thi Xuan Ai Pham
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (LISCO), Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sherif Khodeer
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (LISCO), Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Pasque
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (LISCO), Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Rollman TB, Berkebile ZW, Okae H, Bardwell VJ, Gearhart MD, Bierle CJ. Human Trophoblast Stem Cells Restrict Human Cytomegalovirus Replication. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571456. [PMID: 38168202 PMCID: PMC10760179 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Placental infection plays a central role in the pathogenesis of congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections and is a cause of fetal growth restriction and pregnancy loss. HCMV can replicate in some trophoblast cell types, but it remains unclear how the virus evades antiviral immunity in the placenta and how infection compromises placental development and function. Human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) can be differentiated into extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and organoids, and this study assessed the utility of TSCs as a model of HCMV infection in the first trimester placenta. HCMV was found to non-productively infect TSCs, EVTs, and STBs. Immunofluorescence assays and flow cytometry experiments further revealed that infected TSCs frequently only express immediate early viral gene products. Similarly, RNA-sequencing found that viral gene expression in TSCs does not follow the kinetic patterns observed during lytic infection in fibroblasts. Canonical antiviral responses were largely not observed in HCMV-infected TSCs and TSC-derived trophoblasts. Rather, infection dysregulated factors involved in cell identity, differentiation, and WNT signaling. Thus, while HCMV does not replicate in TSCs, infection may perturb trophoblast differentiation in ways that could interfere with placental function. Importance Placental infection plays a central role in HCMV pathogenesis during pregnancy, but the species-specificity of HCMV and the limited availability and lifespan of primary trophoblasts have been persistent barriers to understanding how infection impacts this vital organ. Human TSCs represent a new approach to modeling viral infection early in placental development. This study reveals that TSCs, like other stem cell types, restrict HCMV replication. However, infection perturbs the expression of genes involved in differentiation and cell fate determination, pointing to a mechanism by which HCMV could cause placental injury.
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21
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Brumbaugh J, Aguado BA, Lysaght T, Goldstein LSB. Human fetal tissue is critical for biomedical research. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2300-2312. [PMID: 37977142 PMCID: PMC10724055 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fetal tissue and cells derived from fetal tissue are crucial for biomedical research. Fetal tissues and cells are used to study both normal development and developmental disorders. They are broadly applied in vaccine development and production. Further, research using cells from fetal tissue is instrumental for studying many infectious diseases, including a broad range of viruses. These widespread applications underscore the value of fetal tissue research and reflect an important point: cells derived from fetal tissues have capabilities that cells from other sources do not. In many cases, increased functionality of cells derived from fetal tissues arises from increased proliferative capacity, ability to survive in culture, and developmental potential that is attenuated in adult tissues. This review highlights important, representative applications of fetal tissue for science and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Brumbaugh
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA; University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tamra Lysaght
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lawrence S B Goldstein
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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22
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Kouthouridis S, Sotra A, Khan Z, Alvarado J, Raha S, Zhang B. Modeling the Progression of Placental Transport from Early- to Late-Stage Pregnancy by Tuning Trophoblast Differentiation and Vascularization. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301428. [PMID: 37830445 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301428] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The early-stage placental barrier is characterized by a lack of fetal circulation and by a thick trophoblastic barrier, whereas the later-stage placenta consists of vascularized chorionic villi encased in a thin, differentiated trophoblast layer, ideal for nutrient transport. In this work, predictive models of early- and late-stage placental transport are created using blastocyst-derived placental stem cells (PSCs) by modulating PSC differentiation and model vascularization. PSC differentiation results in a thinner, fused trophoblast layer, as well as an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin secretion, barrier permeability, and secretion of certain inflammatory cytokines, which are consistent with in vivo findings. Further, gene expression confirms this shift toward a differentiated trophoblast subtype. Vascularization results in a molecule type- and size-dependent change in dextran and insulin permeability. These results demonstrate that trophoblast differentiation and vascularization have critical effects on placental barrier permeability and that this model can be used as a predictive measure to assess fetal toxicity of xenobiotic substances at different stages of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Kouthouridis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Alexander Sotra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Zaim Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Justin Alvarado
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics and the Graduate Programme in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
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23
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Suzuki D, Lan KC, Takashima Y. Using human pluripotent stem cells to dissect trophoblast development. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102126. [PMID: 37812907 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
In 2021, we showed that naive human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can differentiate into trophoblasts via trophectoderm (TE)-like cells. Since TE is a pre-implantation stage of trophoblasts constituting blastocysts, naive human PSCs are an invaluable tool for understanding the entire process of trophoblast development. It has been reported for many years that primed human PSCs can also differentiate into the trophoblast lineage. The in vitro differentiation of naive and primed human PSCs hints at the possibility that human pre- and even post-implantation epiblasts retain the differentiation potential into the trophoblast lineages in vivo. Here, we review the in vitro specification of trophoblasts from human PSCs. Moreover, we discuss the different trophoblast differentiation pathways from naive and primed PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Suzuki
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kuan-Chun Lan
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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24
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Liu X, Wang G, Huang H, Lv X, Si Y, Bai L, Wang G, Li Q, Yang W. Exploring maternal-fetal interface with in vitro placental and trophoblastic models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1279227. [PMID: 38033854 PMCID: PMC10682727 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1279227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta, being a temporary organ, plays a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of nutrients and gases between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. Any abnormalities in the development of this vital organ not only lead to various pregnancy-related disorders that can result in fetal injury or death, but also have long-term effects on maternal health. In vitro models have been employed to study the physiological features and molecular regulatory mechanisms of placental development, aiming to gain a detailed understanding of the pathogenesis of pregnancy-related diseases. Among these models, trophoblast stem cell culture and organoids show great promise. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current mature trophoblast stem cell models and emerging organoid models, while also discussing other models in a systematic manner. We believe that this knowledge will be valuable in guiding further exploration of the complex maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlu Liu
