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Moqbel MS, Alhaider AK, Almathen F, Amor NNB, Al-Ramadan SY. Osteopontin expression in dromedary camel's conceptuses during the peri-implantation period. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14694. [PMID: 39075937 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The reproductive efficiency of dromedary camels is hindered by challenges such as early embryonic mortality, which may be attributed to a lack of synchronization between conceptus signalling and uterine receptivity. Understanding the intricate biological processes involved in feto-maternal interactions during implantation is crucial to address these limitations. Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein involved in cell signalling and adhesion, playing a crucial role in embryonic implantation. Previous studies have shown the presence of OPN in the uterine endometrium of various mammalian species including dromedary camels. However, the expression pattern of OPN in dromedary conceptuses remains unexplored. Thus, the current study aimed, for the first time, to investigate the temporospatial expression of OPN in dromedary conceptuses during the peri-implantation period at Days 8, 10, and 12 of pregnancy. Twelve conceptuses were recovered non-surgically from pregnant females on Days 8, 10, 12 of pregnancy. Quantitative real-time PCR (qrt-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) were employed for analysis of the expression of OPN mRNA and protein. The results revealed significant increases in both OPN mRNA and protein expression started on Day 10 and peaked at Day 12 of pregnancy. Immuno-localization confirmed the presence of OPN protein in the trophectoderm and endoderm of dromedary conceptuses. In conclusion, the expression and localization of OPN during the peri-implantation period in dromedary conceptuses imply its involvement as a crucial reproductive factor and its upregulation during this period, with a pronounced increase close to attachment time (Day 12 of pregnancy) further supports its role in embryo adhesion, implantation, and placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Salem Moqbel
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulraman Khalid Alhaider
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Almathen
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Camel Research Center, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nidhal Neji Ben Amor
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Yaseen Al-Ramadan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Lee YG, Lee D, Cha H, Ahn J, Koo HS, Hwang SY, Lee G, Kang YJ. The therapeutic effects of vitamin D3 administration on the embryo implantation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116853. [PMID: 38850663 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Various adjuvants have been tested clinically for patients with problems with embryo implantation during in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer (ET). Vitamin D3, an essential modulator of various physiological processes, has received attention as an important adjuvant for successful pregnancy, as many studies have shown a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and implantation failure and fetal growth restriction. However, vitamin D has been widely utilized in different protocols, resulting in non-reproducible and debatable outcomes. In the present study, we demonstrated that cyclic intrauterine administration of vitamin D3 increased endometrial receptivity and angiogenesis, which could be attributed to increased recruitment of uterus-resident natural killer cells. In particular, cyclic treatment of vitamin D3 promoted stable attachment of the embryo onto endometrial cells in vitro, suggesting its merit during the early stage of embryo implantation to support the initial maternal-fetal interactions. Our findings suggest that women with repeated implantation failure may benefit from the use of vitamin D3 as a risk-free adjuvant prior to IVF-ET procedures to improve the uterine environment, and make it favorable for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Gyeong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13448, South Korea
| | - Danbi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13448, South Korea
| | - Hwijae Cha
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13448, South Korea; Department of Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, South Korea
| | - Jungho Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Institute for Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13448, South Korea; Department of Microbiology, Research Institute for Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13448, South Korea
| | - Hwa Seon Koo
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13496, South Korea; Best of ME Fertility Clinic, 390 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul-si 06232, South Korea
| | - Sun-Young Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13448, South Korea
| | - Gaeun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13448, South Korea
| | - Youn-Jung Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Institute for Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13448, South Korea.
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Poh QH, Rai A, Pangestu M, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Rapid generation of functional nanovesicles from human trophectodermal cells for embryo attachment and outgrowth. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300056. [PMID: 37698557 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of embryo attachment and outgrowth critical for successful implantation. While EVs have garnered immense interest in their therapeutic potential in assisted reproductive technology by improving implantation success, their large-scale generation remains a major challenge. Here, we report a rapid and scalable production of nanovesicles (NVs) directly from human trophectoderm cells (hTSCs) via serial mechanical extrusion of cells; these NVs can be generated in approximately 6 h with a 20-fold higher yield than EVs isolated from culture medium of the same number of cells. NVs display similar biophysical traits (morphologically intact, spherical, 90-130 nm) to EVs, and are laden with hallmark players of implantation that include cell-matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix organisation proteins (ITGA2/V, ITGB1, MFGE8) and antioxidative regulators (PRDX1, SOD2). Functionally, NVs are readily taken up by low-receptive endometrial HEC1A cells and reprogram their proteome towards a receptive phenotype that support hTSC spheroid attachment. Moreover, a single dose treatment with NVs significantly enhanced adhesion and spreading of mouse embryo trophoblast on fibronectin matrix. Thus, we demonstrate the functional potential of NVs in enhancing embryo implantation and highlight their rapid and scalable generation, amenable to clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mulyoto Pangestu
- Education Program in Reproduction and Development (EPRD), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Molecular Proteomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Zhang WB, Li J, Li Q, Lu X, Chen JL, Li L, Chen H, Fu W, Chen JC, Lu BJ, Wu H, Sun XX. Endometrial transcriptome profiling of patients with recurrent implantation failure during hormone replacement therapy cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1292723. [PMID: 38352249 PMCID: PMC10863671 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1292723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The molecular mechanisms underlying window of implantation (WOI) displacement in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) remain unclear. This study aims to explore the transcriptomic signatures of endometrium with normal and displaced WOIs and to identify the causes of endometrial receptivity (ER) abnormalities and WOI displacement in RIF patients. Methods In this study, 40 RIF patients were recruited and underwent personalized embryo transfer (pET) guided by the predicted results of endometrial receptivity diagnosis (ERD) model. Transcriptome analysis of endometrium from patients with clinical pregnancies after pET was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with WOI displacement. Gene expression data from HRT and natural cycle endometrium were compared to identify specific gene expression patterns of ER-related genes during WOI. Results The ERD results indicated that 67.5% of RIF patients (27/40) were non-receptive in the conventional WOI (P+5) of the HRT cycle. The clinical pregnancy rate in RIF patients improved to 65% (26/40) after ERD-guided pET, indicating the effectiveness of transcriptome-based WOI prediction. Among the 26 patients with clinical pregnancy, the gene expression profiles of P+5 endometrium from advanced (n=6), normal (n=10) and delayed (n=10) WOI groups were significantly different from each other. Furthermore, 10 DEGs identified among P+5 endometrium of 3 groups were involved in immunomodulation, transmembrane transport and tissue regeneration, which could accurately classify the endometrium with different WOIs. Additionally, a large number of ER-related genes showed significant correlation and similar gene expression patterns in P+3, P+5, and P+7 endometrium from HRT cycles and LH+5, LH+7, and LH+9 endometrium from natural cycles. Conclusion Our study shows that ER-related genes share similar gene expression patterns during WOI in both natural and HRT cycles, and their aberrant expression is associated with WOI displacements. The improvement of pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients by adjusting ET timing according to ERD results demonstrates the importance of transcriptome-based endometrial receptivity assessment and the clinical efficiency of ERD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-bi Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jue Li
- Unimed Biotech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Li
- Unimed Biotech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Lu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-ling Chen
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Li
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Bing-jie Lu
- Unimed Biotech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Han Wu
- Unimed Biotech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-xi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Zahir M, Tavakoli B, Zaki-Dizaji M, Hantoushzadeh S, Majidi Zolbin M. Non-coding RNAs in Recurrent implantation failure. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 553:117731. [PMID: 38128815 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF), defined as the inability to achieve conception following multiple consecutive in-vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts, represents a complex and multifaceted challenge in reproductive medicine. The emerging role of non-coding RNAs in RIF etiopathogenesis has only gained prominence over the last decade, illustrating a new dimension to our understanding of the intricate network underlying RIF. Successful embryo implantation demands a harmonious synchronization between an adequately decidualized endometrium, a competent blastocyst, and effective maternal-embryonic interactions. Emerging evidence has clarified the involvement of a sophisticated network of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, circular RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs, in orchestrating these pivotal processes. Disconcerted expression of these molecules can disrupt the delicate equilibrium required for implantation, amplifying the risk of RIF. This comprehensive review presents an in-depth investigation of the complex role played by non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of RIF. Furthermore, it underscores the vast potential of non-coding RNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, with the ultimate goal of enhancing implantation success rates in IVF cycles. As ongoing research continues to unravel the intercalated web of molecular interactions, exploiting the power of non-coding RNAs may offer promising avenues for mitigating the challenges posed by RIF and improving the outcomes of assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazyar Zahir
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Tavakoli
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biology, Maragheh University, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Majid Zaki-Dizaji
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Hantoushzadeh
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Majidi Zolbin
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Johnson GA, Burghardt RC, Bazer FW, Seo H, Cain JW. Integrins and their potential roles in mammalian pregnancy. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:115. [PMID: 37679778 PMCID: PMC10486019 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00918-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are a highly complex family of receptors that, when expressed on the surface of cells, can mediate reciprocal cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions leading to assembly of integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) that initiate many signaling functions both at the membrane and deeper within the cytoplasm to coordinate processes including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, survival, differentiation, and metabolism. All metazoan organisms possess integrins, and it is generally agreed that integrins were associated with the evolution of multicellularity, being essential for the association of cells with their neighbors and surroundings, during embryonic development and many aspects of cellular and molecular biology. Integrins have important roles in many aspects of embryonic development, normal physiology, and disease processes with a multitude of functions discovered and elucidated for integrins that directly influence many areas of biology and medicine, including mammalian pregnancy, in particular implantation of the blastocyst to the uterine wall, subsequent placentation and conceptus (embryo/fetus and associated placental membranes) development. This review provides a succinct overview of integrin structure, ligand binding, and signaling followed with a concise overview of embryonic development, implantation, and early placentation in pigs, sheep, humans, and mice as an example for rodents. A brief timeline of the initial localization of integrin subunits to the uterine luminal epithelium (LE) and conceptus trophoblast is then presented, followed by sequential summaries of integrin expression and function during gestation in pigs, sheep, humans, and rodents. As appropriate for this journal, summaries of integrin expression and function during gestation in pigs and sheep are in depth, whereas summaries for humans and rodents are brief. Because similar models to those illustrated in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are present throughout the scientific literature, the illustrations in this manuscript are drafted as Viking imagery for entertainment purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4459, USA.
