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Jaremek A, Renaud SJ. Analyzing Trophoblast Fusion Using Immunofluorescence and Split Protein Complementation Assays. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2728:87-98. [PMID: 38019393 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3495-0_7] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The fusion of cytotrophoblasts into a multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast is essential for placental development. For studies investigating syncytiotrophoblast formation, various methods are available to analyze the fusion efficiency of trophoblast cells in vitro. Here, we describe protocols for measuring trophoblast fusion using immunofluorescence and an assay employing complementary parts of a split green fluorescent protein that self-reassociates and generates a fluorescent signal following cell fusion. Together, these approaches allow for a comprehensive and robust analysis of the fusion index in trophoblast cells and can strengthen the accuracy and throughput of investigations into factors that may regulate syncytiotrophoblast development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jaremek
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
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2
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Induction of human trophoblast stem cells. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2760-2783. [PMID: 36241723 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00744-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell reprogramming has allowed unprecedented access to human development, from virtually any genome. However, reprogramming yields pluripotent stem cells that can differentiate into all cells that form a fetus, but not extraembryonic annexes. Therefore, a cellular model allowing study of placental development from a broad genomic repertoire is lacking. Here, we describe an optimized protocol to reprogram somatic cells into human induced trophoblast stem cells (hiTSCs) and convert pluripotent stem cells into human converted TSCs (hcTSCs). This protocol enables much-needed genome-specific placental disease modeling. We also detail extravillous trophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast differentiation protocols from hiTSCs and hcTSCs, a necessary step to validate these cells. In total, this protocol takes 4 months and requires advanced cell culture skills, comparable to those necessary for somatic cell reprogramming into human induced pluripotent stem cells.
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3
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Tamanna S, Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, van Helden DF, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) enzymes and placental trophoblast syncytialisation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 547:111609. [PMID: 35202745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Placental renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components; prorenin, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin (Ang) II type 1 receptor (AT1R) are upregulated during syncytialisation. This study examined whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2 and neprilysin (NEP) are also altered during syncytialisation. Two in vitro models of syncytialisation were used: forskolin-treated BeWo cells and spontaneously syncytialising primary human trophoblast cells. Term placentae and primary trophoblasts had the highest levels of ACE, ACE2 and NEP mRNA. In primary trophoblasts, ACE mRNA levels significantly increased with syncytialisation, ACE2 and NEP mRNA levels decreased. ACE, ACE2 and NEP protein levels and ACE2 activity did not change. Syncytialisation of primary trophoblasts decreased soluble (s)ACE and sNEP but not sACE2 levels. In primary trophoblasts, the balance between the enzymes controlling the two opposing pathways of the RAS was maintained. These findings were unable to be reproduced in BeWo cells. Future studies exploring placental levels of these enzymes in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Tamanna
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Saije K Morosin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah J Delforce
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Dirk F van Helden
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
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4
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Miranda AL, Racca AC, Kourdova LT, Rojas ML, Cruz Del Puerto M, Rodriguez-Lombardi G, Salas AV, Travella C, da Silva ECO, de Souza ST, Fonseca EJS, Marques ALX, Borbely AU, Genti-Raimondi S, Panzetta-Dutari GM. Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) requires its amino terminal domain to promote villous trophoblast cell fusion. Placenta 2021; 117:139-149. [PMID: 34894601 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Villous cytotrophoblast (vCTB) cells fuse to generate and maintain the syncytiotrophoblast layer required for placental development and function. Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) is a ubiquitous transcription factor with an N-terminal acidic transactivation domain and a C-terminal zinc finger DNA-binding domain. KLF6 is highly expressed in placenta, and it is required for proper placental development. We have demonstrated that KLF6 is necessary for cell fusion in human primary vCTBs, and in the BeWo cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS Full length KLF6 or a mutant lacking its N-terminal domain were expressed in BeWo cells or in primary vCTB cells isolated from human term placentas. Cell fusion, gene and protein expression, and cell proliferation were analyzed. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to identify biochemical, topography, and elasticity cellular modifications. RESULTS The increase in KLF6, but not the expression of its deleted mutant, is sufficient to trigger cell fusion and to raise the expression of β-hCG, syncytin-1, the chaperone protein 78 regulated by glucose (GRP78), the ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily G Member 2 (ABCG2), and Galectin-1 (Gal-1), all molecules involved in vCTB differentiation. Raman and AFM analysis revealed that KLF6 reduces NADH level and increases cell Young's modulus. KLF6-induced differentiation correlates with p21 upregulation and decreased cell proliferation. Remarkable, p21 silencing reduces cell fusion triggered by KLF6 and the KLF6 mutant impairs syncytialization and decreases syncytin-1 and β-hCG expression. DISCUSSION KLF6 induces syncytialization through a mechanism that involves its regulatory transcriptional domain in a p21-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Miranda
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana C Racca
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lucille T Kourdova
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Laura Rojas
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Mariano Cruz Del Puerto
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gonzalo Rodriguez-Lombardi
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea V Salas
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Claudia Travella
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Elaine C O da Silva
- Optics and Nanoscopy Group, Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Samuel T de Souza
- Optics and Nanoscopy Group, Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Eduardo J S Fonseca
- Optics and Nanoscopy Group, Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Aldilane L X Marques
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Alexandre U Borbely
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Brazil
| | - Susana Genti-Raimondi
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Graciela M Panzetta-Dutari
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.
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5
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Azar C, Valentine MC, Trausch‐Azar J, Rois L, Mahjoub M, Nelson DM, Schwartz AL. RNA-Seq identifies genes whose proteins are upregulated during syncytia development in murine C2C12 myoblasts and human BeWo trophoblasts. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14671. [PMID: 33403800 PMCID: PMC7786548 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusion of villous cytotrophoblasts into the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast is critical for the essential functions of the mammalian placenta. Using RNA-Seq gene expression, quantitative protein expression, and siRNA knockdown we identified genes and their cognate proteins which are similarly upregulated in two cellular models of mammalian syncytia development (human BeWo cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast and murine C2C12 myoblast to myotube). These include DYSF, PDE4DIP, SPIRE2, NDRG1, PLEC, GPR146, HSPB8, DHCR7, and HDAC5. These findings provide avenues for further understanding of the mechanisms underlying mammalian placental syncytiotrophoblast development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Azar
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Mark C. Valentine
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Julie Trausch‐Azar
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Lisa Rois
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Moe Mahjoub
- Department of MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - D. Michael Nelson
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Alan L. Schwartz
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
- Department of Developmental BiologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
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Endocannabinoid signaling impairs syncytialization: Using flow cytometry to evaluate forskolin-induced cell fusion. Placenta 2020; 103:152-155. [PMID: 33126049 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cytotrophoblast cells fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast, the main structure responsible for the placenta's specialized functions. This complex process denominated syncytialization is fundamental for a correct pregnancy outcome. We observed that the endocannabinoid anandamide disrupts syncytialization employing traditional techniques and flow cytometry in BeWo cell line.