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Haiqin Huang
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Lv
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yanru Si
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Lixia Bai
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Guohui Wang
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
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25
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Li X, Li ZH, Wang YX, Liu TH. A comprehensive review of human trophoblast fusion models: recent developments and challenges. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:372. [PMID: 37816723 PMCID: PMC10564767 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As an essential component of the maternal-fetal interface, the placental syncytiotrophoblast layer contributes to a successful pregnancy by secreting hormones necessary for pregnancy, transporting nutrients, mediating gas exchange, balancing immune tolerance, and resisting pathogen infection. Notably, the deficiency in mononuclear trophoblast cells fusing into multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Despite the availability of many models for the study of trophoblast fusion, there exists a notable disparity from the ideal model, limiting the deeper exploration into the placental development. Here, we reviewed the existing models employed for the investigation of human trophoblast fusion from several aspects, including the development history, latest progress, advantages, disadvantages, scope of application, and challenges. The literature searched covers the monolayer cell lines, primary human trophoblast, placental explants, human trophoblast stem cells, human pluripotent stem cells, three-dimensional cell spheres, organoids, and placenta-on-a-chip from 1938 to 2023. These diverse models have significantly enhanced our comprehension of placental development regulation and the underlying mechanisms of placental-related disorders. Through this review, our objective is to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the existing trophoblast fusion models, making it easier to select most suitable models to address specific experimental requirements or scientific inquiries. Establishment and application of the existing human placental trophoblast fusion models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuo-Hang Li
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China
- Medical Laboratory Department, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yaan, 625099, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China.
| | - Tai-Hang Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 400016, Chongqing, China.
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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26
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Zhou J, Sheridan MA, Tian Y, Dahlgren KJ, Messler M, Peng T, Ezashi T, Schulz LC, Ulery BD, Roberts RM, Schust DJ. Development of properly-polarized trophoblast stem cell-derived organoids to model early human pregnancy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.30.560327. [PMID: 37873440 PMCID: PMC10592868 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.30.560327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The development of human trophoblast stem cells (hTSC) and stem cell-derived trophoblast organoids has enabled investigation of placental physiology and disease and early maternal-fetal interactions during a stage of human pregnancy that previously had been severely restricted. A key shortcoming in existing trophoblast organoid methodologies is the non-physiologic position of the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) within the inner portion of the organoid, which neither recapitulates placental villous morphology in vivo nor allows for facile modeling of STB exposure to the endometrium or the contents of the intervillous space. Here we have successfully established properly-polarized human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC)-sourced organoids with STB forming on the surface of the organoid. These organoids can also be induced to give rise to the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage with HLA-G + migratory cells that invade into an extracellular matrix-based hydrogel. Compared to previous hTSC organoid methods, organoids created by this method more closely mimic the architecture of the developing human placenta and provide a novel platform to study normal and abnormal human placental development and to model exposures to pharmaceuticals, pathogens and environmental insults. Motivation Human placental organoids have been generated to mimic physiological cell-cell interactions. However, those published models derived from human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) or placental villi display a non-physiologic "inside-out" morphology. In vivo , the placental villi have an outer layer of syncytialized cells that are in direct contact with maternal blood, acting as a conduit for gas and nutrient exchange, and an inner layer of progenitor, single cytotrophoblast cells that fuse to create the syncytiotrophoblast layer. Existing "inside-out" models put the cytotrophoblast cells in contact with culture media and substrate, making physiologic interactions between syncytiotrophoblast and other cells/tissues and normal and pathogenic exposures coming from maternal blood difficult to model. The goal of this study was to develop an hTSC-derived 3-D human trophoblast organoid model that positions the syncytiotrophoblast layer on the outside of the multicellular organoid. Graphical abstract
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27
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Khan SA, Theunissen TW. Modeling X-chromosome inactivation and reactivation during human development. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102096. [PMID: 37597506 PMCID: PMC10588740 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Stem-cell-based embryo models generate much excitement as they offer a window into an early phase of human development that has remained largely inaccessible to scientific investigation. An important epigenetic phenomenon during early embryogenesis is the epigenetic silencing of one of the two X chromosomes in female embryos, which ensures an equal output of X-linked gene expression between the sexes. X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is thought to be established within the first three weeks of human development, although the inactive X-chromosome is reactivated in primordial germ cells (PGCs) that migrate to the embryonic gonads. Here, we summarize our current understanding of X-chromosome dynamics during human development and comment on the potential of recently established stem-cell-based models to reveal the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafqat A Khan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. https://twitter.com/@sakhan2019
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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28