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4459, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Heewon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4459, USA
| | - Joe W Cain
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4459, USA
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Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Conforti A, Forman E, Canosa S, Innocenti F, Poli M, Hynes J, Gemmell L, Vaiarelli A, Alviggi C, Ubaldi FM, Capalbo A. Opening the black box: why do euploid blastocysts fail to implant? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:570-633. [PMID: 37192834 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A normal chromosomal constitution defined through PGT-A assessing all chromosomes on trophectoderm (TE) biopsies represents the strongest predictor of embryo implantation. Yet, its positive predictive value is not higher than 50-60%. This gap of knowledge on the causes of euploid blastocysts' reproductive failure is known as 'the black box of implantation'. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Several embryonic, maternal, paternal, clinical, and IVF laboratory features were scrutinized for their putative association with reproductive success or implantation failure of euploid blastocysts. SEARCH METHODS A systematic bibliographical search was conducted without temporal limits up to August 2021. The keywords were '(blastocyst OR day5 embryo OR day6 embryo OR day7 embryo) AND (euploid OR chromosomally normal OR preimplantation genetic testing) AND (implantation OR implantation failure OR miscarriage OR abortion OR live birth OR biochemical pregnancy OR recurrent implantation failure)'. Overall, 1608 items were identified and screened. We included all prospective or retrospective clinical studies and randomized-controlled-trials (RCTs) that assessed any feature associated with live-birth rates (LBR) and/or miscarriage rates (MR) among non-mosaic euploid blastocyst transfer after TE biopsy and PGT-A. In total, 41 reviews and 372 papers were selected, clustered according to a common focus, and thoroughly reviewed. The PRISMA guideline was followed, the PICO model was adopted, and ROBINS-I and ROB 2.0 scoring were used to assess putative bias. Bias across studies regarding the LBR was also assessed using visual inspection of funnel plots and the trim and fill method. Categorical data were combined with a pooled-OR. The random-effect model was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was addressed using I2. Whenever not suitable for the meta-analysis, the included studies were simply described for their results. The study protocol was registered at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (registration number CRD42021275329). OUTCOMES We included 372 original papers (335 retrospective studies, 30 prospective studies and 7 RCTs) and 41 reviews. However, most of the studies were retrospective, or characterized by small sample sizes, thus prone to bias, which reduces the quality of the evidence to low or very low. Reduced inner cell mass (7 studies, OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.27-0.52, I2 = 53%), or TE quality (9 studies, OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.43-0.67, I2 = 70%), overall blastocyst quality worse than Gardner's BB-grade (8 studies, OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.67, I2 = 83%), developmental delay (18 studies, OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.49-0.63, I2 = 47%), and (by qualitative analysis) some morphodynamic abnormalities pinpointed through time-lapse microscopy (abnormal cleavage patterns, spontaneous blastocyst collapse, longer time of morula formation I, time of blastulation (tB), and duration of blastulation) were all associated with poorer reproductive outcomes. Slightly lower LBR, even in the context of PGT-A, was reported among women ≥38 years (7 studies, OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.75-1.00, I2 = 31%), while obesity was associated with both lower LBR (2 studies, OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.79, I2 = 0%) and higher MR (2 studies, OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.08-2.99, I2 = 52%). The experience of previous repeated implantation failures (RIF) was also associated with lower LBR (3 studies, OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.93, I2 = 0%). By qualitative analysis, among hormonal assessments, only abnormal progesterone levels prior to transfer were associated with LBR and MR after PGT-A. Among the clinical protocols used, vitrified-warmed embryo transfer was more effective than fresh transfer (2 studies, OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.33, I2 = 23%) after PGT-A. Lastly, multiple vitrification-warming cycles (2 studies, OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.77, I2 = 50%) or (by qualitative analysis) a high number of cells biopsied may slightly reduce the LBR, while simultaneous zona-pellucida opening and TE biopsy allowed better results than the Day 3 hatching-based protocol (3 studies, OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18-1.69, I2 = 0%). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Embryo selection aims at shortening the time-to-pregnancy, while minimizing the reproductive risks. Knowing which features are associated with the reproductive competence of euploid blastocysts is therefore critical to define, implement, and validate safer and more efficient clinical workflows. Future research should be directed towards: (i) systematic investigations of the mechanisms involved in reproductive aging beyond de novo chromosomal abnormalities, and how lifestyle and nutrition may accelerate or exacerbate their consequences; (ii) improved evaluation of the uterine and blastocyst-endometrial dialogue, both of which represent black boxes themselves; (iii) standardization/automation of embryo assessment and IVF protocols; (iv) additional invasive or preferably non-invasive tools for embryo selection. Only by filling these gaps we may finally crack the riddle behind 'the black box of implantation'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Eric Forman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Federica Innocenti
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Poli
- Centrum voor Kinderwens, Dijklander Hospital, Purmerend, The Netherlands
- Juno Genetics, Rome, Italy
| | - Jenna Hynes
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Gemmell
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Haider S, Beristain AG. Human organoid systems in modeling reproductive tissue development, function, and disease. Hum Reprod 2023:7147082. [PMID: 37119533 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Research focused on human reproductive biology has primarily relied upon clinical samples affording mainly descriptive studies with limited implementation of functional or mechanistic understanding. More importantly, restricted access to human embryonic material has necessitated the use of animals, primarily rats and mice, and short-term primary cell cultures derived from human patient material. While reproductive developmental processes are generally conserved across mammals, specific features unique to human reproduction have resulted in the development of human-based in vitro systems designed to retain or recapitulate key molecular and cellular processes important in humans. Of note, major advances in 3D epithelial stem cell-based systems modeling human reproductive organ development have been made. These cultures, broadly referred to as organoids, enable research aimed at understanding cellular hierarchies and processes controlling cellular differentiation and function. Moreover, organoids allow the pre-clinical testing of pharmacological substances, both from safety and efficacy standpoints, and hold large potential in driving aspects of personalized medicine that were previously not possible with traditional models. In this mini-review, we focus on summarizing the current state of regenerative organoid culture systems of the female and male reproductive tracts that model organ development, maintenance, and function. Specifically, we will introduce stem cell-based organoid models of the ovary/fallopian tube, endometrium, cervix, prostate gland, and testes. We will also describe organoid systems of the pre-implanting blastocyst and trophoblast, as the blastocyst and its extraembryonic trophectoderm are central to fetal, maternal, and overall pregnancy health. We describe the foundational studies leading to their development and outline the utility as well as specific limitations that are unique and common to many of these in vitro platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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9
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Temporospatial expression of osteopontin in both left and right uterine horns during the peri-implantation period of dromedary camel. Theriogenology 2023; 200:18-24. [PMID: 36738575 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy in camels is established and maintained predominantly in the left uterine horn (98% frequency), whereas pregnancies occurring in the right horn result in early embryonic death. Aside from other reasons such as asynchrony of conceptus signaling and uterine receptivity, this phenomenon contributes to low reproductive efficiency in camels. The current research focuses on the expression of osteopontin (OPN), an extracellular matrix protein and adhesion molecule involved in implantation in mammals. Based on the differences in the pregnancy rate between the left and right horns, the temporal and spatial OPN expression was analyzed during the peri-implantation period on Days 8, 10, and 12. Results showed that OPN expression on Day 10 significantly increased by 14.5 fold in the left and 8.4-fold in the right uterine horn. By Day 12, OPN expression increased to 39.4 fold in the left and increased 7-fold in the right horn compared with non-mated females. Only the full length, 70-kDa OPN, was detected and upregulated with advancing pregnancy, with higher intensity in the left uterine horns than in the right. Spatially, OPN was predominantly localized on the apical uterine luminal and glandular epithelium in all camels. Moreover, OPN was detected in the stratum compactum stroma of pregnant camels. In conclusion, OPN mRNA and protein were detected and upregulated during the peri-implantation period, with higher OPN expression detected in the left uterine horn than in the right. OPN may be regulated by the presence of the embryo in the left uterine horn due to its role in embryo adhesion, implantation and placentation.
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Won J, Lee D, Lee YG, Hong SH, Kim JH, Kang YJ. The therapeutic effects and optimal timing of granulocyte colony stimulating factor intrauterine administration during IVF-ET. Life Sci 2023; 317:121444. [PMID: 36731644 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Most of embryos fail to produce live offspring during In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) procedure. There is a dearth of research activity addressing this problem despite the significant population of women suffering from repeated implantation failure after transfer of high-quality of embryos. As a clinically accessible option, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is often used for the treatment to improve the rates of embryo implantation. However, there are currently no evidence-based standardized protocol for the clinical use of G-CSF. G-CSF was administered into one side of mouse uterine horns and saline was infused into the other side of horns as a control. Intrauterine G-CSF administration showed maximal effects 24 h after administration in enhancing endometrial receptivity and subsequent increase of angiogenesis by demonstrating elevated integrin β3 and OPN and reduced cytotoxicity of NK cells. Furthermore, G-CSF administration 24 h prior to embryo transfer promoted the stability of attached embryos at the early stage of implantation in vitro. Our findings suggest as new consensus criteria providing a potential therapeutic strategy of the clinical use of G-CSF to achieve maximal effects of IVF-ET for patients who are suffering from repeated implantation failure with the problems with endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Won
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Danbi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Yu-Gyeong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Seon-Hwa Hong
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
| | - Youn-Jung Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, CHA University, 335 Pangyo, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
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Cai X, Jiang Y, Cao Z, Zhang M, Kong N, Yu L, Tang Y, Kong S, Deng W, Wang H, Sun J, Ding L, Jiang R, Sun H, Yan G. Mst1-mediated phosphorylation of Nur77 improves the endometrial receptivity in human and mice. EBioMedicine 2023; 88:104433. [PMID: 36623453 PMCID: PMC9841229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful embryo implantation requires the attachment of a blastocyst to the receptive endometrial epithelium, which was disturbed in the women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Endometrial β3-integrin was the most important adhesion molecule contributing to endometrial receptivity in both humans and mice. Nur77 has been proven indispensable for fertility in mice, here we explore the role of Nur77 on embryo-epithelial adhesion and potential treatment to embryo implantation failure. METHODS The expression and location of Mst1 and Nur77 in endometrium from fertile women and RIF patients were examined by IHC, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. In vitro kinase assay following with LC-MS/MS were used to identify the phosphorylation site of Nur77 activated by Mst1. The phosphorylated Nur77 was detected by phos-tag SDS-PAGE assay and specific antibody against phospho-Nur77-Thr366. The effect of embryo-epithelium interaction was determined in the BeWo spheroid or mouse embryo adhesion assay, and delayed implantation mouse model. RNA-seq was used to explore the mechanism by which Nur77 derived peptide promotes endometrial receptivity. FINDINGS Endometrial Mammalian sterile 20 (STE20)-like kinase 1 (Mst1) expression level was decreased in the women with RIF than that in the fertile control group, while Mst1 activation in the epithelial cells promoted trophoblast-uterine epithelium adhesion. The effect of Nur77 mediated trophoblast-uterine epithelium adhesion was facilitated by active Mst1. Mechanistically, mst1 promotes the transcription activity of Nur77 by phosphorylating Nur77 at threonine 366 (T366), and consequently increased downstream target β3-integrin expression. Furthermore, a Nur77-derived peptide containing phosphorylated T366 markedly promoted mouse embryo attachment to Ishikawa cells ([4 (2-4)] vs [3 (2-4)]) and increased the embryo implantation rate (4 vs 1.4) in a delayed implantation mouse model by regulating integrin signalling. Finally, it is observed that the endometrial phospho-Nur77 (T366) level is decreased by 80% in the women with RIF. INTERPRETATION In addition to uncovering a potential regulatory mechanism of Mst1/Nur77/β3-integrin signal axis involved in the regulation of embryo-epithelium interaction, our finding provides a novel marker of endometrial receptivity and a potential therapeutic agent for embryo implantation failure. FUNDING National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1004400), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82171653, 82271698, 82030040, 81971387 and 30900727), and National Institutes of Health grants (R01HL103869).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lina Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Jianxin Sun
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Lijun Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruiwei Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Guijun Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, 210032 Nanjing, China.