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Shahin-Shamsabadi A, Selvaganapathy PR. π-SACS: pH Induced Self-Assembled Cell Sheets Without the Need for Modified Surfaces. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:5346-5356. [PMID: 33455283 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ability to form tissue-like constructs that have high cell density with proper cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions is critical for many applications including tissue models for drug discovery and tissue regeneration. Newly emerging bioprinting methods sometimes lack the high cellular density needed to provide biophysical cues to orchestrate cellular behavior to recreate tissue architecture and function. Alternate methods using self-assembly can be used to create tissue-like constructs with high cellular density and well-defined microstructure in the form of spheroids, organoids, or cell sheets. Cell sheets have a particularly interesting architecture in the context of tissue regeneration and repair as they can be applied as patches to integrate with surrounding tissues. Until now, the preparation of these sheets has involved culturing on specialized substrates that can be triggered by temperature or phase change (hydrophobic to hydrophilic) to release cells growing on them and form sheets. Here a new technique is proposed that allows delamination of cells and secreted ECM and rapid self-assembly into a cell sheet using a simple pH trigger and without the need to use responsive surfaces or applying external stimuli such as electrical and magnetic fields, only with routine tissue culture plates. This technique can be used with cells that are capable of syncytialization and fusion such as skeletal muscle cells and placenta cells. Using C2C12 myoblast cells we show that the pH trigger induces a rapid delamination of the cells as a continuous layer that self-assembles into a thick dense sheet. The delamination process has little effect on cell viability and maturation and preserves the ECM components that allow sheets to adhere to each other within a short incubation time enabling formation of thicker constructs when multiple sheets are stacked (double- and quadruple-layer constructs are formed here). These thick grafts can be used for regeneration purposes or as in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P Ravi Selvaganapathy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Ontario L8S4K1, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Ontario L8S4L7, Canada
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8
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Ullah R, Naz A, Akram HS, Ullah Z, Tariq M, Mithani A, Faisal A. Transcriptomic analysis reveals differential gene expression, alternative splicing, and novel exons during mouse trophoblast stem cell differentiation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:342. [PMID: 32762732 PMCID: PMC7409654 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiation of mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) to trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) has been widely used as a model system to study placental development and function. While several differentially expressed genes, including regulators of TSC differentiation, have been identified, a comprehensive analysis of the global expression of genes and splice variants in the two cell types has not been reported. RESULTS Here, we report ~ 7800 differentially expressed genes in TGCs compared to TSCs which include regulators of the cell cycle, apoptosis, cytoskeleton, cell mobility, embryo implantation, metabolism, and various signaling pathways. We show that several mitotic proteins, including Aurora A kinase, were downregulated in TGCs and that the activity of Aurora A kinase is required for the maintenance of TSCs. We also identify hitherto undiscovered, cell-type specific alternative splicing events in 31 genes in the two cell types. Finally, we also report 19 novel exons in 12 genes which are expressed in both TSCs and TGCs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results uncover several potential regulators of TSC differentiation and TGC function, thereby providing a valuable resource for developmental and molecular biologists interested in the study of stem cell differentiation and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ambreen Naz
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hafiza Sara Akram
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zakir Ullah
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Muhammad Tariq
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aziz Mithani
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Amir Faisal
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Fraichard C, Bonnet F, Garnier A, Hébert-Schuster M, Bouzerara A, Gerbaud P, Ferecatu I, Fournier T, Hernandez I, Trabado S, Guibourdenche J. Placental production of progestins is fully effective in villous cytotrophoblasts and increases with the syncytiotrophoblast formation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 499:110586. [PMID: 31539598 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Placental syncytiotrophoblast (ST) is considered as the main placental endocrine tissue secreting progesterone, a steroid essential for maintenance of pregnancy. However, each step of progestins production has been poorly investigated in villous cytotrophoblast (VCT) regarding ST formation. We aimed to characterize progestins production during human differentiation of VCT into ST. VCTs were isolated from term placenta and cultivated, with or without forskolin (FSK), to stimulate trophoblast differentiation. Secreted progestins concentrations were determined by immuno-assay and Gas Chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Intracellular expression of cholesterol transporter and enzymes involved in steroidogenesis were studied by immunofluorescence, western-blot, and RT-qPCR. Progesterone and pregnenolone are produced by VCT and their secretion increases with VCT differentiation while 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentration remains undetectable. HSD3B1 enzyme expression increases whereas MLN64, the cholesterol placental mitochondrial transporter and P450SCC expressions do not. FSK induces progestins production. Progestins placental synthesis is effective since VCT and increases with ST formation thanks to mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fraichard
- UMR-S 1139, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - F Bonnet
- Service d' Hormonologie, CHU Cochin, HUPC, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - A Garnier
- Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, CHU de Bicêtre, AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; UMR-S U1185, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - M Hébert-Schuster
- UMR-S 1139, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France; Service d' Hormonologie, CHU Cochin, HUPC, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - A Bouzerara
- UMR-S 1139, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France; Service d' Hormonologie, CHU Cochin, HUPC, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - P Gerbaud
- UMR-S 1180, Faculté de Pharmacie, 5 Rue JB Clément, 92296, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - I Ferecatu
- UMR-S 1139, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - T Fournier
- UMR-S 1139, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - I Hernandez
- UMR-S 1139, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - S Trabado
- Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, CHU de Bicêtre, AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; UMR-S U1185, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - J Guibourdenche
- UMR-S 1139, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France; Service d' Hormonologie, CHU Cochin, HUPC, AP-HP, Paris, France.
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10
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Hadley EE, Sheller-Miller S, Saade G, Salomon C, Mesiano S, Taylor RN, Taylor BD, Menon R. Amnion epithelial cell-derived exosomes induce inflammatory changes in uterine cells. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 219:478.e1-478.e21. [PMID: 30138617 PMCID: PMC6239974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal endocrine signals are generally considered to contribute to the timing of birth and the initiation of labor. Fetal tissues under oxidative stress release inflammatory mediators that lead to sterile inflammation within the maternal-fetal interface. Importantly, these inflammatory mediators are packaged into exosomes, bioactive cell-derived extra cellular vesicles that function as vectors and transport them from the fetal side to the uterine tissues where they deposit their cargo into target cells enhancing uterine inflammatory load. This exosome-mediated signaling is a novel mechanism for fetal-maternal communication. OBJECTIVE This report tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress can induce fetal amnion cells to produce exosomes, which function as a paracrine intermediary between the fetus and mother and biochemically signal readiness for parturition. STUDY DESIGN Primary amnion epithelial cells were grown in normal cell culture (control) or exposed to oxidative stress conditions (induced by cigarette smoke extract). Exosomes were isolated from cell supernatant by sequential ultracentrifugation. Exosomes were quantified and characterized based on size, shape, and biochemical markers. Myometrial, decidual, and placental cells (BeWo) were treated with 2 × 105, 2 × 107, and 2 × 109 control or oxidative stress-derived amnion epithelial cell exosomes for 24 hours. Entry of amnion epithelial cell exosomes into cells was confirmed by confocal microscopy of fluorescent-labeled exosomes. The effect of amnion epithelial cell exosomes on target cell inflammatory status was determined by measuring production of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and prostaglandin E2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and inflammatory gene transcription factor (nuclear factor-κβ) activation status by immunoblotting for phosphorylated RelA/p65. Localization of NANOG in term human myometrium and decidua obtained from women before labor and during labor was performed using immunohistochemistry. Data were analyzed by Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test to compare effects of exosomes from control and oxidative stress-treated amnion epithelial cells on inflammatory status of target cells. RESULTS Amnion epithelial cells released ∼125 nm, cup-shaped exosomes with ∼899 and 1211 exosomes released per cell from control and oxidative stress-induced cells, respectively. Amnion epithelial cell exosomes were detected in each target cell type after treatment using confocal microscopy. Treatment with amnion epithelial cell exosomes increased secretion of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and PGE2 and activation of NF-κβ (each P < .05) in myometrial and decidual cells. Exosome treatments had no effect on interleukin-6 and PGE2 production in BeWo cells. NANOG staining was higher in term labor myometrium and decidua compared to tissues not in labor. CONCLUSION In vitro, amnion epithelial cell exosomes lead to an increased inflammatory response in maternal uterine cells whereas placental cells showed refractoriness. Fetal cell exosomes may function to signal parturition by increasing maternal gestational cell inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Hadley
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX
| | - Samantha Sheller-Miller
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX
| | - George Saade
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Center for Clinical Diagnostics, Center for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Sam Mesiano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Brandie D Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX.