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Morey R, Bui T, Fisch KM, Horii M. Modeling placental development and disease using human pluripotent stem cells. Placenta 2023; 141:18-25. [PMID: 36333266 PMCID: PMC10148925 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Our current knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of placental epithelial cells, trophoblast, primarily came from the use of mouse trophoblast stem cells and tumor-derived or immortalized human trophoblast cell lines. This was mainly due to the difficulties in maintaining primary trophoblast in culture and establishing human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC) lines. However, in-depth characterization of these cellular models and in vivo human trophoblast have revealed significant discrepancies. For the past two decades, multiple groups have shown that human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be differentiated into trophoblast, and thus could be used as a model for normal and disease trophoblast differentiation. During this time, trophoblast differentiation protocols have evolved, enabling researchers to study cellular characteristics at trophectoderm (TE), trophoblast stem cells (TSC), syncytiotrophoblast (STB), and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) stages. Recently, several groups reported methods to derive hTSC from pre-implantation blastocyst or early gestation placenta, and trophoblast organoids from early gestation placenta, drastically changing the landscape of trophoblast research. These culture conditions have been rapidly applied to generate hPSC-derived TSC and trophoblast organoids. As a result of these technological advancements, the field's capacity to better understand trophoblast differentiation and their involvement in pregnancy related disease has greatly expanded. Here, we present in vitro models of human trophoblast differentiation, describing both primary and hPSC-derived TSC, maintained as monolayers and 3-dimensional trophoblast organoids, as a tool to study early placental development and disease in multiple settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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29
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Wu H, Huang XY, Sun MX, Wang Y, Zhou HY, Tian Y, He B, Li K, Li DY, Wu AP, Wang H, Qin CF. Zika virus targets human trophoblast stem cells and prevents syncytialization in placental trophoblast organoids. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5541. [PMID: 37684223 PMCID: PMC10491779 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy threatens pregnancy and fetal health. However, the infectivity and pathological effects of ZIKV on placental trophoblast progenitor cells in early human embryos remain largely unknown. Here, using human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), we demonstrated that hTSCs were permissive to ZIKV infection, and resistance to ZIKV increased with hTSC differentiation. Combining gene knockout and transcriptome analysis, we demonstrated that the intrinsic expression of AXL and TIM-1, and the absence of potent interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) and IFNs contributed to the high sensitivity of hTSCs to ZIKV. Furthermore, using our newly developed hTSC-derived trophoblast organoid (hTSC-organoid), we demonstrated that ZIKV infection disrupted the structure of mature hTSC-organoids and inhibited syncytialization. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) further demonstrated that ZIKV infection of hTSC-organoids disrupted the stemness of hTSCs and the proliferation of cytotrophoblast cells (CTBs) and probably led to a preeclampsia (PE) phenotype. Overall, our results clearly demonstrate that hTSCs represent the major target cells of ZIKV, and a reduced syncytialization may result from ZIKV infection of early developing placenta. These findings deepen our understanding of the characteristics and consequences of ZIKV infection of hTSCs in early human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xing-Yao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Meng-Xu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hang-Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ying Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Beijia He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - De-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Ai-Ping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China.
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China.
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30
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Karvas RM, Zemke JE, Ali SS, Upton E, Sane E, Fischer LA, Dong C, Park KM, Wang F, Park K, Hao S, Chew B, Meyer B, Zhou C, Dietmann S, Theunissen TW. 3D-cultured blastoids model human embryogenesis from pre-implantation to early gastrulation stages. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1148-1165.e7. [PMID: 37683602 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Naive human pluripotent stem cells have the remarkable ability to self-organize into blastocyst-like structures ("blastoids") that model lineage segregation in the pre-implantation embryo. However, the extent to which blastoids can recapitulate the defining features of human post-implantation development remains unexplored. Here, we report that blastoids cultured on thick three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices capture hallmarks of early post-implantation development, including epiblast lumenogenesis, rapid expansion and diversification of trophoblast lineages, and robust invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells by day 14. Extended blastoid culture results in the localized activation of primitive streak marker TBXT and the emergence of embryonic germ layers by day 21. We also show that the modulation of WNT signaling alters the balance between epiblast and trophoblast fates in post-implantation blastoids. This work demonstrates that 3D-cultured blastoids offer a continuous and integrated in vitro model system of human embryonic and extraembryonic development from pre-implantation to early gastrulation stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joseph E Zemke
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Syed Shahzaib Ali
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Eric Upton
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Eshan Sane
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Laura A Fischer
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chen Dong
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kyoung-Mi Park
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Kibeom Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Senyue Hao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Brian Chew
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brittany Meyer
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Huang L, Tu Z, Wei L, Sun W, Wang Y, Bi S, He F, Du L, Chen J, Kzhyshkowska J, Wang H, Chen D, Zhang S. Generating Functional Multicellular Organoids from Human Placenta Villi. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301565. [PMID: 37438660 PMCID: PMC10502861 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301565] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between trophoblasts, stroma cells, and immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface constitutes the functional units of the placenta, which is crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes. However, the investigation of this intricate interplay is restricted due to the absence of efficient experimental models. To address this challenge, a robust, reliable methodology for generating placenta villi organoids (PVOs) from early, late, or diseased pregnancies using air-liquid surface culture is developed. PVOs contain cytotrophoblasts that can self-renew and differentiate directly, along with stromal elements that retain native immune cells. Analysis of scRNA sequencing and WES data reveals that PVOs faithfully recapitulate the cellular components and genetic alterations of the corresponding source tissue. Additionally, PVOs derived from patients with preeclampsia exhibit specific pathological features such as inflammation, antiangiogenic imbalance, and decreased syncytin expression. The PVO-based propagation of primary placenta villi should enable a deeper investigation of placenta development and exploration of the underlying pathogenesis and therapeutics of placenta-originated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Zhaowei Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Liudan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Shilei Bi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and ImmunologyMedical Faculty MannheimUniversity of Heidelberg68167MannheimGermany
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health ResearchDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhou510150China
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineGuangzhou510150China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineGuangzhou510150China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
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32