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Baines KJ, Klausner MS, Patterson VS, Renaud SJ. Interleukin-15 deficient rats have reduced osteopontin at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1079164. [PMID: 37152295 PMCID: PMC10157472 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1079164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Uterine Natural Killer (NK) cells are the predominant immune cells within the decidua during early pregnancy. These cells are thought to regulate aspects of decidualization and placental development, but their functions remain poorly characterized, especially in species with deeply invading trophoblasts such as humans and rats. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine required for NK cell development and survival. IL-15 mutant (IL15Δ/Δ) rats lack NK cells and exhibit altered placental development with precocious trophoblast invasion. In this study, we profiled gene expression differences between wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ implantation sites to reveal candidate factors produced by uterine NK cells that may regulate placentation and trophoblast invasion. Methods: Clariom S gene expression profiling was performed using implantation sites collected from pregnant wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ rats on gestational day 9.5. Levels and localization of perforin and osteopontin in implantation sites from wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ rats were further analyzed. The effect of osteopontin on the invasive capacity of rat trophoblasts was evaluated using Matrigel-based Transwell assays. Results: There were 257 genes differentially expressed between wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ implantation sites on gestational day 9.5, including decreased expression of various NK cell markers in IL15Δ/Δ rats, as well as Spp1, which encodes osteopontin. In wild-type rats, osteopontin was present within the decidua basalis and adjacent to the primitive placenta, and osteopontin colocalized with the NK cell marker perforin. Osteopontin was also detectable in uterine glands. Conversely, in IL15Δ/Δ rats, osteopontin and perforin were not readily detectable in the decidua despite robust osteopontin levels in uterine glands. Neutralization of osteopontin in media conditioned by cells isolated from the decidua decreased invasion of rat trophoblasts, suggesting that reduced levels of osteopontin are unlikely to account for the precocious trophoblast invasion in IL15Δ/Δ rats. Conclusion: Osteopontin is expressed by NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface in rats and may contribute to modulation of trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J. Baines
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle S. Klausner
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Violet S. Patterson
- 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, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Stephen J. Renaud,
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Intrauterine botulinum toxin A administration promotes endometrial regeneration mediated by IGFBP3-dependent OPN proteolytic cleavage in thin endometrium. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:26. [PMID: 36602651 PMCID: PMC9816300 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04684-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adequate endometrial growth is a critical factor for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. We previously reported the efficacy of intrauterine administration of botulinum toxin A (BoTA) in improving the endometrial angiogenesis and the rates of embryo implantation. Here, we further evaluated its potent therapeutic effects on the uterine structural and functional repair and elucidated underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. This study demonstrated that a murine model of thin endometrium was successfully established by displaying dramatically decreased endometrial thickness and the rates of embryo implantation compared to normal endometrium. Interestingly, the expressions of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) and an active 35 kDa-form of osteopontin (OPN) were significantly reduced in thin endometrium, which were almost fully restored by intrauterine BoTA administration. Neutralization of BoTA-induced IGFBP3 subsequently suppressed proteolytic cleavage of OPN, exhibiting un-recovered endometrial thickness even in the presence of BoTA administration, suggesting that BoTA-induced endometrial regeneration might be mediated by IGFBP3-dependent OPN proteolytic cleavage. Our findings suggest that intrauterine BoTA administration improves the endometrial environment in our murine model with thin endometrium by increasing endometrial receptivity and angiogenesis in a manner dependent on the regulatory effect of IGFBP3 on OPN proteolytic cleavage, proposing BoTA as an efficient therapeutic strategy for the patients with thin endometrium.
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Osteopontin Splicing Isoforms Contribute to Endometriotic Proliferation, Migration, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Endometrial Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315328. [PMID: 36499654 PMCID: PMC9738877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN) isoforms, including OPNb and OPNc, promote malignancy and may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, a benign disorder with multiple characteristics resembling malignant tumors. In our experiments, OPNb and OPNc were significantly overexpressed in both endometriosis and adenomyosis compared to the normal endometrium. Upregulation of CD44v and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was also present in endometriotic lesions. Overexpression of OPNb and OPNc splicing variants in endometriotic cells evoked morphological changes, actin remodeling, cell proliferation, cell migration, and EMT through binding OPN ligand receptors CD44 and αvβ3, subsequently activating the PI3K and NF-ĸB pathways. We elucidated the causal role of OPN splice variants in regulating endometriotic cell growth, which may promote the development of OPN-targeted therapies for patients suffering from endometriotic disorders.
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Effects of intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin administration on endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Life Sci 2022; 311:121154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Koel M, Krjutškov K, Saare M, Samuel K, Lubenets D, Katayama S, Einarsdottir E, Vargas E, Sola-Leyva A, Lalitkumar PG, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Blesa D, Simon C, Lanner F, Kere J, Salumets A, Altmäe S. Human endometrial cell-type-specific RNA sequencing provides new insights into the embryo-endometrium interplay. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac043. [PMID: 36339249 PMCID: PMC9632455 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which genes regulate receptivity in the epithelial and stromal cellular compartments of the human endometrium, and which molecules are interacting in the implantation process between the blastocyst and the endometrial cells? SUMMARY ANSWER A set of receptivity-specific genes in the endometrial epithelial and stromal cells was identified, and the role of galectins (LGALS1 and LGALS3), integrin β1 (ITGB1), basigin (BSG) and osteopontin (SPP1) in embryo-endometrium dialogue among many other protein-protein interactions were highlighted. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The molecular dialogue taking place between the human embryo and the endometrium is poorly understood due to ethical and technical reasons, leaving human embryo implantation mostly uncharted. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Paired pre-receptive and receptive phase endometrial tissue samples from 16 healthy women were used for RNA sequencing. Trophectoderm RNA sequences were from blastocysts. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Cell-type-specific RNA-seq analysis of freshly isolated endometrial epithelial and stromal cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) from 16 paired pre-receptive and receptive tissue samples was performed. Endometrial transcriptome data were further combined in silico with trophectodermal gene expression data from 466 single cells originating from 17 blastocysts to characterize the first steps of embryo implantation. We constructed a protein-protein interaction network between endometrial epithelial and embryonal trophectodermal cells, and between endometrial stromal and trophectodermal cells, thereby focusing on the very first phases of embryo implantation, and highlighting the molecules likely to be involved in the embryo apposition, attachment and invasion. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In total, 499 epithelial and 581 stromal genes were up-regulated in the receptive phase endometria when compared to pre-receptive samples. The constructed protein-protein interactions identified a complex network of 558 prioritized protein-protein interactions between trophectodermal, epithelial and stromal cells, which were grouped into clusters based on the function of the involved molecules. The role of galectins (LGALS1 and LGALS3), integrin β1 (ITGB1), basigin (BSG) and osteopontin (SPP1) in the embryo implantation process were highlighted. LARGE SCALE DATA RNA-seq data are available at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo under accession number GSE97929. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Providing a static snap-shot of a dynamic process and the nature of prediction analysis is limited to the known interactions available in databases. Furthermore, the cell sorting technique used separated enriched epithelial cells and stromal cells but did not separate luminal from glandular epithelium. Also, the use of biopsies taken from non-pregnant women and using spare IVF embryos (due to ethical considerations) might miss some of the critical interactions characteristic of natural conception only. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of our study provide new insights into the molecular embryo-endometrium interplay in the first steps of implantation process in humans. Knowledge about the endometrial cell-type-specific molecules that coordinate successful implantation is vital for understanding human reproduction and the underlying causes of implantation failure and infertility. Our study results provide a useful resource for future reproductive research, allowing the exploration of unknown mechanisms of implantation. We envision that those studies will help to improve the understanding of the complex embryo implantation process, and hopefully generate new prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic approaches to target both infertility and fertility, in the form of new contraceptives. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This research was funded by the Estonian Research Council (grant PRG1076); Horizon 2020 innovation grant (ERIN, grant no. EU952516); Enterprise Estonia (grant EU48695); the EU-FP7 Marie Curie Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP, grant SARM, EU324509); Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) (grants RYC-2016-21199, ENDORE SAF2017-87526-R, and Endo-Map PID2021-127280OB-100); Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía (B-CTS-500-UGR18; A-CTS-614-UGR20), Junta de Andalucía (PAIDI P20_00158); Margarita Salas program for the Requalification of the Spanish University system (UJAR01MS); the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW 2015.0096); Swedish Research Council (2012-2844); and Sigrid Jusélius Foundation; Academy of Finland. A.S.-L. is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (PRE2018-085440). K.G.-D. has received consulting fees and/or honoraria from RemovAid AS, Norway Bayer, MSD, Gedeon Richter, Mithra, Exeltis, MedinCell, Natural cycles, Exelgyn, Vifor, Organon, Campus Pharma and HRA-Pharma and NIH support to the institution; D.B. is an employee of IGENOMIX. The rest of the authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann Koel
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kaarel Krjutškov
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Merli Saare
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Külli Samuel
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Dmitri Lubenets
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Shintaro Katayama
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, and Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Einarsdottir
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, and Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - Eva Vargas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Systems Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Alberto Sola-Leyva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Parameswaran Grace Lalitkumar
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska Univeristy Hospital, Stockholm,Sweden
| | - Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska Univeristy Hospital, Stockholm,Sweden
| | - David Blesa
- Department of Product Development, IGENOMIX, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Simon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Valencia University and INCLIVA in Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BIDMC, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm,Sweden
- Ming Wai Lau Center for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juha Kere
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, and Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm,Sweden
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm,Sweden
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Goharitaban S, Abedelahi A, Hamdi K, Khazaei M, Esmaeilivand M, Niknafs B. Role of endometrial microRNAs in repeated implantation failure (mini-review). Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:936173. [PMID: 36060804 PMCID: PMC9437697 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.936173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play various roles in the implantation and pregnancy process. Abnormal regulation of miRNAs leads to reproductive disorders such as repeated implantation failure (RIF). During the window of implantation, different miRNAs are released from the endometrium, which can potentially reflect the status of the endometrium for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The focus of this review is to determine whether endometrial miRNAs may be utilized as noninvasive biomarkers to predict the ability of endometrium to implant and provide live birth during IVF cycles. The levels of certain miRNAs in the endometrium have been linked to implantation potential and pregnancy outcomes in previous studies. Endometrial miRNAs could be employed as non-invasive biomarkers in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle to determine the optimal time for implantation. Few human studies have evaluated the association between ART outcomes and endometrial miRNAs in RIF patients. This review may pave the way for more miRNA transcriptomic studies on human endometrium and introduce a specific miRNA profile as a multivariable prediction model for choosing the optimal time in the IVF cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepide Goharitaban
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Hamdi
- Womens Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mozafar Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Esmaeilivand
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- *Correspondence: Behrooz Niknafs, , 0000-0003-4438-1880
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Gauster M, Moser G, Wernitznig S, Kupper N, Huppertz B. Early human trophoblast development: from morphology to function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:345. [PMID: 35661923 PMCID: PMC9167809 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human pregnancy depends on the proper development of the embryo prior to implantation and the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. During the pre-implantation phase, formation of the morula is followed by internalization of blastomeres that differentiate into the pluripotent inner cell mass lineage, while the cells on the surface undergo polarization and differentiate into the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. The trophectoderm mediates apposition and adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. These processes lead to a stable contact between embryonic and maternal tissues, resulting in the formation of a new organ, the placenta. During implantation, the trophectoderm cells start to differentiate and form the basis for multiple specialized trophoblast subpopulations, all of which fulfilling specific key functions in placentation. They either differentiate into polar cells serving typical epithelial functions, or into apolar invasive cells that adapt the uterine wall to progressing pregnancy. The composition of these trophoblast subpopulations is crucial for human placenta development and alterations are suggested to result in placenta-associated pregnancy pathologies. This review article focuses on what is known about very early processes in human reproduction and emphasizes on morphological and functional aspects of early trophoblast differentiation and subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Tiaojing Cuyun Recipe Enhances Pregnancy Outcome via the VEGF/PI3K/AKT/eNOS Signaling Pathway in EID Mice. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9461444. [PMID: 35251378 PMCID: PMC8894059 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9461444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Tiaojing Cuyun Recipe (TJCYR) on embryo implantation dysfunction- (EID-) induced damage of endometrial receptivity in mice and investigated the mechanisms underlying the effect. Methods. The main compounds of TJCYR were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). One hundred and twenty pregnant mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, EID only, progesterone (Prog)+EID, TJCYR-low-dose+EID, TJCYR-medium-dose+EID, and TJCYR-high-dose+EID. Mifepristone was injected to make the EID model. On the fourth day of pregnancy, serum was obtained to analyze hormone level by radioimmunoassay, the uterus was collected to analyze morphology by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a combination of immunofluorescence and Western blot was used to identify the related proteins. On the eighth day of pregnancy, the mice were sacrificed and the number of uterus-implanted blastocysts was counted. Results. Treatment with TJCYR significantly improved the number of implanted sites, the number of well-developed pinopodes, and microvascular formation in the mice. Moreover, TJCYR significantly activated PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathways to promote angiogenesis, resulting in significantly improved endometrial receptivity and fertility outcomes when compared to the model group. Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that TJCYR was able to protect embryo implantation of EID mice due to TJCYR-mediated improvement in endometrial receptivity by promoting endometrial angiogenesis.