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11
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Human Placenta Expresses α 2-Adrenergic Receptors and May Be Implicated in Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:2774-2785. [PMID: 30273604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
α2-Adrenergic receptors (α2ARs) are G-protein-coupled receptors involved in catecholamine signaling by extracellular regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathways. We examined placental expression and function of α2AR subtypes in women with severe preeclampsia (sPE) with and without intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Placental biopsies were analyzed from 52 women with i) sPE (n = 8); ii) sPE + IUGR (n = 9); iii) idiopathic IUGR (n = 8); iv) idiopathic preterm birth (n = 16); and v) healthy term controls (n = 11). Expression of α2AR subtypes (α2A, α2B, α2C) and phospho-ERK1/2 (receptor activation marker) was investigated by immunohistochemistry and/or quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The effects of α2CAR knockdown on syncytialization (syncytin-1 and -2) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin secretion were examined in BeWo cells stimulated with forskolin. The effects of α2AR agonist UK 14,304 and specific α2CAR antagonist were tested, using a trophoblast migration assay. All three α2ARs were expressed and functionally active in human placenta with site-specific localization. Highest α2BAR and α2CAR mRNA expression was identified in sPE + IUGR. α2CAR knockdown increased expression of syncytin-1 and -2 but decreased secretion of β-human chorionic gonadotropin. UK 14,304 impaired trophoblast migration. The observed α2AR expression pattern suggests different function for each subtype. α2CAR modulates trophoblast syncytialization and migration and may carry pathogenic role in sPE + IUGR.
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12
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Nishiguchi A, Gilmore C, Sood A, Matsusaki M, Collett G, Tannetta D, Sargent IL, McGarvey J, Halemani ND, Hanley J, Day F, Grant S, Murdoch-Davis C, Kemp H, Verkade P, Aplin JD, Akashi M, Case CP. In vitro placenta barrier model using primary human trophoblasts, underlying connective tissue and vascular endothelium. Biomaterials 2018; 192:140-148. [PMID: 30448698 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Fetal development may be compromised by adverse events at the placental interface between mother and fetus. However, it is still unclear how the communication between mother and fetus occurs through the placenta. In vitro - models of the human placental barrier, which could help our understanding and which recreate three-dimensional (3D) structures with biological functionalities and vasculatures, have not been reported yet. Here we present a 3D-vascularized human primary placental barrier model which can be constructed in 1 day. We illustrate the similarity of our model to first trimester human placenta, both in its structure and in its ability to respond to altered oxygen and to secrete factors that cause damage cells across the barrier including embryonic cortical neurons. We use this model to highlight the possibility that both the trophoblast and the endothelium within the placenta might play a role in the fetomaternal dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Nishiguchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Catherine Gilmore
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Aman Sood
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Michiya Matsusaki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Gavin Collett
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dionne Tannetta
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ian L Sargent
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Jon Hanley
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Fiona Day
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Simon Grant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Helena Kemp
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Verkade
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, University of Manchester, 5th Floor Research, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Mitsuru Akashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - C Patrick Case
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
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13
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Oxidative Stress in Preeclampsia and Placental Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051496. [PMID: 29772777 PMCID: PMC5983711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a persistent hypertensive gestational disease characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria, which presents from the second trimester of pregnancy. At the cellular level, preeclampsia has largely been associated with the release of free radicals by the placenta. Placenta-borne oxidative and nitrosative stresses are even sometimes considered as the major molecular determinants of the maternal disease. In this review, we present the recent literature evaluating free radical production in both normal and pathological placentas (including preeclampsia and other major pregnancy diseases), in humans and animal models. We then assess the putative effects of these free radicals on the placenta and maternal endothelium. This analysis was conducted with regard to recent papers and possible therapeutic avenues.
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14
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RNA-Seq identifies genes whose proteins are transformative in the differentiation of cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast, in human primary villous and BeWo trophoblasts. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5142. [PMID: 29572450 PMCID: PMC5865118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23379-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusion of villous cytotrophoblasts into the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast is critical for the essential functions of the mammalian placenta. Using RNA-Seq gene expression and quantitative protein expression, we identified genes and their cognate proteins which are coordinately up- or down-regulated in two cellular models of cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast development, human primary villous and human BeWo cytotrophoblasts. These include hCGβ, TREML2, PAM, CRIP2, INHA, FLRG, SERPINF1, C17orf96, KRT17 and SAA1. These findings provide avenues for further understanding the mechanisms underlying mammalian placental synctiotrophoblast development.