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Patterson B, Yang B, Tanaka Y, Kim KY, Cakir B, Xiang Y, Kim J, Wang S, Park IH. Female naïve human pluripotent stem cells carry X chromosomes with Xa-like and Xi-like folding conformations. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf2245. [PMID: 37540754 PMCID: PMC10403202 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf2245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) genomics shows immense promise for studying X chromosome inactivation (XCI) by interrogating changes to the X chromosomes' 3D states. Here, we sought to characterize the 3D state of the X chromosome in naïve and primed human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Using chromatin tracing, we analyzed X chromosome folding conformations in these cells with megabase genomic resolution. X chromosomes in female naïve hPSCs exhibit folding conformations similar to the active X chromosome (Xa) and the inactive X chromosome (Xi) in somatic cells. However, naïve X chromosomes do not exhibit the chromatin compaction typically associated with these somatic X chromosome states. In H7 naïve human embryonic stem cells, XIST accumulation observed on damaged X chromosomes demonstrates the potential for naïve hPSCs to activate XCI-related mechanisms. Overall, our findings provide insight into the X chromosome status of naïve hPSCs with a single-chromosome resolution and are critical in understanding the unique epigenetic regulation in early embryonic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Patterson
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Bing Yang
- Department of Genetics, and Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yoshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kun-Yong Kim
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Bilal Cakir
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jonghun Kim
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Genetics, and Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - In-Hyun Park
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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33
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Naama M, Buganim Y. Human trophoblast stem cell-state acquisition from pluripotent stem cells and somatic cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 81:102084. [PMID: 37451165 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
For an extended period of time, research on human embryo implantation and early placentation was hindered by ethical limitation and lack of appropriate in vitro models. Recently, an explosion of new research has significantly expanded our knowledge of early human trophoblast development and facilitated the derivation and culture of self-renewing human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs). Multiple approaches have been undertaken in efforts to derive and understand hTSCs, including from blastocysts, early trophoblast tissue, and, more recently, from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and somatic cells. In this concise review, we summarize recent advances in derivation of hTSCs, with a focus on derivation from naive and primed hPSCs, as well as via reprogramming of somatic cells into induced hTSCs. Each of these methods harbors distinct advantages and setbacks, which are discussed. Finally, we briefly explore the possibility of the existence of trophectoderm-like hTSCs corresponding to earlier, preimplantation trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriyah Naama
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Yosef Buganim
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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34
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Dai Y, Xu X, Huo X, Faas MM. Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on pregnancy, placenta, and placental trophoblasts. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115314. [PMID: 37536008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, endocrine-toxic, and immunotoxic. PAHs can be found in maternal and fetal blood and in the placenta during pregnancy. They may thus affect placental and fetal development. Therefore, the exposure levels and toxic effects of PAHs in the placenta deserve further study and discussion. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the effects of PAHs and their metabolites on pregnancy and birth outcomes and on placental trophoblast cells. A growing number of epidemiological studies detected PAH-DNA adducts as well as the 16 high-priority PAHs in the human placenta and showed that placental PAH exposure is associated with adverse fetal outcomes. Trophoblasts are important cells in the placenta and are involved in placental development and function. In vitro studies have shown that exposure to either PAH mixtures, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) or BaP metabolite benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) affected trophoblast cell viability, differentiation, migration, and invasion through various signaling pathways. Furthermore, similar effects of BPDE on trophoblast cells could also be observed in BaP-treated mouse models and were related to miscarriage. Although the current data show that PAHs may affect placental trophoblast cells and pregnancy outcomes, further studies (population studies, in vitro studies, and animal studies) are necessary to show the specific effects of different PAHs on placental trophoblasts and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Dai
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Marijke M Faas
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
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35
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Chen J, Neil JA, Tan JP, Rudraraju R, Mohenska M, Sun YBY, Walters E, Bediaga NG, Sun G, Zhou Y, Li Y, Drew D, Pymm P, Tham WH, Wang Y, Rossello FJ, Nie G, Liu X, Subbarao K, Polo JM. A placental model of SARS-CoV-2 infection reveals ACE2-dependent susceptibility and differentiation impairment in syncytiotrophoblasts. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1223-1234. [PMID: 37443288 PMCID: PMC10415184 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01182-0] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes COVID-19. Several clinical reports have linked COVID-19 during pregnancy to negative birth outcomes and placentitis. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning SARS-CoV-2 infection during placentation and early pregnancy are not clear. Here, to shed light on this, we used induced trophoblast stem cells to generate an in vitro early placenta infection model. We identified that syncytiotrophoblasts could be infected through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Using a co-culture model of vertical transmission, we confirmed the ability of the virus to infect syncytiotrophoblasts through a previous endometrial cell infection. We further demonstrated transcriptional changes in infected syncytiotrophoblasts that led to impairment of cellular processes, reduced secretion of HCG hormone and morphological changes vital for syncytiotrophoblast function. Furthermore, different antibody strategies and antiviral drugs restore these impairments. In summary, we have established a scalable and tractable platform to study early placental cell types and highlighted its use in studying strategies to protect the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - J A Neil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J P Tan
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - R Rudraraju
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Mohenska
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Y B Y Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - E Walters
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - N G Bediaga
- Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - G Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Y Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Y Li
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - D Drew
- Infectious Diseases and Immune Defences Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Pymm
- Infectious Diseases and Immune Defences Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - W H Tham
- Infectious Diseases and Immune Defences Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Y Wang
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - F J Rossello
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - G Nie
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - X Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - K Subbarao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - J M Polo
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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36