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Nguyen TTTN, MacDougall M, Kwok YSS, Russell SJ, Librach CL. Human platelet lysates stimulate in vitro proliferation of human endometrial cells from patients with a history of recurrent implantation failure. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:64-73. [PMID: 35559996 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To optimize and compare the isolation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its cryopreserved derivative, platelet lysate (PL), to a commercial human platelet lysate (HPL) product PLUS and investigate their proliferative stimulation on primary human endometrial cells in vitro. DESIGN Basic research. SETTING Academic fertility center. PATIENT(S) Three healthy blood donors and eight patients with a history of recurrent implantation failure. INTERVENTIONS(S) Stimulated proliferation of isolated primary endometrial epithelial cells and endometrial stromal cells in vitro with autologous and nonautologous HPL (PLUS; Compass Biomedical). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Platelet-derived growth factor BB homodimer protein content in isolated PRP/PL and commercial HPL and endometrial epithelial cell and endometrial stromal cell proliferation after 24- or 48-hour stimulation with PL (measured by metabolic activity and Ki67 expression). RESULT(S) To optimize and compare the isolation of autologous PRP/PL, three double-centrifugation protocols were assessed by flow cytometry for platelet yield (CD45-CD41+CD61+) and platelet-derived growth factor BB homodimer protein content by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cryopreserved PL, especially isolated by our fastest protocol, contained higher protein concentrations and, thus, was optimal for experimental flexibility compared with fresh PRP. The autologous and commercial PLs displayed comparable immune and growth factor content and stimulation of cell proliferation in vitro. CONCLUSION(S) Our results provide the groundwork for the isolation and use of HPL to stimulate endometrial growth. Furthermore, commercial PL consistently stimulated cell proliferation and may allow standardization of clinical treatment for recurrent implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Tu-Thu Ngoc Nguyen
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Yat Sze Sheila Kwok
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Ruane PT, Garner T, Parsons L, Babbington PA, Wangsaputra I, Kimber SJ, Stevens A, Westwood M, Brison DR, Aplin JD. Trophectoderm differentiation to invasive syncytiotrophoblast is promoted by endometrial epithelial cells during human embryo implantation. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:777-792. [PMID: 35079788 PMCID: PMC9398450 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does the human embryo breach the endometrial epithelium at implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER Embryo attachment to the endometrial epithelium promotes the formation of multinuclear syncytiotrophoblast from trophectoderm, which goes on to breach the epithelial layer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A significant proportion of natural conceptions and assisted reproduction treatments fail due to unsuccessful implantation. The trophectoderm lineage of the embryo attaches to the endometrial epithelium before breaching this barrier to implant into the endometrium. Trophectoderm-derived syncytiotrophoblast has been observed in recent in vitro cultures of peri-implantation embryos, and historical histology has shown invasive syncytiotrophoblast in embryos that have invaded beyond the epithelium, but the cell type mediating invasion of the epithelial layer at implantation is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Fresh and frozen human blastocyst-stage embryos (n = 46) or human trophoblast stem cell (TSC) spheroids were co-cultured with confluent monolayers of the Ishikawa endometrial epithelial cell line to model the epithelial phase of implantation in vitro. Systems biology approaches with published transcriptomic datasets were used to model the epithelial phase of implantation in silico. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human embryos surplus to treatment requirements were consented for research. Day 6 blastocysts were co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers until Day 8, and human TSC spheroids modelling blastocyst trophectoderm were co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers for 48 h. Embryo and TSC morphology was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy, and TSC differentiation by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and ELISA. Single-cell human blastocyst transcriptomes, and bulk transcriptomes of TSC and primary human endometrial epithelium were used to model the trophectoderm-epithelium interaction in silico. Hypernetworks, pathway analysis, random forest machine learning and RNA velocity were employed to identify gene networks associated with implantation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The majority of embryos co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers from Day 6 to 8 breached the epithelial layer (37/46), and syncytiotrophoblast was seen in all of these. Syncytiotrophoblast was observed at the embryo-epithelium interface before breaching, and syncytiotrophoblast mediated all pioneering breaching events observed (7/7 events). Multiple independent syncytiotrophoblast regions were seen in 26/46 embryos, suggesting derivation from different regions of trophectoderm. Human TSC spheroids co-cultured with Ishikawa layers also exhibited syncytiotrophoblast formation upon invasion into the epithelium. RT-qPCR comparison of TSC spheroids in isolated culture and co-culture demonstrated epithelium-induced upregulation of syncytiotrophoblast genes CGB (P = 0.03) and SDC1 (P = 0.008), and ELISA revealed the induction of hCGβ secretion (P = 0.03). Secretory-phase primary endometrial epithelium surface transcriptomes were used to identify trophectoderm surface binding partners to model the embryo-epithelium interface. Hypernetwork analysis established a group of 25 epithelium-interacting trophectoderm genes that were highly connected to the rest of the trophectoderm transcriptome, and epithelium-coupled gene networks in cells of the polar region of the trophectoderm exhibited greater connectivity (P < 0.001) and more organized connections (P < 0.0001) than those in the mural region. Pathway analysis revealed a striking similarity with syncytiotrophoblast differentiation, as 4/6 most highly activated pathways upon TSC-syncytiotrophoblast differentiation (false discovery rate (FDR < 0.026)) were represented in the most enriched pathways of epithelium-coupled gene networks in both polar and mural trophectoderm (FDR < 0.001). Random forest machine learning also showed that 80% of the endometrial epithelium-interacting trophectoderm genes identified in the hypernetwork could be quantified as classifiers of TSC-syncytiotrophoblast differentiation. This multi-model approach suggests that invasive syncytiotrophoblast formation from both polar and mural trophectoderm is promoted by attachment to the endometrial epithelium to enable embryonic invasion. LARGE SCALE DATA No omics datasets were generated in this study, and those used from previously published studies are cited. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In vitro and in silico models may not recapitulate the dynamic embryo-endometrial interactions that occur in vivo. The influence of other cellular compartments in the endometrium, including decidual stromal cells and leukocytes, was not represented in these models. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Understanding the mechanism of human embryo breaching of the epithelium and the gene networks involved is crucial to improve implantation success rates after assisted reproduction. Moreover, early trophoblast lineages arising at the epithelial phase of implantation form the blueprint for the placenta and thus underpin foetal growth trajectories, pregnancy health and offspring health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by grants from Wellbeing of Women, Diabetes UK, the NIHR Local Comprehensive Research Network and Manchester Clinical Research Facility, and the Department of Health Scientist Practitioner Training Scheme. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Ruane
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK,Correspondence address. Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1476-1666
| | - Terence Garner
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Lydia Parsons
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Phoebe A Babbington
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Ivan Wangsaputra
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Stevens
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - John D Aplin
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
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22
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Emerging in vitro platforms and omics technologies for studying the endometrium and early embryo-maternal interface in humans. Placenta 2022; 125:36-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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23
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Sehring J, Jeelani R. Human implantation: The complex interplay between endometrial receptivity, inflammation, and the microbiome. Placenta 2021; 117:179-186. [PMID: 34929458 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human embryo implantation is an intricate spatiotemporal process that involves the intimate association between the embryo and the endometrium of the mother. During implantation, the endometrium undergoes a dynamic cascade of gene activation and repression, largely driven by autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine action. Steroid hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, act on a variety of targets including cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs), cytokines, and growth factors to facilitate the implantation process. Given the synchrony required to achieve implantation, it is unsurprising that embryo implantation represents a substantial problem for infertility patients. This is due to a complex interplay taking place at the level of the endometrium. This review discusses the intricacies of embryo implantation including the window of implantation, the cyclical phases of the endometrium, the implantation process itself, and features of endometrial receptivity. Additionally, we will discuss new research regarding inflammatory reproductive biology, epigenetics and microRNA, and the role of the vaginal and endometrial microbiome in implantation. A better understanding of embryo implantation and the interactions occurring at the level of the blastocyst and the endometrium will improve patient care for infertile patients who experience this frustrating challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Sehring
- Vios Fertility Institute, 1455 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, United States.