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Washington K, Ghosh S, Reeves IV. A Review: Molecular Concepts and Common Pathways Involving Vitamin D in the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2018.83023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Malik S, Diot A, Morten K, Dombi E, Vatish M, Boyd CAR, Poulton J. Acute nutritional stress during pregnancy affects placental efficiency, fetal growth and adult glucose homeostasis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:109478-109486. [PMID: 29312622 PMCID: PMC5752535 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to maternal malnutrition impairs postnatal health. Acute nutritional stress is less clearly implicated in intrauterine programming. We studied the effects of stressing pregnant mothers on perinatal growth and adult glucose homeostasis. We compared one group ("stressed", mothers fasted for 16 hours) with controls ("unstressed"). We found that fasting stress had adverse effects on the weight of the fetuses conceived (p<0.005) and the placental efficiency (p<0.001) in stressed compared to unstressed offspring. Placental weight was increased (p<0.001) presumably in compensation. Stress affected the glucose homeostasis of the offspring when they became adults (p<0.005) when analysed as individuals. We previously linked nutritional stress throughout pregnancy with a mitochondrial stress response. We modelled placenta with cultured human trophoblast cells (BeWos) and fetal tissues with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). High throughput imaging showed that the mitochondria of both cell types underwent a similar sequence of changes in morphology, induced by nutritional stresses. The contrasting stress responses on fetal and placental weight were not captured by the cellular models. The stress of maternal fasting may be an important determinant of perinatal outcome in the mouse and might be relevant to nutritional stress in human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajida Malik
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alan Diot
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karl Morten
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eszter Dombi
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - C A Richard Boyd
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Poulton
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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17
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Rothbauer M, Patel N, Gondola H, Siwetz M, Huppertz B, Ertl P. A comparative study of five physiological key parameters between four different human trophoblast-derived cell lines. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5892. [PMID: 28724925 PMCID: PMC5517571 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06364-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta plays a crucial role as the interface between mother and fetus. It represents a unique tissue that undergoes morphological as well as functional changes on the cellular and tissue level throughout pregnancy. To better understand how the placenta works, a variety of techniques has been developed to re-create this complex physiological barrier in vitro. However, due to the low availability of freshly isolated primary cells, choriocarcinoma cell lines remain the usual suspects as in vitro models for placental research. Here, we present a comparative study on the functional aspects of the choriocarcinoma cell lines BeWo, JAR and Jeg-3, as well as the first trimester trophoblast cell line ACH-3P as placental in vitro barrier models for endocrine and transport studies. Functional assays including tight junction immunostaining, sodium fluorescein retardation, trans epithelial resistance, glucose transport, hormone secretion as well as size-dependent polystyrene nanoparticle transport were performed using the four cell types to evaluate key functional parameters of each cell line to act a relevant in vitro placental barrier model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rothbauer
- Vienna University of Technology, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry & Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nilaykumar Patel
- University of Vienna, Department of Pharmacognosy, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hajnalka Gondola
- Vienna University of Technology, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry & Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Siwetz
- Medical University of Graz, Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Harrachgasse 21/VII, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Medical University of Graz, Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Harrachgasse 21/VII, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Vienna University of Technology, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry & Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Lin Y, Bircsak KM, Gorczyca L, Wen X, Aleksunes LM. Regulation of the placental BCRP transporter by PPAR gamma. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2016; 31. [PMID: 27879033 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Identifying regulators of placental breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) expression is critical as downregulation of this transporter may increase exposure of the fetus to xenobiotics. Here, we sought to test whether the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) regulates BCRP expression in the placenta. To test this, human BeWo placental choriocarcinoma cells were cultured with the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone or the PPARγ antagonist T0070907 for 24 h. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of syncytialization markers, GCM1 and hCGβ, as well as BCRP increased with PPARγ agonist treatment. Conversely, BCRP mRNA and protein expression decreased 30%-50% with PPARγ antagonist treatment. Rosiglitazone enhanced BCRP protein expression and transport activity, resulting in a 20% greater efflux of the substrate Hoechst 33342 compared with control cells. These results suggest that PPARγ can upregulate BCRP expression in the placenta, which may be important in understanding mechanisms that protect the fetus from xenobiotic exposure during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Lin
- Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Kristin M Bircsak
- Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Ludwik Gorczyca
- Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Xia Wen
- Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Lauren M Aleksunes
- Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.,Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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19
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Steroid sulfatase is increased in the placentas and whole blood of women with early-onset preeclampsia. Placenta 2016; 48:72-79. [PMID: 27871476 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy affecting 5% of pregnancies. Our team identified 137 genes highly expressed in placenta relative to other human tissues. Here, we have explored a role for steroid sulfatase (STS) in preeclampsia by characterising STS expression and the functional effects of STS on primary placental trophoblasts. METHODS Characterisation of STS was performed on preterm preeclamptic and gestation-matched normotensive preterm controls who delivered at <34 weeks gestation. We characterised placental and maternal whole blood STS mRNA and placental protein expression via qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. To assess whether STS is involved in sFlt1 secretion and syncytialisation, we administered siRNA to silence STS in primary trophoblasts before measuring sFlt1 and hCG secretion and E-Cadherin expression. RESULTS A custom array containing 45 placental specific genes identified 10 genes significantly altered in the placentas of preeclamptic patients relative to normotensive gestation-matched controls. Of these genes, qRT-PCR and western blot on a larger cohort confirmed that the expression of STS was significantly elevated in preeclamptic placentas (n = 44) relative to gestation matched controls (n = 26). Given placental RNA leaks in to the maternal circulation, we also assessed STS mRNA expression in the whole blood of patients with preeclampsia and found it was significantly increased relative to normotensive controls. siRNA knockdown of STS in primary trophoblast resulted in a modest but significant reduction in sFlt1 secretion, but had no affect on hCG secretion or E-Cadherin protein expression. DISCUSSION STS is increased in preeclamptic placentas and maternal whole blood. Our data suggests that STS may affect sFlt1 secretion by regulating sFlt1-i13 transcription, and not via alterations in syncytialisation.
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20
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St-Pierre J, Fraser M, Vaillancourt C. Inhibition of placental 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 by lead. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 65:133-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Xu J, Sivasubramaniyam T, Yinon Y, Tagliaferro A, Ray J, Nevo O, Post M, Caniggia I. Aberrant TGFβ Signaling Contributes to Altered Trophoblast Differentiation in Preeclampsia. Endocrinology 2016; 157:883-99. [PMID: 26653761 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ has been implicated in preeclampsia, but its intracellular signaling via phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic (SMADs) and SMAD-independent proteins in the placenta remains elusive. Here we show that TGFβ receptor-regulated SMAD2 was activated (Ser(465/467) phosphorylation) in syncytiotrophoblast and proliferating extravillous trophoblast cells of first-trimester placenta, whereas inhibitory SMAD7 located primarily to cytotrophoblast cells. SMAD2 phosphorylation decreased with advancing gestation, whereas SMAD7 expression increased and shifted to syncytiotrophoblasts toward term. Additionally, we found that the TGFβ SMAD-independent signaling via partitioning defective protein 6 (PARD6)/Smad ubiquitylation regulatory factor was activated at approximately 10-12 weeks of gestation in cytotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast cells comprising the anchoring column. Placentae from early-onset, but not late-onset, preeclampsia exhibited elevated SMAD2 phosphorylation and SMAD7 levels. Whereas PARD6 expression increased and SMURF1 levels decreased in preeclamptic placentae, their association increased. SMAD2 phosphorylation by TGFβ in villous explants and BeWo cells resulted in a reduction of Glial cell missing-1 (GCM1) and fusogenic protein syncytin-1 while increasing cell cycle regulators cyclin E-1 (CCNE1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4. SMAD7 abrogated the proliferative effects of TGFβ. CCNE1 levels were increased in preeclamptic placentae, whereas GCM1 was markedly reduced. In addition, TGFβ treatment increased the association of PARD6 and SMURF1 and down-regulated Ras homolog gene family, member A (RHOA) GTPase in JEG3 cells. In a wound assay, TGFβ treatment increased the association of PARD6 and SMURF1 and triggered JEG3 cell migration through increased cellular protrusions. Taken together, our data indicate that TGFβ signaling via both SMAD2/7 and PARD6/SMURF1 pathways plays a role in trophoblast growth and differentiation. Altered SMAD regulation of GCM1 and CCNE1 and aberrant expression/activation of PARD6/SMURF1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by affecting cellular pathways associated with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Tharini Sivasubramaniyam
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Yoav Yinon
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Andrea Tagliaferro
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Jocelyn Ray
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Ori Nevo
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Martin Post
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Isabella Caniggia
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