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Zhao X, Zhang Z, Zhu Q, Luo Y, Ye Q, Shi S, He X, Zhu J, Zhang D, Xia W, Zhang Y, Jiang L, Cui L, Ye Y, Xiang Y, Hu J, Zhang J, Lin CP. Modeling human ectopic pregnancies with trophoblast and vascular organoids. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112546. [PMID: 37224015 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112546] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruptured ectopic pregnancy (REP), a pregnancy complication caused by aberrant implantation, deep invasion, and overgrowth of embryos in fallopian tubes, could lead to rupture of fallopian tubes and accounts for 4%-10% of pregnancy-related deaths. The lack of ectopic pregnancy phenotypes in rodents hampers our understanding of its pathological mechanisms. Here, we employed cell culture and organoid models to investigate the crosstalk between human trophoblast development and intravillous vascularization in the REP condition. Compared with abortive ectopic pregnancy (AEP), the size of REP placental villi and the depth of trophoblast invasion are correlated with the extent of intravillous vascularization. We identified a key pro-angiogenic factor secreted by trophoblasts, WNT2B, that promotes villous vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and vascular network expansion in the REP condition. Our results reveal the important role of WNT-mediated angiogenesis and an organoid co-culture model for investigating intricate communications between trophoblasts and endothelial/endothelial progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenwu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Yurui Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qinying Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shuxiang Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xueyang He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yinghui Ye
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yangfei Xiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Junhao Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 910, Hengshan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chao-Po Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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37
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Elzinga FA, Khalili B, Touw DJ, Prins JR, Olinga P, Leuvenink HGD, van Goor H, Gordijn SJ, Nagelkerke A, Mian P. Placenta-on-a-Chip as an In Vitro Approach to Evaluate the Physiological and Structural Characteristics of the Human Placental Barrier upon Drug Exposure: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4315. [PMID: 37445348 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantification of fetal drug exposure remains challenging since sampling from the placenta or fetus during pregnancy is too invasive. Currently existing in vivo (e.g., cord blood sampling) and ex vivo (e.g., placenta perfusion) models have inherent limitations. A placenta-on-a-chip model is a promising alternative. A systematic search was performed in PubMed on 2 February 2023, and Embase on 14 March 2023. Studies were included where placenta-on-a-chip was used to investigate placental physiology, placenta in different obstetric conditions, and/or fetal exposure to maternally administered drugs. Seventeen articles were included that used comparable approaches but different microfluidic devices and/or different cultured maternal and fetal cell lines. Of these studies, four quantified glucose transfer, four studies evaluated drug transport, three studies investigated nanoparticles, one study analyzed bacterial infection and five studies investigated preeclampsia. It was demonstrated that placenta-on-a-chip has the capacity to recapitulate the key characteristics of the human placental barrier. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps and provide the first steps towards an overview of current protocols for developing a placenta-on-a-chip, that facilitates comparison of results from different studies. Although models differ, they offer a promising approach for in vitro human placental and fetal drug studies under healthy and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke A Elzinga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Behrad Khalili
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Touw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henri G D Leuvenink
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Pathology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne J Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anika Nagelkerke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deunsinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Mian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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Soares BX, Miranda CC, Fernandes TG. Systems bioengineering approaches for developmental toxicology. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3272-3279. [PMID: 38213895 PMCID: PMC10781881 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental toxicology is the field of study that examines the effects of chemical and physical agents on developing organisms. By using principles of systems biology and bioengineering, a systems bioengineering approach could be applied to study the complex interactions between developing organisms, the environment, and toxic agents. This approach would result in a holistic understanding of the effects of toxic agents on organisms, by considering the interactions between different biological systems and the impacts of toxicants on those interactions. It would be useful in identifying key biological pathways and mechanisms affected by toxic agents, as well as in the development of predictive models to assess potential risks of exposure to toxicants during development. In this review, we discuss the relevance of systems bioengineering to the field of developmental toxicity and provide up-to-date examples that illustrate the use of engineering principles for this application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Xavier Soares
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB – Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia C. Miranda
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB – Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- AccelBio, Collaborative Laboratory to Foster Translation and Drug Discovery, Cantanhede, Portugal
| | - Tiago G. Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB – Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Huang CC, Hsueh YW, Chang CW, Hsu HC, Yang TC, Lin WC, Chang HM. Establishment of the fetal-maternal interface: developmental events in human implantation and placentation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1200330. [PMID: 37266451 PMCID: PMC10230101 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1200330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is a complex and well-orchestrated differentiation process that involves all the cellular elements of the fetal-maternal interface. Aberrant trophoblast-decidual interactions can lead to miscarriage and disorders that occur later in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, and preterm labor. A great deal of research on the regulation of implantation and placentation has been performed in a wide range of species. However, there is significant species variation regarding trophoblast differentiation as well as decidual-specific gene expression and regulation. Most of the relevant information has been obtained from studies using mouse models. A comprehensive understanding of the physiology and pathology of human implantation and placentation has only recently been obtained because of emerging advanced technologies. With the derivation of human trophoblast stem cells, 3D-organoid cultures, and single-cell analyses of differentiated cells, cell type-specific transcript profiles and functions were generated, and each exhibited a unique signature. Additionally, through integrative transcriptomic information, researchers can uncover the cellular dysfunction of embryonic and placental cells in peri-implantation embryos and the early pathological placenta. In fact, the clinical utility of fetal-maternal cellular trafficking has been applied for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies and the prediction of pregnancy complications. Furthermore, recent studies have proposed a viable path toward the development of therapeutic strategies targeting placenta-enriched molecules for placental dysfunction and diseases.