| | - Roohi Jeelani
- Vios Fertility Institute, 1455 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, United States
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24
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Yang Q, Liu J, Wang Y, Zhao W, Wang W, Cui J, Yang J, Yue Y, Zhang S, Chu M, Lyu Q, Ma L, Tang Y, Hu Y, Miao K, Zhao H, Tian J, An L. A proteomic atlas of ligand-receptor interactions at the ovine maternal-fetal interface reveals the role of histone lactylation in uterine remodeling. J Biol Chem 2021; 298:101456. [PMID: 34861240 PMCID: PMC8733267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-orchestrated maternal–fetal cross talk occurs via secreted ligands, interacting receptors, and coupled intracellular pathways between the conceptus and endometrium and is essential for successful embryo implantation. However, previous studies mostly focus on either the conceptus or the endometrium in isolation. The lack of integrated analysis impedes our understanding of early maternal–fetal cross talk. Herein, focusing on ligand–receptor complexes and coupled pathways at the maternal–fetal interface in sheep, we provide the first comprehensive proteomic map of ligand–receptor pathway cascades essential for embryo implantation. We demonstrate that these cascades are associated with cell adhesion and invasion, redox homeostasis, and the immune response. Candidate interactions and their physiological roles were further validated by functional experiments. We reveal the physical interaction of albumin and claudin 4 and their roles in facilitating embryo attachment to endometrium. We also demonstrate a novel function of enhanced conceptus glycolysis in remodeling uterine receptivity by inducing endometrial histone lactylation, a newly identified histone modification. Results from in vitro and in vivo models supported the essential role of lactate in inducing endometrial H3K18 lactylation and in regulating redox homeostasis and apoptotic balance to ensure successful implantation. By reconstructing a map of potential ligand–receptor pathway cascades at the maternal–fetal interface, our study presents new concepts for understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms that fine-tune conceptus–endometrium cross talk during implantation. This provides more direct and accurate insights for developing potential clinical intervention strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes following both natural and assisted conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Cui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Yue
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Meiqiang Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingji Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yawen Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yupei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Miao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Haichao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei An
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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Timofeeva AV, Fedorov IS, Shamina MA, Chagovets VV, Makarova NP, Kalinina EA, Nazarenko TA, Sukhikh GT. Clinical Relevance of Secreted Small Noncoding RNAs in an Embryo Implantation Potential Prediction at Morula and Blastocyst Development Stages. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121328. [PMID: 34947859 PMCID: PMC8706231 DOI: 10.3390/life11121328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the improvements in biotechnological approaches and the selection of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols, the resulting pregnancy rate from in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols still does not exceed 30-40%. In this connection, there is an acute question of the development of a non-invasive, sensitive, and specific method for assessing the implantation potential of an embryo. A total of 110 subfertile couples were included in the study to undergo the IVF/ICSI program. Obtained embryos for transfer into the uterine cavity of patient cohort 1 (n = 60) and cohort 2 (n = 50) were excellent/good-quality blastocysts, and small noncoding RNA (sncRNA) content in the corresponding spent culture medium samples at the morula stage (n = 43) or at the blastocyst stage (n = 31) was analyzed by deep sequencing followed by qRT-PCR in real time. Two logistic regression models were developed to predict the implantation potential of the embryo with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity: model 1 at the morula stage, using various combinations of hsa_piR_022258, hsa-let-7i-5p, hsa_piR_000765, hsa_piR_015249, hsa_piR_019122, and hsa_piR_008112, and model 2 at the blastocyst stage, using various combinations of hsa_piR_020497, hsa_piR_008113, hsa-miR-381-3p, hsa_piR_022258, and hsa-let-7a-5p. Protein products of sncRNA potential target genes participate in the selective turnover of proteins through the ubiquitination system and in the organization of the various cell cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton structures, regulating the activity of the Hippo signaling pathway, which determines the fate specification of the blastomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika V. Timofeeva
- Laboratory of Applied Transcriptomics, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ivan S. Fedorov
- Laboratory of Applied Transcriptomics, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Maria A. Shamina
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (N.P.M.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Vitaliy V. Chagovets
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Metabolomics of Human Reproduction, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nataliya P. Makarova
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (N.P.M.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Elena A. Kalinina
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (N.P.M.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Tatiana A. Nazarenko
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Gennady T. Sukhikh
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (G.T.S.)
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26
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Gambioli R, Montanino Oliva M, Nordio M, Chiefari A, Puliani G, Unfer V. New Insights into the Activities of D-Chiro-Inositol: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101378. [PMID: 34680494 PMCID: PMC8533370 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is a natural compound detectable in cell membranes, which is highly conserved as a biological signaling molecule. In mammals, its function is primarily characterized in the intracellular transduction cascade of insulin. In particular, insulin signal promotes the release of pivotal DCI-containing molecules. In fact, impaired release of DCI is a common feature of insulin-resistant tissues, and insulin-sensitizing pharmaceuticals induce higher concentrations of free DCI. Moreover, it also plays important roles in several other processes. DCI is involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis, due to its regulatory effects on steroidogenic enzymes, including 17α-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase. Such regulation of various enzymes indicates a mechanism by which the body regulates different processes via a single molecule, depending on its concentration. DCI also reduces the expression of integrin β3, which is an adhesion molecule involved in embryo implantation and cellular phenomena such as survival, stemness, and invasiveness. In addition, DCI seems to have important anti-inflammatory activities, like its 3-O-methyl-ether, called pinitol. In vitro evidence demonstrates that treatment with both compounds induces a reduction in pro-inflammatory factors—such as Nf-κB—and cytokines—such as TNF-α. DCI then plays important roles in several fundamental processes in physiology. Therefore, research on such molecule is of primary importance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Montanino Oliva
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.O.); (M.N.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santo Spirito Hospital, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Nordio
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.O.); (M.N.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alfonsina Chiefari
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Giulia Puliani
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Vittorio Unfer
- The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI), 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.M.O.); (M.N.)
- System Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Ahn J, Yoon MJ, Hong SH, Cha H, Lee D, Koo HS, Ko JE, Lee J, Oh S, Jeon NL, Kang YJ. Three-dimensional microengineered vascularised endometrium-on-a-chip. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2720-2731. [PMID: 34363466 PMCID: PMC8450871 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can we reconstitute physiologically relevant 3-dimensional (3D) microengineered endometrium in-vitro model? SUMMARY ANSWER Our representative microengineered vascularised endometrium on-a-chip closely recapitulates the endometrial microenvironment that consists of three distinct layers including epithelial cells, stromal fibroblasts and endothelial cells in a 3D extracellular matrix in a spatiotemporal manner. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Organ-on-a-chip, a multi-channel 3D microfluidic cell culture system, is widely used to investigate physiologically relevant responses of organ systems. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The device consists of five microchannels that are arrayed in parallel and partitioned by array of micropost. Two central channels are for 3D culture and morphogenesis of stromal fibroblast and endothelial cells. In addition, the outermost channel is for the culture of additional endometrial stromal fibroblasts that secrete biochemical cues to induce directional pro-angiogenic responses of endothelial cells. To seed endometrial epithelial cells, on Day 8, Ishikawa cells were introduced to one of the two medium channels to adhere on the gel surface. After that, the microengineered endometrium was cultured for an additional 5–6 days (total ∼ 14 days) for the purpose of each experiment. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Microfluidic 3D cultures were maintained in endothelial growth Medium 2 with or without oestradiol and progesterone. Some cultures additionally received exogenous pro-angiogenic factors. For the three distinct layers of microengineered endometrium-on-a-chip, the epithelium, stroma and blood vessel characteristics and drug response of each distinct layer in the microfluidic model were assessed morphologically and biochemically. The quantitative measurement of endometrial drug delivery was evaluated by the permeability coefficients. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We established microengineered vascularised endometrium-on-chip, which consists of three distinct layers: epithelium, stroma and blood vessels. Our endometrium model faithfully recapitulates in-vivo endometrial vasculo-angiogenesis and hormonal responses displaying key features of the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, the effect of the emergency contraception drug levonorgestrel was evaluated in our model demonstrating increased endometrial permeability and blood vessel regression in a dose-dependent manner. We finally provided a proof of concept of the multi-layered endometrium model for embryo implantation, which aids a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this process. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This report is largely an in-vitro study and it would be beneficial to validate our findings using human primary endometrial cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our 3D microengineered vascularised endometrium-on-a-chip provides a new in-vitro approach to drug screening and drug discovery by mimicking the complicated behaviours of human endometrium. Thus, we suggest our model as a tool for addressing critical challenges and unsolved problems in female diseases, such as endometriosis, uterine cancer and female infertility, in a personalised manner. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work is supported by funding from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) to Y.J.K. (No. 2018R1C1B6003), to J.A. (No. 2020R1I1A1A01074136) and to H.S.K. (No. 2020R1C1C100787212). The authors report no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungho Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Institute for Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Research Competency Milestones Program of School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ji Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Hwa Hong
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwijae Cha
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Danbi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Seon Koo
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Ko
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungseub Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Soojung Oh
- AMOREPACIFIC Research and Development Center, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Jung Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Institute for Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,CHA Fertility Center Bundang, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Kramer AC, Erikson DW, McLendon BA, Seo H, Hayashi K, Spencer TE, Bazer FW, Burghardt RC, Johnson GA. SPP1 expression in the mouse uterus and placenta: Implications for implantation. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:892-904. [PMID: 34165144 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted phosphoprotein 1 [SPP1, also known as osteopontin (OPN)] binds integrins to mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix communication to promote cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Considerable evidence links SPP1 to pregnancy in several species. Current evidence suggests that SPP1 is involved in implantation and placentation in mice, but in vivo localization of SPP1 and in vivo mechanistic studies to substantiate these roles are incomplete and contradictory. We localized Spp1 mRNA and protein in the endometrium and placenta of mice throughout gestation, and utilized delayed implantation of mouse blastocysts to link SPP1 expression to the implantation chamber. Spp1 mRNA and protein localized to the endometrial luminal (LE), but not glandular epithelia (GE) in interimplantation regions of the uterus throughout gestation. Spp1 mRNA and protein also localized to uterine naturel killer (uNK) cells of the decidua. Within the implantation chamber, Spp1 mRNA localized only to intermittent LE cells, and to the inner cell mass. SPP1 protein localized to intermittent trophoblast cells, and to the parietal endoderm. These results suggest that SPP1: 1) is secreted by the LE at interimplantation sites for closure of the uterine lumen to form the implantation chamber; 2) is secreted by LE adjacent to the attaching trophoblast cells for attachment and invasion of the blastocyst; and 3) is not a component of histotroph secreted from the GE, but is secreted from uNK cells in the decidua to increase angiogenesis within the decidua to augment hemotrophic support of embryonic/fetal development of the conceptus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery C Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David W Erikson
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Bryan A McLendon
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Heewon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kanako Hayashi
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Department of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Greg A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
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Nazarian H, Novin MG, Khaleghi S, Habibi B. Small non-coding RNAs in embryonic pre-implantation. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:287-299. [PMID: 34042034 DOI: 10.2174/1566524021666210526162917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Failure of embryo implantation has been introduced as an important limiting parameter in early assisted reproduction and pregnancy. The embryo-maternal interactions, endometrial receptivity, and detections of implantation consist of the embryo viability. For regulating the implantation, multiple molecules may be consisted, however, their specific regulatory mechanisms still stand unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been highly concerned due to their important effect on human embryo implantation. MicroRNA (miRNA), which acts as the transcriptional regulator of gene expression, is consisted in embryo implantation. Scholars determined that miRNAs cannot affect the cells and release by cells in the extracellular environment considering facilitating intercellular communication, multiple packaging forms, and preparing indicative data in the case of pathological and physiological conditions. The detection of extracellular miRNAs provided new information in cases of implantation studies. For embryo-maternal communication, MiRNAs offered novel approaches. In addition, in assisted reproduction, for embryo choice and prediction of endometrial receptivity, they can act as non-invasive biomarkers and can enhance the accuracy in the process of reducing the mechanical damage for the tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Khaleghi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahare Habibi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Pisko J, Špirková A, Čikoš Š, Olexiková L, Kovaříková V, Šefčíková Z, Fabian D. Apoptotic cells in mouse blastocysts are eliminated by neighbouring blastomeres. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9228. [PMID: 33927296 PMCID: PMC8085119 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88752-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a physiological process that occurs commonly during the development of the preimplantation embryo. The present work examines the ability of apoptotic embryonic cells to express a signal promoting their phagocytosis, and quantifies the ability of neighbouring, normal embryonic cells to perform that task. Microscopic analysis of mouse blastocysts revealed phosphatidylserine externalization to be 10 times less common than incidence of apoptotic cells (as detected by TUNEL). In spite of the low frequency of phosphatidylserine-flipping (in inner cell mass, no annexin V staining was recorded), fluorescence staining of the plasma membrane showed more than 20% of apoptotic cells to have been engulfed by neighbouring blastomeres. The mean frequency of apoptotic cells escaping phagocytosis by their extrusion into blastocyst cavities did not exceed 10%. Immunochemically visualised RAC1 (an enzyme important in actin cytoskeleton rearrangement) was seen in phagosome-like structures containing a nucleus with a condensed morphology. Gene transcript analysis showed that the embryonic cells expressed 12 receptors likely involved in phagocytic process (Scarf1, Msr1, Cd36, Itgav, Itgb3, Cd14, Scarb1, Cd44, Stab1, Adgrb1, Cd300lf, Cd93). In conclusion, embryonic cells possess all the necessary mechanisms for recognising, engulfing and digesting apoptotic cells, ensuring the clearance of most dying blastomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozef Pisko
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Alexandra Špirková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Štefan Čikoš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Lucia Olexiková
- Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, National Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Hlohovecká 2, 951 41, Lužianky, Slovak Republic
| | - Veronika Kovaříková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Šefčíková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Dušan Fabian
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic.