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Pan X, Bowman M, Scott RJ, Fitter J, Nicholson RC, Smith R, Zakar T. Methylation of the Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Gene Promoter in BeWo Cells: Relationship to Gene Activity. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:861302. [PMID: 26457081 PMCID: PMC4589633 DOI: 10.1155/2015/861302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) production by the human placenta increases exponentially as pregnancy advances, and the rate of increase predicts gestational length. CRH gene expression is regulated by cAMP in trophoblasts through a cyclic AMP-response element (CRE), which changes its transcription factor binding properties upon methylation. Here we determined whether methylation of the CRH proximal promoter controls basal and cAMP-stimulated CRH expression in BeWo cells, a well-characterized trophoblastic cell line. We treated the cells with 8-Br-cAMP and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2' deoxycytidine (5-AZA-dC) and determined the effects on CRH mRNA level and promoter methylation. Clonal bisulfite sequencing showed partial and allele independent methylation of CpGs in the CRH promoter. CRH mRNA expression and the methylation of a subset of CpGs (including CpG2 in the CRE) increased spontaneously during culture. 8-Br-cAMP stimulated CRH expression without affecting the increase in methylation. 5-AZA-dC decreased methylation and augmented 8-Br-cAMP-stimulated CRH expression, but it blocked the spontaneous increase of CRH mRNA level. We conclude that the CRH promoter is a dynamically and intermediately methylated genomic region in BeWo cells. Promoter methylation did not inhibit CRH gene expression under the conditions employed; rather it determined the contribution of alternative cAMP-independent pathways and cAMP-independent mechanisms to CRH expression control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Pan
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Maria Bowman
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Scott
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Molecular Medicine, Hunter Area Pathology Service, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2310, Australia
| | - John Fitter
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Richard C. Nicholson
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2310, Australia
| | - Roger Smith
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2310, Australia
| | - Tamas Zakar
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2310, Australia
- *Tamas Zakar:
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Tuohey L, Macintire K, Ye L, Palmer K, Skubisz M, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. PLAC4 is upregulated in severe early onset preeclampsia and upregulated with syncytialisation but not hypoxia. Placenta 2013; 34:256-60. [PMID: 23312075 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe early onset preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy. Placental specific 4 (PLAC4) is very highly expressed in placenta relative to all other tissues. Recently in a biomarker screening study, we found PLAC4 mRNA was significantly upregulated in maternal whole blood and placenta obtained from cases of severe preeclampsia. Intriguingly however, very little is known about its expression or functional role in either normal pregnancy or pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. METHODS The objective of this study was to characterize the protein expression and localization of PLAC4 in severe early onset preeclamptic placenta. Given so little of the biology of PLAC4 is known, we also examined whether the expression of PLAC4 alters with syncytialisation or placental hypoxia. RESULTS We found PLAC4 protein expression was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in severe early onset preeclamptic placentas (n = 24) compared to gestationally matched preterm controls (n = 12). PLAC4 protein was specifically localized to the syncytiotrophoblast of preterm, preeclamptic and term placentas. Functional analysis of PLAC4 mRNA and protein expression revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase with syncytialisation of BeWo cells. However, exposure of either syncytialised BeWo cells or primary term placental explants to hypoxia (1% oxygen) did not alter the expression of either PLAC4 mRNA or protein. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we have found PLAC4 is significantly upregulated in association with severe preterm preeclampsia. Furthermore, it is upregulated with syncytialisation, but not hypoxia. It is possible PLAC4 may have a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, and its biology merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Tuohey
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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Fradet S, Pierredon S, Ribaux P, Epiney M, Shin Ya K, Irion O, Cohen M. Involvement of membrane GRP78 in trophoblastic cell fusion. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40596. [PMID: 22912664 PMCID: PMC3415408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is highly expressed in first trimester cytrophoblastic cells (CTBs), especially in syncytiotrophoblast (STB). However, the role of GRP78 in these cells has never been investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we have examined the role of GRP78 in trophoblast fusion using the Bewo choriocarcinoma cell line as a model of cytotrophoblast fusion. Down regulation of GRP78 by siRNA or chemical inhibitors and use of antibodies against GRP78 in culture medium significantly decreased forskolin-induced fusion capacity of Bewo cells suggesting the involvement of membrane GRP78 in trophoblast fusion. GRP78 expression was also studied in preeclamptic (PE) CTBs which are known to have lower fusion capacity compared to control CTBs. Interestingly, despite the increase of GRP78 mRNA in PE CTBs, membrane GRP78 is significantly decreased in PE CTBs compared to control CTBs, suggesting that relocation of GRP78 from the endoplasmic reticulum to cell surface is probably altered in PE CTBs. CONCLUSIONS Our results imply that membrane GRP78 could play an important role in syncytialisation. They also suggest that deregulation of GRP78 expression or relocation at cell surface might be involved in pregnancy complication associated with defective syncytialisation, such as preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Fradet
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Pierredon
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Ribaux
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Manuella Epiney
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kazuo Shin Ya
- Biomedicinal Information Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Olivier Irion
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marie Cohen
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Lee DC, Romero R, Kim JS, Tarca AL, Montenegro D, Pineles BL, Kim E, Lee J, Kim SY, Draghici S, Mittal P, Kusanovic JP, Chaiworapongsa T, Hassan SS, Kim CJ. miR-210 targets iron-sulfur cluster scaffold homologue in human trophoblast cell lines: siderosis of interstitial trophoblasts as a novel pathology of preterm preeclampsia and small-for-gestational-age pregnancies. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 179:590-602. [PMID: 21801864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This study was performed to assess the biological significance of miR-210 in preeclampsia and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) pregnancies. Placental miR-210 expression was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) in the following groups: i) appropriate-for-gestational-age pregnancies (n = 72), ii) preeclampsia (n = 52), iii) SGA (n = 66), and iv)preeclampsia with SGA (n = 31). The effects of hypoxia (1% O(2)) on miR-210 and iron-sulfur cluster scaffold homologue (ISCU) expressions and miR-210 binding to ISCU 3' UTR were examined in Swan 71 and BeWo cell lines. Perls' reaction (n = 229) and electron microscopy (n = 3) were conducted to verify siderosis of trophoblasts. miR-210 expression was increased in preeclampsia and SGA cases and was decreased with birth weight and gestational age. In both cell lines, miR-210 was induced by hypoxia, whereas ISCU expression was decreased. The luciferase assay confirmed miR-210 binding to ISCU mRNA 3' UTR. RNA interference knockdown of ISCU expression in Swan 71, but not in BeWo, cells resulted in autophagosomal and siderosomal iron accumulation and a fourfold decrease of Matrigel invasion (P = 0.004). Placental ISCU expression was decreased in preeclampsia (P = 0.002) and SGA (P = 0.002) cases. Furthermore, hemosiderin-laden trophoblasts were more frequent in the placental bed of preterm preeclampsia and/or SGA births than in control cases (48.7% versus 17.9%; P = 0.004). Siderosis of interstitial trophoblasts is a novel pathological feature of preeclampsia and SGA. The findings herein suggest that ISCU down-regulation by miR-210 perturbing trophoblast iron metabolism is associated with defective placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deug-Chan Lee
- Department of Health and Human Services, Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Vargas A, Larocque É, Toufaily C, Rassart É, Lafond J, Barbeau B. A new luciferase-based quantitative assay for the evaluation of human trophoblast fusion. Reprod Sci 2012; 19:374-82. [PMID: 22344723 DOI: 10.1177/1933719111424437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The syncytiotrophoblast is a multinuclear cell layer maintained through fusion events with cytotrophoblasts and plays a key role in the properties of the placenta. Monitoring fusion in this cell layer is important in studies aimed at understanding its function. We herein propose a new fusion assay based on the transactivating potential of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein on its promoter present in the long terminal repeat (LTR) region. We used 2 BeWo cell populations, one stably transfected with the HIV-1 LTR positioned upstream of the luciferase gene and the other stably transfected with a Tat expression vector. Both stable cell lines were responsive to Tat-mediated LTR transactivation and demonstrated normal fusion and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion upon stimulation. When both BeWo cell lines were cocultured, forskolin-mediated induction of fusion led to an increase in luciferase activity, which was sensitive to anti-syncytin 1 and -2 antibodies and syncytin 2 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Similar results were obtained in primary trophoblasts. Our results highlight the effectiveness and accuracy of this new quantification assay for trophoblast fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Vargas
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre de recherche BioMed, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Inhibition of Akt activity and calcium channel function coordinately drive cell-cell fusion in the BeWO choriocarcinoma placental cell line. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29353. [PMID: 22276109 PMCID: PMC3261872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To establish a simple and quantitative live cell fusion assay for placental syncytialization, we generated stable GFP and dsRed expressing fusogenic BeWo cell lines. Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting was shown to provide a quantitative determination of forskolin (cAMP-mediated) fusion in a time and concentration dependent manner consistent with the increased secretion of beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-HCG) and appearance of multi-nucleated cells. Analyses of the fusion process demonstrated that in addition to increased cAMP levels, simultaneous reduction of intracellular calcium and inhibition of Type 1 phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling also resulted in cell fusion. Although individual blockade of calcium channel function or PI3K/Akt signaling was without effect, the combination with forskolin resulted in a potentiation of cell fusion. These data demonstrate syncytialization is a complex process that depends upon the regulation of distinct signaling inputs that function in concert with each other.