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Kallol S, Martin-Sancho L, Morey R, Aisagbonhi O, Pizzo D, Meads M, Chanda SK, Soncin F. Activation of the Interferon Pathway in Trophoblast Cells Productively Infected with SARS-CoV-2. Stem Cells Dev 2023; 32:225-236. [PMID: 36803114 PMCID: PMC10171947 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0255] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy has been associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes and placental defects. The placenta, which acts as a physical and immunological barrier at the maternal-fetal interface, is not established until the end of the first trimester. Therefore, localized viral infection of the trophoblast compartment early in gestation could trigger an inflammatory response resulting in altered placental function and consequent suboptimal conditions for fetal growth and development. In this study, we investigated the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in early gestation placentae using placenta-derived human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), a novel in vitro model, and their extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and syncytiotrophoblast (STB) derivatives. SARS-CoV-2 was able to productively replicate in TSC-derived STB and EVT, but not undifferentiated TSCs, which is consistent with the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry host factors, ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane cellular serine protease) in these cells. In addition, both TSC-derived EVT and STB infected with SARS-CoV-2 elicited an interferon-mediated innate immune response. Combined, these results suggest that placenta-derived TSCs are a robust in vitro model to investigate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the trophoblast compartment of the early placenta and that SARS-CoV-2 infection in early gestation activates the innate immune response and inflammation pathways. Therefore, placental development could be adversely affected by early SARS-CoV-2 infection by directly infecting the developing differentiated trophoblast compartment, posing a higher risk for poor pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampada Kallol
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Laura Martin-Sancho
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Omonigho Aisagbonhi
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Donald Pizzo
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Morgan Meads
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sumit K. Chanda
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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41
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Haider S, Beristain AG. Human organoid systems in modeling reproductive tissue development, function, and disease. Hum Reprod 2023:7147082. [PMID: 37119533 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Research focused on human reproductive biology has primarily relied upon clinical samples affording mainly descriptive studies with limited implementation of functional or mechanistic understanding. More importantly, restricted access to human embryonic material has necessitated the use of animals, primarily rats and mice, and short-term primary cell cultures derived from human patient material. While reproductive developmental processes are generally conserved across mammals, specific features unique to human reproduction have resulted in the development of human-based in vitro systems designed to retain or recapitulate key molecular and cellular processes important in humans. Of note, major advances in 3D epithelial stem cell-based systems modeling human reproductive organ development have been made. These cultures, broadly referred to as organoids, enable research aimed at understanding cellular hierarchies and processes controlling cellular differentiation and function. Moreover, organoids allow the pre-clinical testing of pharmacological substances, both from safety and efficacy standpoints, and hold large potential in driving aspects of personalized medicine that were previously not possible with traditional models. In this mini-review, we focus on summarizing the current state of regenerative organoid culture systems of the female and male reproductive tracts that model organ development, maintenance, and function. Specifically, we will introduce stem cell-based organoid models of the ovary/fallopian tube, endometrium, cervix, prostate gland, and testes. We will also describe organoid systems of the pre-implanting blastocyst and trophoblast, as the blastocyst and its extraembryonic trophectoderm are central to fetal, maternal, and overall pregnancy health. We describe the foundational studies leading to their development and outline the utility as well as specific limitations that are unique and common to many of these in vitro platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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42
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Jiang X, Zhai J, Xiao Z, Wu X, Zhang D, Wan H, Xu Y, Qi L, Wang M, Yu D, Liu Y, Wu H, Sun R, Xia S, Yu K, Guo J, Wang H. Identifying a dynamic transcriptomic landscape of the cynomolgus macaque placenta during pregnancy at single-cell resolution. Dev Cell 2023; 58:806-821.e7. [PMID: 37054708 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes requires a comprehensive understanding of the cellular hierarchy and underlying molecular mechanisms in the primate placenta during gestation. Here, we present a single-cell transcriptome-wide view of the cynomolgus macaque placenta throughout gestation. Bioinformatics analyses and multiple validation experiments suggested that placental trophoblast cells exhibited stage-specific differences across gestation. Interactions between trophoblast cells and decidual cells also showed gestational stage-dependent differences. The trajectories of the villous core cells indicated that placental mesenchymal cells were derived from extraembryonic mesoderm (ExE.Meso) 1, whereas placental Hofbauer cells, erythrocytes, and endothelial cells were derived from ExE.Meso2. Comparative analyses of human and macaque placentas uncovered conserved features of placentation across species, and the discrepancies of extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) between human and macaque correlated to their differences in invasion patterns and maternal-fetal interactions. Our study provides a groundwork for elucidating the cellular basis of primate placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxiang Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jinglei Zhai
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhenyu Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xulun Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Haifeng Wan
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanhong Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Luqing Qi
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Meijiao Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dainan Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yawei Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hao Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Run Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuwei Xia
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kunyuan Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jingtao Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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Arutyunyan A, Roberts K, Troulé K, Wong FCK, Sheridan MA, Kats I, Garcia-Alonso L, Velten B, Hoo R, Ruiz-Morales ER, Sancho-Serra C, Shilts J, Handfield LF, Marconato L, Tuck E, Gardner L, Mazzeo CI, Li Q, Kelava I, Wright GJ, Prigmore E, Teichmann SA, Bayraktar OA, Moffett A, Stegle O, Turco MY, Vento-Tormo R. Spatial multiomics map of trophoblast development in early pregnancy. Nature 2023; 616:143-151. [PMID: 36991123 PMCID: PMC10076224 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05869-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between the human placenta-the extraembryonic organ made by the fetus, and the decidua-the mucosal layer of the uterus, is essential to nurture and protect the fetus during pregnancy. Extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) derived from placental villi infiltrate the decidua, transforming the maternal arteries into high-conductance vessels1. Defects in trophoblast invasion and arterial transformation established during early pregnancy underlie common pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia2. Here we have generated a spatially resolved multiomics single-cell atlas of the entire human maternal-fetal interface including the myometrium, which enables us to resolve the full trajectory of trophoblast differentiation. We have used this cellular map to infer the possible transcription factors mediating EVT invasion and show that they are preserved in in vitro models of EVT differentiation from primary trophoblast organoids3,4 and trophoblast stem cells5. We define the transcriptomes of the final cell states of trophoblast invasion: placental bed giant cells (fused multinucleated EVTs) and endovascular EVTs (which form plugs inside the maternal arteries). We predict the cell-cell communication events contributing to trophoblast invasion and placental bed giant cell formation, and model the dual role of interstitial EVTs and endovascular EVTs in mediating arterial transformation during early pregnancy. Together, our data provide a comprehensive analysis of postimplantation trophoblast differentiation that can be used to inform the design of experimental models of the human placenta in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Arutyunyan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Megan A Sheridan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ilia Kats