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Koo HS, Yoon MJ, Hong SH, Ahn J, Cha H, Lee D, Ko JE, Kwon H, Choi DH, Lee KA, Ko JJ, Kang YJ. CXCL12 enhances pregnancy outcome via improvement of endometrial receptivity in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7397. [PMID: 33795831 PMCID: PMC8016928 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86956-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful pregnancy inevitably depends on the implantation of a competent embryo into a receptive endometrium. Although many substances have been suggested to improve the rate of embryo implantation targeting enhancement of endometrial receptivity, currently there rarely are effective evidence-based treatments to prevent or cure this condition. Here we strongly suggest minimally-invasive intra-uterine administration of embryo-secreted chemokine CXCL12 as an effective therapeutic intervention. Chemokine CXCL12 derived from pre- and peri-implanting embryos significantly enhances the rates of embryo attachment and promoted endothelial vessel formation and sprouting in vitro. Consistently, intra-uterine CXCL12 administration in C57BL/6 mice improved endometrial receptivity showing increased integrin β3 and its ligand osteopontin, and induced endometrial angiogenesis displaying increased numbers of vessel formation near the lining of endometrial epithelial layer with higher CD31 and CD34 expression. Furthermore, intra-uterine CXCL12 application dramatically promoted the rates of embryo implantation with no morphologically retarded embryos. Thus, our present study provides a novel evidence that improved uterine endometrial receptivity and enhanced angiogenesis induced by embryo-derived chemokine CXCL12 may aid to develop a minimally-invasive therapeutic strategy for clinical treatment or supplement for the patients with repeated implantation failure with less risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Seon Koo
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Min-Ji Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Seon-Hwa Hong
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jungho Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Hwijae Cha
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Danbi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Ko
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Hwang Kwon
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Dong Hee Choi
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Ah Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jung-Jae Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea
| | - Youn-Jung Kang
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea. .,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyunggi-do, South Korea.
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Park HR, Choi HJ, Kim BS, Chung TW, Kim KJ, Joo JK, Ryu D, Bae SJ, Ha KT. Paeoniflorin Enhances Endometrial Receptivity through Leukemia Inhibitory Factor. Biomolecules 2021; 11:439. [PMID: 33809755 PMCID: PMC8002267 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in assisted reproductive technology, treatment for deficient endometrial receptivity is a major clinical unmet need. In our previous study, the water extract of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. enhanced endometrial receptivity in vitro and in vivo via induction of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokine. In the present study, we found that paeoniflorin, a monoterpene glycoside, is the major active compound of P. lactiflora. Paeoniflorin significantly improved the embryo implantation rate in a murine model of mifepristone (RU486)-induced implantation failure. In addition, paeoniflorin increased the adhesion of human trophectoderm-derived JAr cells to endometrial Ishikawa cells through the expression of LIF in vitro. Moreover, using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database of the human endometrium, we confirmed that LIF signaling is a key regulator for improving human endometrial receptivity. Therefore, these results suggest that paeoniflorin might be a potent drug candidate for the treatment of endometrial implantation failure by enhancing endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Rin Park
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Choi
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
| | - Bo-Sung Kim
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea
| | - Tae-Wook Chung
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
| | - Keuk-Jun Kim
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Daekyeung University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsanabuk-do 38547, Korea;
| | - Jong-Kil Joo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, Korea;
| | - Dongryeol Ryu
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea;
| | - Sung-Jin Bae
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea; (H.-R.P.); (H.-J.C.); (B.-S.K.); (T.-W.C.); (S.-J.B.)
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea
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Non-invasive Intrauterine Administration of Botulinum Toxin A Enhances Endometrial Angiogenesis and Improves the Rates of Embryo Implantation. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1671-1687. [PMID: 33650094 PMCID: PMC8144131 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial angiogenesis plays crucial roles in determining the endometrial receptivity. Defects in endometrial receptivity often cause repeated implantation failure, which is one of the major unmet needs for infertility and contributes a major barrier to the assisted reproductive technology. Despite the numerous extensive research work, there are currently no effective evidence-based treatments to prevent or cure this condition. As a non-invasive treatment strategy, botulinum toxin A (BoTA) was administered into one side of mouse uterine horns, and saline was infused into the other side of horns for the control. Impact of BoTA was assessed in the endometrium at 3 or 8 days after infusion. We demonstrated that BoTA administration enhances the capacity of endothelial cell tube formation and sprouting. The intrauterine BoTA administration significantly induced endometrial angiogenesis displaying increased numbers of vessel formation and expression levels of related marker genes. Moreover, BoTA intrauterine application promoted the endometrial receptivity, and the rates of embryo implantation were improved with BoTA treatment with no morphologically retarded embryos. Intrauterine BoTA treatment has a beneficial effect on vascular reconstruction of functional endometrium prior to embryo implantation by increasing endometrial blood flow near the uterine cavity suggesting BoTA treatment as a potential therapeutic strategy for patients who are suffering from repeated implantation failure with the problems with endometrial receptivity.
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Ojosnegros S, Seriola A, Godeau AL, Veiga A. Embryo implantation in the laboratory: an update on current techniques. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:501-530. [PMID: 33410481 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The embryo implantation process is crucial for the correct establishment and progress of pregnancy. During implantation, the blastocyst trophectoderm cells attach to the epithelium of the endometrium, triggering intense cell-to-cell crosstalk that leads to trophoblast outgrowth, invasion of the endometrial tissue, and formation of the placenta. However, this process, which is vital for embryo and foetal development in utero, is still elusive to experimentation because of its inaccessibility. Experimental implantation is cumbersome and impractical in adult animal models and is inconceivable in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A number of custom experimental solutions have been proposed to recreate different stages of the implantation process in vitro, by combining a human embryo (or a human embryo surrogate) and endometrial cells (or a surrogate for the endometrial tissue). In vitro models allow rapid high-throughput interrogation of embryos and cells, and efficient screening of molecules, such as cytokines, drugs, or transcription factors, that control embryo implantation and the receptivity of the endometrium. However, the broad selection of available in vitro systems makes it complicated to decide which system best fits the needs of a specific experiment or scientific question. To orient the reader, this review will explore the experimental options proposed in the literature, and classify them into amenable categories based on the embryo/cell pairs employed.The goal is to give an overview of the tools available to study the complex process of human embryo implantation, and explain the differences between them, including the advantages and disadvantages of each system. SEARCH METHODS We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to come up with different categories that mimic the different stages of embryo implantation in vitro, ranging from initial blastocyst apposition to later stages of trophoblast invasion or gastrulation. We will also review recent breakthrough advances on stem cells and organoids, assembling embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues. OUTCOMES We highlight the most relevant systems and describe the most significant experiments. We focus on in vitro systems that have contributed to the study of human reproduction by discovering molecules that control implantation, including hormones, signalling molecules, transcription factors and cytokines. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The momentum of this field is growing thanks to the use of stem cells to build embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues, and the use of bioengineering to extend the life of embryos in culture. We propose to merge bioengineering methods derived from the fields of stem cells and reproduction to develop new systems covering a wider window of the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ojosnegros
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Seriola
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amélie L Godeau
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- B arcelona Stem Cell Bank, Regenerative Medicine Programme, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain.,Reproductive Medicine Service, Dexeus Mujer, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
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Tremaine TD, Fouladi-Nashta AA. Steroid regulation of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression in ovine endometrium. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:257-269. [PMID: 33541520 DOI: 10.1071/rd20184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is highly expressed at the maternal-fetal interface and is a critical mediator of embryo implantation. The objectives of this study were to examine the spatial and temporal cyclical expression patterns and steroid regulation of SPP1 mRNA and protein in ovine endometrium, which may be further indicative of their functionality in embryo implantation. Uterine tissue was obtained following hysterectomy from ovariectomised ewes treated with ovarian steroids. In parallel, invitro culture of endometrial cells was used to investigate the effects of ovarian steroids on SPP1 expression in endometrial and luminal epithelial (LE) cells. A significant sustained mid-luteal phase increase in SPP1 mRNA in intercaruncular regions of the endometrium was observed, indicating that glandular epithelium is likely to be the primary source of SPP1 production. This increase in SPP1 was induced by progesterone treatment and was shown at the protein level by immunohistochemistry analysis. Similarly, treatment of stromal cells with 10ng mL-1 progesterone or in combination with 1ng mL-1 oestradiol significantly increased SPP1 expression (P<0.05). Collectively, expression levels of SPP1 are cycle-dependent and peak in the progesterone-dominant luteal phase. They are dependent on the interaction of uterine LE and stromal cells and may involve paracrine signalling by progesterone receptor-positive stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina D Tremaine
- Reproduction Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Ali A Fouladi-Nashta
- Reproduction Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; and Corresponding author.