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Orendi K, Kivity V, Sammar M, Grimpel Y, Gonen R, Meiri H, Lubzens E, Huppertz B. Placental and trophoblastic in vitro models to study preventive and therapeutic agents for preeclampsia. Placenta 2011; 32 Suppl:S49-54. [PMID: 21257083 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2010.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 11/26/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In the field of preeclampsia, enormous efforts are ongoing to identify biomarkers predicting the syndrome already in the first trimester of pregnancy. At the same time, there is the need for in vitro models to test such biomarkers prior to their use in clinical trials. In addition, in vitro models may accelerate the development and evaluation of the benefit of any putative therapeutics. Therefore, in vitro systems have been established to evaluate the release of biomarkers and measure the effect of putative therapeutics using placental villous explants as well as the choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo. For explants, a cryogenic method to freeze, transport and thaw villous explants was developed to use such tissues for a multi-site tissue culture evaluation. Here we focus on three out of many in vitro models that have been established for human placental trophoblast. (1) Choriocarcinoma cell lines such as BeWo, Jeg-3 and Jar cells (2) isolated primary trophoblast cells, and (2) villous explants from normal placentas delivered at term. Cell lines were used to assess the effect of differentiation and fusion on the expression and release of a preeclampsia marker (placental protein 13; PP13) and beta-hCG. Moreover, cell lines were used to study the effect of putative preeclampsia therapeutics such as vitamins C and E, heparin and aspirin on marker release and viability. Cryopreservation of villous explants enabled shipment to a remote laboratory and testing of parameters in different countries using explants from one and the same placenta. Recently published data make it tempting to speculate that the choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo as well as fresh and cryogenically stored placental villous explants may well serve as in vitro models to study preventive and therapeutic agents in the field of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Orendi
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/7, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Wagner PK, Otomo A, Christians JK. Regulation of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A2 (PAPPA2) in a human placental trophoblast cell line (BeWo). Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:48. [PMID: 21496272 PMCID: PMC3096916 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A2 (PAPPA2) is an insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP) protease expressed at high levels in the placenta and upregulated in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and HELLP (Hemolytic anemia, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count) syndrome. However, it is unclear whether elevated PAPPA2 expression causes abnormal placental development, or whether upregulation compensates for placental pathology. In the present study, we investigate whether PAPPA2 expression is affected by hypoxia, oxidative stress, syncytialization factors or substances known to affect the expression of PAPPA2's paralogue, PAPPA. METHODS BeWo cells, a model of placental trophoblasts, were treated with one of the following: hypoxia (2% O2), oxidative stress (20 microM hydrogen peroxide), forskolin (10 microM and 100 microM), TGF-beta (10 and 50 ng/mL), TNF-alpha (100 ng/mL), IL-1beta (100 ng/mL) or PGE2 (1 microM). We used quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) to quantify the mRNA levels of PAPPA2, as well as those of PAPPA and ADAM12 since these proteases have similar substrates and are also highly expressed in the placenta. Where we observed significant effects on PAPPA2 mRNA levels, we tested for effects at the protein level using an in-cell Western assay. RESULTS Hypoxia, but not oxidative stress, caused a 47-fold increase in PAPPA2 mRNA expression, while TNF-alpha resulted in a 6-fold increase, and both of these effects were confirmed at the protein level. PGE2 resulted in a 14-fold upregulation of PAPPA2 mRNA but this was not reflected at the protein level. Forskolin, TGF-beta and IL-1beta had no significant effect on PAPPA2 mRNA expression. We observed no effects of any treatment on PAPPA or ADAM12 expression. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that factors previously known to be highly expressed in preeclamptic placentae (PGE2 and TNF-alpha), contribute to the upregulation of PAPPA2. Hypoxia, known to occur in preeclamptic placentae, also increased PAPPA2 expression. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that PAPPA2 is upregulated as a consequence of placental pathology, rather than elevated PAPPA2 levels being a cause of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela K Wagner
- Simon Fraser University, Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Aki Otomo
- Simon Fraser University, Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Julian K Christians
- Simon Fraser University, Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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Ikeda K, Utoguchi N, Tsutsui H, Yamaue S, Homemoto M, Nakao E, Hukunaga Y, Yamasaki K, Myotoku M, Hirotani Y. In Vitro Approaches to Evaluate Placental Drug Transport by Using Differentiating JEG-3 Human Choriocarcinoma Cells. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2010; 108:138-45. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2010.00634.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Gauster M, Huppertz B. The paradox of caspase 8 in human villous trophoblast fusion. Placenta 2009; 31:82-8. [PMID: 20044137 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2009.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2009] [Revised: 12/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation and subsequent fusion of villous cytotrophoblasts with the overlying syncytiotrophoblast is an essential process for growth and maintenance of the villous trophoblast layer in the human placenta. The understanding of intrinsic mechanisms behind this process is in its infancy, while the list of suggested factors, involved in intercellular fusion of trophoblasts, rapidly increased in the recent past and promises progress on this issue. The early stages of the apoptosis cascade, in particular caspase 8, was suggested to trigger differentiation of cytotrophoblasts, priming them for upcoming fusion. This may sound paradoxical, especially for those who still associate caspase activity with apoptosis only. Here, we summarize data on caspase 8 in the villous trophoblast layer, with a specific focus on localization of pro- and active forms, the sites of its activation and deactivation, and its role and regulation during fusion. Moreover, we revisit the knowledge on fusogens in the villous trophoblast, compare in vitro models for trophoblast fusion and discuss methods to quantify fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gauster
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
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33