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Britta Velten
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Regina Hoo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Luca Marconato
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Lucy Gardner
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Qian Li
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Iva Kelava
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gavin J Wright
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Theory of Condensed Matter, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Ashley Moffett
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Oliver Stegle
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Margherita Y Turco
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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44
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Karakis V, Jabeen M, Britt JW, Cordiner A, Mischler A, Li F, San Miguel A, Rao BM. Laminin switches terminal differentiation fate of human trophoblast stem cells under chemically defined culture conditions. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104650. [PMID: 36972789 PMCID: PMC10176266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) have emerged as a powerful tool to model early placental development in vitro. Analogous to the epithelial cytotrophoblast in the placenta, hTSCs can differentiate into cells of the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage or the multinucleate syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Here we present a chemically defined culture system for STB and EVT differentiation of hTSCs. Notably, in contrast to current approaches, we neither utilize forskolin for STB formation, nor transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) inhibitors or a passage step for EVT differentiation. Strikingly, presence of a single additional extracellular cue - laminin-111 - switched the terminal differentiation of hTSCs from STB to the EVT lineage under these conditions. In the absence of laminin-111, STB formation occurred, with cell fusion comparable to that obtained with differentiation mediated by forskolin; however, in the presence of laminin-111, hTSCs differentiated to the EVT lineage. Protein expression of nuclear HIF1α and HIF2α was upregulated during EVT differentiation mediated by laminin-111 exposure. A heterogeneous mixture of Notch1+ EVTs in colonies and HLA-G+ single cell EVTs were obtained without a passage step, reminiscent of heterogeneity in vivo. Further analysis showed that inhibition of TGFβ signaling affected both STB and EVT differentiation mediated by laminin-111 exposure. TGFβ inhibition during EVT differentiation resulted in decreased HLA-G expression and increased Notch1 expression. On the other hand, TGFβ inhibition prevented STB formation of hTSCs. The chemically defined culture system for hTSC differentiation established herein facilitates quantitative analysis of heterogeneity that arises during hTSC differentiation and will enable mechanistic studies in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Karakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Mahe Jabeen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - John W Britt
- Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
| | - Abigail Cordiner
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Adam Mischler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Adriana San Miguel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Balaji M Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695; Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695.
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45
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Davenport KM, Ortega MS, Liu H, O’Neil EV, Kelleher AM, Warren WC, Spencer TE. Single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) uncovers trophoblast cell types and lineages in the mature bovine placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2221526120. [PMID: 36913592 PMCID: PMC10041116 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2221526120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruminants have a semi-invasive placenta, which possess highly vascularized placentomes formed by maternal endometrial caruncles and fetal placental cotyledons and required for fetal development to term. The synepitheliochorial placenta of cattle contains at least two trophoblast cell populations, including uninucleate (UNC) and binucleate (BNC) cells that are most abundant in the cotyledonary chorion of the placentomes. The interplacentomal placenta is more epitheliochorial in nature with the chorion developing specialized areolae over the openings of uterine glands. Of note, the cell types in the placenta and cellular and molecular mechanisms governing trophoblast differentiation and function are little understood in ruminants. To fill this knowledge gap, the cotyledonary and intercotyledonary areas of the mature day 195 bovine placenta were analyzed by single nuclei analysis. Single-nuclei RNA-seq analysis found substantial differences in cell type composition and transcriptional profiles between the two distinct regions of the placenta. Based on clustering and cell marker gene expression, five different trophoblast cell types were identified in the chorion, including proliferating and differentiating UNC and two different types of BNC in the cotyledon. Cell trajectory analyses provided a framework for understanding the differentiation of trophoblast UNC into BNC. The upstream transcription factor binding analysis of differentially expressed genes identified a candidate set of regulator factors and genes regulating trophoblast differentiation. This foundational information is useful to discover essential biological pathways underpinning the development and function of the bovine placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Sofia Ortega
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | | | - Andrew M. Kelleher
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Wesley C. Warren
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, ColumbiaMO65211
| | - Thomas E. Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
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46
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Zhuang BM, Cao DD, Liu XF, Wang L, Lin XL, Duan YG, Lee CL, Chiu PCN, Yeung WSB, Yao YQ. Application of a JEG-3 organoid model to study HLA-G function in the trophoblast. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130308. [PMID: 37006248 PMCID: PMC10050466 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is a unique temporary organ with a mysterious immune tolerance. The formation of trophoblast organoids has advanced the study of placental development. HLA-G is uniquely expressed in the extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and has been linked to placental disorders. With older experimental methodologies, the role of HLA-G in trophoblast function beyond immunomodulation is still contested, as is its role during trophoblast differentiation. Organoid models incorporating CRISPR/Cas9 technology were used to examine the role of HLA-G in trophoblast function and differentiation. JEG-3 trophoblast organoids (JEG-3-ORGs) were established that highly expressed trophoblast representative markers and had the capacity to differentiate into EVT. CRISPR/Cas9 based on HLA-G knockout (KO) significantly altered the trophoblast immunomodulatory effect on the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells, as well as the trophoblast regulatory effect on HUVEC angiogenesis, but had no effect on the proliferation and invasion of JEG-3 cells and the formation of TB-ORGs. RNA-sequencing analysis further demonstrated that JEG-3 KO cells followed similar biological pathways as their wild-type counterparts during the formation of TB-ORGs. In addition, neither HLA-G KO nor the exogenous addition of HLA-G protein during EVT differentiation from JEG-3-ORGs altered the temporal expression of the known EVT marker genes. Based on the JEG-3 KO (disruption of exons 2 and 3) cell line and the TB-ORGs model, it was determined that HLA-G has a negligible effect on trophoblast invasion and differentiation. Despite this, JEG-3-ORG remains a valuable model for studying trophoblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Mei Zhuang