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36
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Frank JW, Steinhauser CB, Wang X, Burghardt RC, Bazer FW, Johnson GA. Loss of ITGB3 in ovine conceptuses decreases conceptus expression of NOS3 and SPP1: implications for the developing placental vasculature†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:657-668. [PMID: 33232974 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During the peri-implantation period of pregnancy in sheep, there is an initial period of loose apposition of the elongating conceptuses (embryos and associated placental membranes) to the endometrial luminal epithelium (LE) that is followed by adhesion of the conceptus trophectoderm to the endometrial LE for implantation. Integrins and maternal extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules are major contributors to stable adhesion at implantation, and the β3 integrin subunit (ITGB3) is implicated in the adhesion cascade for implantation in several species including the sheep. We blocked mRNA translation for trophectoderm-expressed ITGB3 by infusing morpholino antisense oligonucleotides into the uterine lumen of pregnant ewes on Day 9 to assess effects on conceptus elongation, and on Day 16 to assess effects on early placental development in sheep. Results indicate that sheep conceptuses elongate and implant to the uterine wall in the absence of ITGB3 expression by the conceptuses; however, loss of ITGB3 in conceptuses decreased the growth of embryos to Day 24 of gestation, and decreased expression of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3). Abundant SPP1 was localized around the blood vessels in the placental allantoic membrane in normal sheep pregnancies. We hypothesize that NOS3 and SPP1 positively influence the development of the vasculature within the allantois, and that decreased expression of NOS3 and SPP1, in response to knockdown of ITGB3 in conceptuses, alters development of the vasculature in the allantois required to transport nutrients from the endometrium to support growth and development of the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Frank
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Chelsie B Steinhauser
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoqiu Wang
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Greg A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Izmailova LS, Vorotelyak EA, Vasiliev AV. In Vitro Modeling of the Early Development of Mouse and Human Embryos. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420050045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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38
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Wei P, Ru D, Li X, Shi D, Zhang M, Xu Q, Zhou H, Wen S. Exposure to environmental bisphenol A inhibits HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion. J Biomed Res 2020; 34:369-378. [PMID: 32981897 PMCID: PMC7540237 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.34.20200013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollutants, such as bisphenol A (BPA) have recently been implicated in the development of adverse birth outcomes. However, the underlying teratogenic mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the effects of BPA on the migration and invasion of human primary extravillous trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells. Our results indicated that BPA reduced cell migration and invasion. Moreover, it altered the ratio of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) by downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9, and upregulating TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Furthermore, BPA suppressed integrin β1, integrin α5, and vimentin. Interestingly, BPA-induced invasion was partially restored by G15, a membrane G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 30 antagonist. We further revealed that 42 proteins were differentially expressed by mass spectrometry analysis, which could be divided into three categories based on gene ontology including biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. These results suggest that BPA reduces HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion by downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9, up-regulating TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, and suppressing adhesion molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Wei
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Obstetrics, the Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Dongqing Ru
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Dongyan Shi
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Mingshun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210004, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.,Department of Biotherapy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Shuang Wen
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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Lee CJ, Hong SH, Yoon MJ, Lee KA, Ko JJ, Koo HS, Kim JH, Choi DH, Kwon H, Kang YJ. Endometrial profilin 1: a key player in embryo-endometrial crosstalk. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2020; 47:114-121. [PMID: 32466630 PMCID: PMC7315858 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2019.03454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Despite extensive research on implantation failure, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between the embryo and the maternal endometrium, which is critical for successful pregnancy. Profilin 1 (PFN1), which is expressed both in the embryo and in the endometrial epithelium, acts as a potent regulator of actin polymerization and the cytoskeletal network. In this study, we identified the specific role of endometrial PFN1 during embryo implantation. Methods Morphological alterations depending on the status of PFN1 expression were assessed in PFN1-depleted or control cells grown on Matrigel-coated cover glass. Day-5 mouse embryos were cocultured with Ishikawa cells. Comparisons of the rates of F-actin formation and embryo attachment were performed by measuring the stability of the attached embryo onto PFN1-depleted or control cells. Results Depletion of PFN1 in endometrial epithelial cells induced a significant reduction in cell-cell adhesion displaying less formation of colonies and a more circular cell shape. Mouse embryos co-cultured with PFN1-depleted cells failed to form actin cytoskeletal networks, whereas more F-actin formation in the direction of surrounding PFN1-intact endometrial epithelial cells was detected. Furthermore, significantly lower embryo attachment stability was observed in PFN1-depleted cells than in control cells. This may have been due to reduced endometrial receptivity caused by impaired actin cytoskeletal networks associated with PFN1 deficiency. Conclusion These observations definitively demonstrate an important role of PFN1 in mediating cell-cell adhesion during the initial stage of embryo implantation and suggest a potential therapeutic target or novel biomarker for patients suffering from implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Seon-Hwa Hong
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Min-Ji Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kyung-Ah Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jung-Jae Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hwa Seon Koo
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Dong Hee Choi
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hwang Kwon
- CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Youn-Jung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.,CHA Fertility Center Bundang, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
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40
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Berneau SC, Ruane PT, Brison DR, Kimber SJ, Westwood M, Aplin JD. Investigating the role of CD44 and hyaluronate in embryo-epithelial interaction using an in vitro model. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:265-273. [PMID: 30865276 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation failure is an important impediment to increasing success rates in assisted reproductive technologies. Knowledge of the cascade of morphological and molecular events at implantation remains limited. Cell surface CD44 and hyaluronate (HA) have been reported in the uterus, but a role in intercellular interaction at implantation remains to be evaluated. Mouse embryos were co-cultured with human Ishikawa endometrial epithelial monolayers over 2 days. Attachment was tenuous during the first 24 h, after which it became stable, leading to breaching of the monolayer. The effects of enzymatically reducing the density of HA, or introducing a function-blocking antibody to CD44, were monitored during progression from weak to stable embryonic attachment. Hyaluronidase-mediated removal of surface HA from the epithelial cells enhanced the speed of attachment, while a similar treatment of embryos had no effect. The antibody to CD44 caused retardation of initial attachment. These results suggest that CD44-HA binding could be employed by embryos during initial docking, but the persistence of HA in epithelial cells might be detrimental to later stages of implantation by retarding attainment of stable attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Berneau
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - P T Ruane
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - D R Brison
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - S J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - M Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - J D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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41
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Ruane PT, Buck CJ, Babbington PA, Aboussahoud W, Berneau SC, Westwood M, Kimber SJ, Aplin JD, Brison DR. The effects of hyaluronate-containing medium on human embryo attachment to endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoz033. [PMID: 32128453 PMCID: PMC7047226 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does embryo transfer medium containing hyaluronate (HA) promote the attachment phase of human embryo implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER HA-containing medium does not promote human blastocyst attachment to endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Embryo transfer media containing high concentrations of HA are being used to increase implantation and live birth rates in IVF treatment, although the mechanism of action is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Expression of HA-interacting genes in frozen-thawed oocytes/embryos was assessed by microarray analysis (n = 21). Fresh and frozen human blastocysts (n = 98) were co-cultured with human endometrial epithelial Ishikawa cell layers. Blastocyst attachment and the effects of a widely used HA-containing medium were measured. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human embryos surplus to treatment requirements were donated with informed consent from several ART centres. Blastocyst-stage embryos were transferred at day 6 to confluent Ishikawa cell layers; some blastocysts were artificially hatched. Blastocyst attachment was monitored from 1 to 48 h, and the effects of blastocyst pre-treatment for 10 min with HA-containing medium were determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Human embryos expressed the HA receptor genes CD44 and HMMR, hyaluronan synthase genes HAS1–3, and hyaluronidase genes HYAL1–3, at all stages of preimplantation development. Attachment of partially hatched blastocysts to Ishikawa cells at 24 and 48 h was related to trophectoderm grade (P = 0.0004 and 0.007, respectively, n = 34). Blastocysts of varying clinical grades that had been artificially hatched were all attached within 48 h (n = 21). Treatment of artificially hatched blastocysts with HA-containing medium did not significantly affect attachment at early (1–6 h) or late (24 and 48 h) time points, compared with control blastocysts (n = 43). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Using an adenocarcinoma-derived cell line to model embryo-endometrium attachment may not fully recapitulate in vivo interactions. The high levels of blastocyst attachment seen with this in vitro model may limit the sensitivity with which the effects of HA can be observed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Morphological trophectoderm grade can be correlated with blastocyst attachment in vitro. HA-containing medium may increase pregnancy rates by mechanisms other than promoting blastocyst attachment to endometrium. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by a grant from the Wellbeing of Women, the NIHR Local Comprehensive Research Network and NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility, the Department of Health Scientist Practitioner Training Scheme, and the Ministry of Higher Education, The State of Libya. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Ruane
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Chelsea J Buck
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Phoebe A Babbington
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Wedad Aboussahoud
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Stéphane C Berneau
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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D'Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Zicarelli L, Visintin JA, Baruselli PS. Adhesion molecules in gamete transport, fertilization, early embryonic development, and implantation-role in establishing a pregnancy in cattle: A review. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:206-222. [PMID: 31944459 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell adhesion molecules have critically important roles in the early events of reproduction including gamete transport, sperm-oocyte interaction, embryonic development, and implantation. Major adhesion molecules involved in reproduction include cadherins, integrins, and disintegrin and metalloprotease domain-containing (ADAM) proteins. ADAMs on the surface of sperm adhere to integrins on the oocyte in the initial stages of sperm-oocyte interaction and fusion. Cadherins act in early embryos to organize the inner cell mass and trophectoderm. The trophoblast and uterine endometrial epithelium variously express cadherins, integrins, trophinin, and selectin, which achieve apposition and attachment between the elongating conceptus and uterine epithelium before implantation. An overview of the major cell-cell adhesion molecules is presented and this is followed by examples of how adhesion molecules help shape early reproductive events. The argument is made that a deeper understanding of adhesion molecules and reproduction will inform new strategies that improve embryo survival and increase the efficiency of natural mating and assisted breeding in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D'Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Zicarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - José A Visintin
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Aberkane A, Essahib W, Spits C, De Paepe C, Sermon K, Adriaenssens T, Mackens S, Tournaye H, Brosens JJ, Van de Velde H. Expression of adhesion and extracellular matrix genes in human blastocysts upon attachment in a 2D co-culture system. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:375-387. [PMID: 29846687 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the changes in human embryos, in terms of morphology and gene expression, upon attachment to endometrial epithelial cells? SUMMARY ANSWER Apposition and adhesion of human blastocysts to endometrial epithelial cells are predominantly initiated at the embryonic pole and these steps are associated with changes in expression of adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) genes in the embryo. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Both human and murine embryos have been co-cultured with Ishikawa cells, although embryonic gene expression associated with attachment has not yet been investigated in an in vitro implantation model. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Vitrified human blastocysts were warmed and co-cultured for up to 48 h with Ishikawa cells, a model cell line for receptive endometrial epithelium. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Six days post-fertilization (6dpf) human embryos were co-cultured with Ishikawa cells for 12, 24 (7dpf) or 48 h (8dpf) and attachment rate and morphological development investigated. Expression of 84 adhesion and ECM genes was analysed by quantitative PCR. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to assess the expression of three informative genes at the protein level. Data are reported on 145 human embryos. Mann-Whitney U was used for statistical analysis between two groups, with P < 0.05 considered significant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The majority of embryos attached to Ishikawa cells at the level of the polar trophectoderm; 41% of co-cultured embryos were loosely attached after 12 h and 86% firmly attached after 24 h. Outgrowth of hCG-positive embryonic cells at 8dpf indicated differentiation of trophectoderm into invasive syncytiotrophoblast. Gene expression analysis was performed on loosely attached and unattached embryos co-cultured with Ishikawa cells for 12 h. In contrast to unattached embryos, loosely attached embryos expressed THBS1, TNC, COL12A1, CTNND2, ITGA3, ITGAV and LAMA3 and had significantly higher CD44 and TIMP1 transcript levels (P = 0.014 and P = 0.029, respectively). LAMA3, THBS1 and TNC expressions were validated at the protein level in firmly attached 7dpf embryos. Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) resided in the cytoplasm of embryonic cells whereas laminin subunit alpha 3 (LAMA3) and tenascin C (TNC) were expressed on the cell surface of trophectoderm cells. Incubation with a neutralizing TNC antibody did not affect the rate of embryo attachment or hCG secretion. LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This in vitro study made use of an endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line to mimic receptive luminal epithelium. Also, the number of embryos was limited. Contamination of recovered embryos with Ishikawa cells was unlikely based on their differential gene expression profiles. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Taken together, we provide a 'proof of concept' that initiation of the implantation process coincides with the induction of specific embryonic genes. Genome-wide expression profiling of a larger sample set may provide insights into the molecular embryonic pathways underlying successful or failed implantation. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) A.A. was supported by a grant from the 'Instituut voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie' (IWT, 121716, Flanders, Belgium). This work was supported by the 'Wetenschappelijk Fonds Willy Gepts' (WFWG G142 and G170, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aberkane