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Heazell AEP, Taylor NNJ, Greenwood SL, Baker PN, Crocker IP. Does altered oxygenation or reactive oxygen species alter cell turnover of BeWo choriocarcinoma cells? Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 18:111-9. [PMID: 19146777 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the effect of 20 and 6% ambient oxygen (O(2)) or 5-50 micromol/l hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) on apoptosis, necrosis, proliferation and fusion of BeWo cells. The expression of p53, Mdm2 and Bax was assessed by western blotting. Apoptosis was increased in cells cultured in 6% O(2) tension and 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 by ADP:ATP ratio). In the same conditions, cell viability as estimated by the MTT assay was decreased (6% O(2) P < 0.01, 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) P < 0.05). Human chorionic gonadotrophin secretion was decreased by culture in 6%O(2) and 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) (P < 0.05). Cell fusion was also decreased by treatment with 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) (P < 0.05). Treatment with 50 micromol/l H(2)O(2) was associated with increased expression of p53 and decreased expression of Mdm2 (P < 0.05). This study provides evidence that BeWo cell turnover is altered following exposure to hypoxia or ROS. It is concluded that BeWo cell culture is an appropriate model for investigating the regulation of trophoblast cell turnover. In addition, these data support a role for p53 in mediating altered trophoblast cell turnover in response to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Group, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
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Robinson JM, Ackerman WE, Behrendt NJ, Vandre DD. While dysferlin and myoferlin are coexpressed in the human placenta, only dysferlin expression is responsive to trophoblast fusion in model systems. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:33-9. [PMID: 19228595 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.074591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The syncytiotrophoblast is a specialized epithelium derived from mononuclear cytotrophoblasts that fuse to form this extensive syncytium. Dysferlin is expressed primarily in the apical plasma membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast in the human placenta. Here, we document the presence of another member of the ferlin family, myoferlin, in the placenta and show that it too is expressed primarily in the syncytiotrophoblast. Additionally, we examined the trophoblastic cell lines BeWo, JAR, and JEG-3 for the expression of dysferlin and myoferlin and determined the extent to which their expression was modulated by cell-cell fusion. In trophoblastic cells, there was a positive correlation between cell fusion and increased dysferlin expression but not myoferlin expression. Regarding expression, these trophoblastic cell lines recapitulate the distribution of dysferlin in mononuclear cytotrophoblasts and the syncytiotrophoblast in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Robinson
- Departments of Physiology and Cell Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
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Long-term Forskolin Stimulation Induces AMPK Activation and Thereby Enhances Tight Junction Formation in Human Placental Trophoblast BeWo Cells. Placenta 2008; 29:1003-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 09/06/2008] [Accepted: 09/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
It has been known for more than 150 years that syncytial fusion is a normal feature in biological systems. In humans there are two larger syncytial tissues: skeletal muscles fibers and placental syncytiotrophoblast. Other fusion events take place as well from fertilization of the oocyte to infection of human cells by enveloped viruses (however, the latter does not necessarily lead to syncytium formation).Although knowledge of the fusion process is incomplete, it is clear that membranes do not fuse easily; specific proteins and other factors are required and are selectively activated. In this chapter, we describe the classic proteins, such as the syncytins, assumed to be involved in the fusion process. We also describe other factors that may play roles in the fusion process or in the preparation of the cells to fuse, such as charged phospholipids, divalent cations, and intracellular proteases. Finally, we speculate on why trophoblast cells fuse in vitro and deal with in vitro models of trophoblast fusion and how their fusion rates can be quantified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Huppertz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Dalton P, Christian HC, Redman CWG, Sargent IL, Boyd CAR. Membrane trafficking of CD98 and its ligand galectin 3 in BeWo cells − implication for placental cell fusion. FEBS J 2007; 274:2715-27. [PMID: 17451431 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2007.05806.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CD98 heavy chain (CD98hc), expressed at high levels in developing human trophoblasts, is an integral membrane protein with multiple N-linked glycosylation sites and known to be important for cell fusion, adhesion, and amino acid transport. Western blotting and flow cytometry were used to study the effect of brefeldin A, an inhibitor of protein translocation through the Golgi, on CD98hc in the human placental trophoblast cell line BeWo. Although brefeldin A treatment caused increased cell surface expression of CD98hc, a novel partially glycosylated form of the protein was found and, concomitantly, cell fusion was reduced. Western blotting showed that CD98 and galectin 3, a proposed ligand for the glycosylated extracellular domain of CD98hc, co-immunoprecipitated, and double-label immuno-electron microscopy confirmed that CD98hc associated with galectin 3. Furthermore, cell fusion was reduced (specifically) by the disaccharide lactose, a known ligand for the carbohydrate recognition domain of galectin 3, suggesting that the association was functional. Taken together, the data suggest that N-glycosylation of CD98 and subsequent interaction with galectin 3 is critical for aspects of placental cell biology, and provides a rationale for the observation that, in the mouse, truncation of the CD98hc extracellular domain leads to early embryonic lethality [Tsumura H, Suzuki N, Saito H, Kawano M, Otake S, Kozuka Y, Komada H, Tsurudome M & Ito Y (2003) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 308, 847-851].
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Dalton
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Dalton P, Christian HC, Redman CWG, Sargent IL, Boyd CAR. Differential effect of cross-linking the CD98 heavy chain on fusion and amino acid transport in the human placental trophoblast (BeWo) cell line. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2007; 1768:401-10. [PMID: 17258169 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2006.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2006] [Revised: 11/02/2006] [Accepted: 11/27/2006] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CD98 (otherwise known as 4F2) is an integral membrane protein with multiple functions including amino acid transport, integrin activation, cell fusion and cell activation. The molecular mechanisms coordinating these multiple functions remain unclear. We have studied CD98 heavy chain (hc) function in a human placental trophoblast cell line (BeWo). We show that cross-linking of CD98hc by incubation of cells in the presence of functional monoclonal antibodies causes cellular re-distribution of the protein from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane as measured by flow cytometry, western blotting and quantitative immuno-electron microscopy. The latter technique also indicated that CD98hc is trafficked between cell surface and cytoplasmic pools in vesicles. Increased cell surface CD98 correlates with increased cellular fusion in BeWo cells. In addition, we show reduced LAT 1 surface expression and neutral amino acid transport in the presence of the CD98 mabs. The results thus suggest that the function of CD98 in cell fusion is distinct from its role in cellular nutrient delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Dalton
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK.