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan-Dan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Li Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HKU Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HKU Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HKU Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: William S. B. Yeung, ; Yuan-Qing Yao,
| | - Yuan-Qing Yao
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: William S. B. Yeung, ; Yuan-Qing Yao,
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Faral-Tello P, Pagotto R, Bollati-Fogolín M, Francia ME. Modeling the human placental barrier to understand Toxoplasma gondii´s vertical transmission. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1130901. [PMID: 36968102 PMCID: PMC10034043 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1130901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite that can infect virtually any warm-blooded animal. Acquired infection during pregnancy and the placental breach, is at the core of the most devastating consequences of toxoplasmosis. T. gondii can severely impact the pregnancy’s outcome causing miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, babies with hydrocephalus, microcephaly or intellectual disability, and other later onset neurological, ophthalmological or auditory diseases. To tackle T. gondii’s vertical transmission, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions at the maternal-fetal interface. Nonetheless, the complexity of the human placenta and the ethical concerns associated with its study, have narrowed the modeling of parasite vertical transmission to animal models, encompassing several unavoidable experimental limitations. Some of these difficulties have been overcome by the development of different human cell lines and a variety of primary cultures obtained from human placentas. These cellular models, though extremely valuable, have limited ability to recreate what happens in vivo. During the last decades, the development of new biomaterials and the increase in stem cell knowledge have led to the generation of more physiologically relevant in vitro models. These cell cultures incorporate new dimensions and cellular diversity, emerging as promising tools for unraveling the poorly understood T. gondii´s infection mechanisms during pregnancy. Herein, we review the state of the art of 2D and 3D cultures to approach the biology of T. gondii pertaining to vertical transmission, highlighting the challenges and experimental opportunities of these up-and-coming experimental platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Faral-Tello
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Pagotto
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Maria E. Francia
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Maria E. Francia,
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Dietrich B, Kunihs V, Pollheimer J, Knöfler M, Haider S. 3D organoid formation and EVT differentiation of various trophoblastic cell lines. Placenta 2023; 133:19-22. [PMID: 36696785 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
3-dimensional trophoblast organoids (TB-ORG) represent a reliable model for studying extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage formation and differentiation. However, restricted access to first trimester placentae requires alternative cell sources for establishing placental organoids. Recently, we demonstrated EVT differentiation in JEG-3-derived organoids. Consequently, we herein tested whether other commonly used trophoblastic cell lines, ACH-3P, HTR-8/SVneo, and SWAN-71 were capable of self-organizing into organoids and subsequent EVT differentiation. Notably, only ACH-3P formed organoids under stemness conditions mimicking TB-ORG architectures, and induction of EVT differentiation provoked formation of HLA-Gpos areas. Hence ACH-3P-ORGs provide another organoid model for studying controlled EVT lineage formation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Dietrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Kunihs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Pollheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Maternal-Fetal Immunology Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Placental Development Group, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Burgaud M, Bretin B, Reignier A, De Vos J, David L. [New models to study human embryonic development]. Med Sci (Paris) 2023; 39:129-136. [PMID: 36799747 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2023018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2021, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are available to infertile couples, but also to single women and female couples. The process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has allowed to cross the threshold of 5 million births worldwide, between 1978 and 2013. However, the failure rate per each IVF cycle is estimated to be around 75%. Therefore, there is a need to better understand human embryonic development in order to improve the success rate of IVF. Study models have evolved significantly in recent years: development of embryo culture, sequencing of the transcriptome of individualized cells, discovery of culture conditions for naive pluripotent stem cells and generation of blastoids. Here, we review these recent advances in human embryo modeling that establish a new knowledge base for improving ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Burgaud
- Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Betty Bretin
- Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Arnaud Reignier
- Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, F-44000 Nantes, France - CHU Nantes, Service de biologie de la reproduction, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - John De Vos
- IRMB, Univ Montpellier, Inserm, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent David
- Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, F-44000 Nantes, France - Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, BioCore, F-44000 Nantes, France
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Matsumoto S, Okamura E, Muto M, Ema M. Similarities and differences in placental development between humans and cynomolgus monkeys. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12522. [PMID: 37377753 PMCID: PMC10292683 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The placenta is an extraembryonic organ, which is essential to maintain a normal pregnancy. However, placental development in humans is poorly understood because of technical and ethical reasons. Methods We analyzed the anatomical localization of each trophoblastic subtype in the cynomolgus monkey placenta by immunohistochemistry in the early second trimester. Histological differences among the mouse, cynomolgus monkey, and human placenta were compared. The PubMed database was used to search for studies on placentation in rodents and primates. Main findings The anatomical structures and subtypes of the placenta in cynomolgus monkeys are highly similar to those in humans, with the exception of fewer interstitial extravillous trophoblasts in cynomolgus monkeys. Conclusion The cynomolgus monkey appears to be a good animal model to investigate human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoma Matsumoto
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Eiichi Okamura
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Masanaga Muto
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
| | - Masatsugu Ema
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life ScienceShiga University of Medical ScienceOtsuJapan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI‐ASHBi)Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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