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Viebig NK, Nunes MC, Scherf A, Gamain B. The human placental derived BeWo cell line: A useful model for selecting Plasmodium falciparum CSA-binding parasites. Exp Parasitol 2006; 112:121-5. [PMID: 16274691 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2005.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2005] [Revised: 09/19/2005] [Accepted: 09/20/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) present in the placental intervillous blood spaces has been described as the main receptor involved in the massive sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum parasitized erythrocytes to the placenta. Placental parasite isolates are functionally distinct from isolates that sequester in other organs, because they do not cytoadhere to CD36 but instead bind to CSA. To investigate for the parasites molecules associated with the CSA adhesion phenotype, different methodologies have been developed to select for CSA-binding lines in vitro mainly using non-placental sources of CSA that differ in their sulfation pattern. In this study, we show that the human trophoblastic BeWo cell line is a very efficient alternative to select for the CSA-binding phenotype in parasitized erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola K Viebig
- Unité de Biologie des Interactions Hôte-Parasite, CNRS URA 2581, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, F-75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
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Kitano T, Iizasa H, Hwang IW, Hirose Y, Morita T, Maeda T, Nakashima E. Conditionally immortalized syncytiotrophoblast cell lines as new tools for study of the blood-placenta barrier. Biol Pharm Bull 2005; 27:753-9. [PMID: 15187410 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.27.753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Syncytiotrophoblasts play an essential role in restriction of drug delivery through the blood-placenta barrier (BPB). Conditionally immortalized syncytiotrophoblast cell lines, TR-TBTs, were established at gestational day 18 from pregnant transgenic rats (Tg-rats) harboring the temperature-sensitive SV 40 (ts SV40) large T-antigen. TR-TBTs exhibit temperature-sensitive cell growth due to the expression of SV 40 large T-antigen, and thus the cell growth can be regulated by changing the culture temperature. TR-TBTs exhibit typical properties of syncytiotrophoblast cells, such as syncytium-like morphology, the expression of cytokeratins and hormones, and polarized expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and GLUT3. TR-TBTs express in vivo influx and efflux transporters, such as taurine transporter (TauT), betaine/GABA transporter (BGT-1), amino acid transporter 2 (ATA2), organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (oatp2), organic cation/carnitine transporter (OCTN2), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2). Moreover, TR-TBTs exhibit taurine, GABA, and DHEA-S uptake activity via TauT, BGT-1, and oatp2, respectively. Therefore, TR-TBTs can be used for the analysis of these functions and would be a good in vitro models for investigating carrier-mediated transport functions at the BPB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohide Kitano
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Kyoritsu University of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
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Kudo Y, Boyd CAR. RNA interference-induced reduction in CD98 expression suppresses cell fusion during syncytialization of human placental BeWo cells. FEBS Lett 2005; 577:473-7. [PMID: 15556631 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2004] [Revised: 10/18/2004] [Accepted: 10/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The physiological importance of CD98 surface antigen in regulating placental trophoblast cell fusion has been studied in a cell model of syncytialization (the cytotrophoblast cell line BeWo following increased intracellular cAMP by forskolin treatment) using RNA interference. CD98 protein abundance (determined by Western blot) was decreased by 40-50% following double-stranded small interfering RNA transfection. Cell fusion (determined by quantitative flow cytometry) was similarly inhibited and human chorionic gonadotropin secretion was suppressed. These findings show that CD98 is involved in the process of cell fusion necessary for syncytiotrophoblast formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Kudo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Kasumi 1-2-3, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan.
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Ashley N, Harris D, Poulton J. Detection of mitochondrial DNA depletion in living human cells using PicoGreen staining. Exp Cell Res 2004; 303:432-46. [PMID: 15652355 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2004.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2004] [Revised: 10/05/2004] [Accepted: 10/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Human mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) is arranged within the mitochondria into discrete DNA-protein complexes, termed nucleoids. The size of the human mitochondrial genome is less than that of yeast and is more difficult to visualise by fluorescent DNA stains such as DAPI and Hoescht. We have developed a simple yet effective method to visualise mtDNA in situ within living cells using the fluorescent stain PicoGreen. Quantitative analysis shows that PicoGreen can be used to estimate the degree of mtDNA depletion within living cells. We have used this approach to study the arrangement and fluorescence of nucleoids in cells depleted of mtDNA by treatment with the anti-viral nucleoside analogue, 2',3'-dideoxycytidine. We also studied the distribution of mtDNA in fibroblasts cultured from patients with mitochondrial disease. Combining PicoGreen staining with histochemical and immunocytochemical approaches enabled us to examine the effects of mtDNA depletion on mtDNA-related components at the level of single cells. This method is able to detect an intermediate degree of mtDNA depletion in living cells, and can be used to detect mtDNA free cells (rho0 cells) in culture even at very low numbers. We have also adapted the technique to efficiently sort rho0 cells from populations of normal cells by fluorescent-assisted cell sorting (FACS), without the need for selection of respiratory competence. This should be useful for the construction of new trans-mitochondrial 'cybrid' cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Ashley
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Galbraith
- University of Arizona, Department of Plant Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
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Kudo Y, Boyd CAR, Millo J, Sargent IL, Redman CWG. Manipulation of CD98 expression affects both trophoblast cell fusion and amino acid transport activity during syncytialization of human placental BeWo cells. J Physiol 2003; 550:3-9. [PMID: 12740424 PMCID: PMC2343025 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2003.040550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological importance of CD98 surface antigen in regulating placental trophoblast cell fusion and amino acid transport activity has been studied in parallel in a cell model of syncytialization (the cytotrophoblast cell line BeWo following increased intracellular cAMP by forskolin treatment) using antisense oligonucleotides. CD98 protein abundance (determined by Western blot) was decreased by 50 % following antisense oligonucleotide transfection. Transfection with antisense oligonucleotide altered the responses of BeWo to forskolin. Cell fusion (determined by a quantitative flow cytometry assay) was inhibited by 57 %, and both human chorionic gonadotropin secretion and L-leucine influx through system L were suppressed. These findings show that CD98 is involved in the process of cell fusion necessary for syncytiotrophoblast formation and that during this physiologically important event, amino acid transport activity is also regulated through expression of this membrane protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Kudo
- Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX and Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Kudo Y, Boyd CAR, Sargent IL, Redman CWG. Hypoxia alters expression and function of syncytin and its receptor during trophoblast cell fusion of human placental BeWo cells: implications for impaired trophoblast syncytialisation in pre-eclampsia. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2003; 1638:63-71. [PMID: 12757936 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4439(03)00043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The fundamental process of placental trophoblast cell fusion (syncytiotrophoblast formation or syncytialisation) which is a characteristic of this tissue is poorly understood. Pre-eclampsia is associated with placental hypoxia and suppressed syncytiotrophoblast formation. We therefore have studied the effect of low-oxygen tensions on the rate of cell fusion, relative abundance of mRNAs encoding syncytin and its receptor, amino acid transport system B(0), which are thought to be involved in trophoblast cell fusion (as well as the activity of amino acid transport through this system) in a cell model of syncytialisation (BeWo cells following forskolin treatment). Forskolin-induced cell fusion (determined by a quantitative flow cytometry assay) was reversibly suppressed in 2% oxygen compared to 20% oxygen. This was associated with suppressed secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin. Forskolin stimulated relatively less syncytin mRNA (determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) in 2% than in 20% oxygen and there was no stimulation after 48 h in 2% oxygen. There was a spontaneous, time-dependent increase of amino acid transporter B(0) mRNA in vehicle, which was suppressed by 2% oxygen and by forskolin treatment in 20% oxygen. Forskolin-induced changes in amino acid transport system B(0) function were not seen in cells cultured for 48 h in 2% oxygen. These observations suggest that under conditions of low ambient oxygen, dysregulation of expression of syncytin and of its receptor may suppress the normal process of cell fusion necessary for syncytiotrophoblast formation and contributes to syncytiotrophoblast abnormalities characteristic of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Kudo
- Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3QX, Oxford, UK.
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