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - W Essahib
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Spits
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C De Paepe
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - T Adriaenssens
- Research Group Follicle Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Mackens
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H Tournaye
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - H Van de Velde
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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44
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Fu T, Zheng HT, Zhang HY, Chen ZC, Li B, Yang ZM. Oncostatin M expression in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy promotes embryo implantation and decidualization. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:2040-2050. [PMID: 31155707 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Oncostatin M (OSM) is a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family, which functions in embryo implantation and decidualization. The expression, function and regulation of Osm in mouse uteri during early pregnancy remain unknown. We show that Osm is mainly expressed in the uterine epithelium from days 1 to 4 of pregnancy and in decidual cells on day 5 of pregnancy. Osm promotes the attachment of Osm-soaked blue beads, which mimic blastocysts, to a pseudopregnant mouse uterus. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 )-induced Osm in mouse uterine epithelial cells upregulates the levels of Il-33 expression and phosphorylates Stat3. In vitro decidualization is significantly promoted by Osm. Our results indicate that PGE2 -induced Osm may mediate embryo implantation through Il-33 and participate in decidualization via the Stat3-Egr1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Tao Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Yi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Cong Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Berneau SC, Ruane PT, Brison DR, Kimber SJ, Westwood M, Aplin JD. Characterisation of Osteopontin in an In Vitro Model of Embryo Implantation. Cells 2019; 8:E432. [PMID: 31075896 PMCID: PMC6562724 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
At the onset of pregnancy, embryo implantation is initiated by interactions between the endometrial epithelium and the outer trophectoderm cells of the blastocyst. Osteopontin (OPN) is expressed in the endometrium and is implicated in attachment and signalling roles at the embryo-epithelium interface. We have characterised OPN in the human endometrial epithelial Ishikawa cell line using three different monoclonal antibodies, revealing at least nine distinct molecular weight forms and a novel secretory pathway localisation in the apical domain induced by cell organisation into a confluent epithelial layer. Mouse blastocysts co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers served to model embryo apposition, attachment and initial invasion at implantation. Exogenous OPN attenuated initial, weak embryo attachment to Ishikawa cells but did not affect the attainment of stable attachment. Notably, exogenous OPN inhibited embryonic invasion of the underlying cell layer, and this corresponded with altered expression of transcription factors associated with differentiation from trophectoderm (Gata2) to invasive trophoblast giant cells (Hand1). These data demonstrate the complexity of endometrial OPN forms and suggest that OPN regulates embryonic invasion at implantation by signalling to the trophectoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane C Berneau
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
| | - Peter T Ruane
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
| | - John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Centre and Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
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Transcriptomic analysis of the interaction of choriocarcinoma spheroids with receptive vs. non-receptive endometrial epithelium cell lines: an in vitro model for human implantation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:857-873. [PMID: 30972518 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Several in vitro systems have been reported to model human implantation; however, the molecular dynamics of the trophoblast vs. the epithelial substrate during attachment have not been described. We have established an in vitro model which allowed us to dissect the transcriptional responses of the trophoblast and the receptive vs. non-receptive epithelium after co-culture. METHODS We established an in vitro system based on co-culture of (a) immortalized cells representing receptive (Ishikawa) or non-receptive (HEC-1-A) endometrial epithelium with (b) spheroids of a trophoblastic cell line (JEG-3) modified to express green fluorescent protein (GFP). After 48 h of co-culture, GFP+ (trophoblast cells) and GFP- cell fractions (receptive or non-receptive epithelial cells) were isolated by fluorescence-activated flow cytometry (FACS) and subjected to RNA-seq profiling and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). RESULTS Compared to HEC-1-A, the trophoblast challenge to Ishikawa cells differentially regulated the expression of 495 genes, which mainly involved cell adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. GSEA revealed enrichment of pathways related to cell division, cell cycle regulation, and metabolism in the Ishikawa substrate. Comparing the gene expression profile of trophoblast spheroids revealed that 1877 and 323 genes were upregulated or downregulated when co-cultured on Ishikawa substrates (compared to HEC-1-A), respectively. Pathways favorable to development, including tissue remodeling, organogenesis, and angiogenesis, were enhanced in the trophoblast compartment after co-culture of spheroids with receptive epithelium. By contrast, the co-culture with less receptive epithelium enriched pathways mainly related to trophoblast cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation. CONCLUSIONS Endometrial receptivity requires a transcriptional signature that determines the trophoblast response and drives attachment.
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Benner M, Ferwerda G, Joosten I, van der Molen RG. How uterine microbiota might be responsible for a receptive, fertile endometrium. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 24:393-415. [PMID: 29668899 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility depends on a receptive state of the endometrium, influenced by hormonal and anatomical adaptations, as well as the immune system. Local and systemic immunity is greatly influenced by microbiota. Recent discoveries of 16S rRNA in the endometrium and the ability to detect low-biomass microbiota fueled the notion that the uterus may be indeed a non-sterile compartment. To date, the concept of the 'sterile womb' focuses on in utero effects of microbiota on offspring and neonatal immunity. However, little awareness has been raised regarding the importance of uterine microbiota for endometrial physiology in reproductive health; manifested in fertility and placentation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Commensal colonization of the uterus has been widely discussed in the literature. The objective of this review is to outline the possible importance of this uterine colonization for a healthy, fertile uterus. We present the available evidence regarding uterine microbiota, focusing on recent findings based on 16S rRNA, and depict the possible importance of uterine colonization for a receptive endometrium. We highlight a possible role of uterine microbiota for host immunity and tissue adaptation, as well as conferring protection against pathogens. Based on knowledge of the interaction of the mucosal immune cells of the gut with the local microbiome, we want to investigate the potential implications of commensal colonization for uterine health. SEARCH METHODS PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for articles in English indexed from 1 January 2008 to 1 March 2018 for '16S rRNA', 'uterus' and related search terms to assess available evidence on uterine microbiome analysis. A manual search of the references within the resulting articles was performed. To investigate possible functional contributions of uterine microbiota to health, studies on microbiota of other body sites were additionally assessed. OUTCOMES Challenging the view of a sterile uterus is in its infancy and, to date, no conclusions on a 'core uterine microbiome' can be drawn. Nevertheless, evidence for certain microbiota and/or associated compounds in the uterus accumulates. The presence of microbiota or their constituent molecules, such as polysaccharide A of the Bacteroides fragilis capsule, go together with healthy physiological function. Lessons learned from the gut microbiome suggest that the microbiota of the uterus may potentially modulate immune cell subsets needed for implantation and have implications for tissue morphology. Microbiota can also be crucial in protection against uterine infections by defending their niche and competing with pathogens. Our review highlights the need for well-designed studies on a 'baseline' microbial state of the uterus representing the optimal starting point for implantation and subsequent placenta formation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The complex interplay of processes and cells involved in healthy pregnancy is still poorly understood. The correct receptive endometrial state, including the local immune environment, is crucial not only for fertility but also placenta formation since initiation of placentation highly depends on interaction with immune cells. Implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and other pathologies of endometrium and placenta, such as pre-eclampsia, represent an increasing societal burden. More robust studies are needed to investigate uterine colonization. Based on current data, future research needs to include the uterine microbiome as a relevant factor in order to understand the players needed for healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilen Benner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, PO Box 9101, Internal mail 469, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerben Ferwerda
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, PO Box 9101, Internal mail 469, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Irma Joosten
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, PO Box 9101, Internal mail 469, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Renate G van der Molen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, PO Box 9101, Internal mail 469, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Villanueva F, Araya H, Briceño P, Varela N, Stevenson A, Jerez S, Tempio F, Chnaiderman J, Perez C, Villarroel M, Concha E, Khani F, Thaler R, Salazar-Onfray F, Stein GS, van Wijnen AJ, Galindo M. The cancer-related transcription factor RUNX2 modulates expression and secretion of the matricellular protein osteopontin in osteosarcoma cells to promote adhesion to endothelial pulmonary cells and lung metastasis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:13659-13679. [PMID: 30637720 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcomas are bone tumors that frequently metastasize to the lung. Aberrant expression of the transcription factor, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), is a key pathological feature in osteosarcoma and associated with loss of p53 and miR-34 expression. Elevated RUNX2 may transcriptionally activate genes mediating tumor progression and metastasis, including the RUNX2 target gene osteopontin (OPN/SPP1). This gene encodes a secreted matricellular protein produced by osteoblasts to regulate bone matrix remodeling and tissue calcification. Here we investigated whether and how the RUNX2/OPN axis regulates lung metastasis of osteosarcoma. Importantly, RUNX2 depletion attenuates lung metastasis of osteosarcoma cells in vivo. Using next-generation RNA-sequencing, protein-based assays, as well as the loss- and gain-of-function approaches in selected osteosarcoma cell lines, we show that osteopontin messenger RNA levels closely correlate with RUNX2 expression and that RUNX2 controls the levels of secreted osteopontin. Elevated osteopontin levels promote heterotypic cell-cell adhesion of osteosarcoma cells to human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, but not in the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Collectively, these findings indicate that the RUNX2/OPN axis regulates the ability of osteosarcoma cells to attach to pulmonary endothelial cells as a key step in metastasis of osteosarcoma cells to the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Villanueva
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hector Araya
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro Briceño
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nelson Varela
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andres Stevenson
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sofia Jerez
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabian Tempio
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jonas Chnaiderman
- Program of Virology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carola Perez
- Laboratory Animal Facility, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Milena Villarroel
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile.,National Child Programme of Antineoplastic Drugs (PINDA), Santiago, Chile
| | - Emma Concha
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile
| | - Farzaneh Khani
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Roman Thaler
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Flavio Salazar-Onfray
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont Cancer Center, The Robert Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Andre J van Wijnen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mario Galindo
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Chamseddine IM, Frieboes HB, Kokkolaras M. Design Optimization of Tumor Vasculature-Bound Nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17768. [PMID: 30538267 PMCID: PMC6290012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35675-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotherapy may constitute a promising approach to target tumors with anticancer drugs while minimizing systemic toxicity. Computational modeling can enable rapid evaluation of nanoparticle (NP) designs and numerical optimization. Here, an optimization study was performed using an existing tumor model to find NP size and ligand density that maximize tumoral NP accumulation while minimizing tumor size. Optimal NP avidity lies at lower bound of feasible values, suggesting reduced ligand density to prolong NP circulation. For the given set of tumor parameters, optimal NP diameters were 288 nm to maximize NP accumulation and 334 nm to minimize tumor diameter, leading to uniform NP distribution and adequate drug load. Results further show higher dependence of NP biodistribution on the NP design than on tumor morphological parameters. A parametric study with respect to drug potency was performed. The lower the potency of the drug, the bigger the difference is between the maximizer of NP accumulation and the minimizer of tumor size, indicating the existence of a specific drug potency that minimizes the differential between the two optimal solutions. This study shows the feasibility of applying optimization to NP designs to achieve efficacious cancer nanotherapy, and offers a first step towards a quantitative tool to support clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Michael Kokkolaras
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- GERAD - Group for Research in Decision Analysis, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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A Two-Cohort RNA-seq Study Reveals Changes in Endometrial and Blood miRNome in Fertile and Infertile Women. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9120574. [PMID: 30477193 PMCID: PMC6315937 DOI: 10.3390/genes9120574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium undergoes extensive changes to prepare for embryo implantation and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been described as playing a significant role in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. However, there is no consensus about the miRNAs involved in mid-secretory endometrial functions. We analysed the complete endometrial miRNome from early secretory (pre-receptive) and mid-secretory (receptive) phases from fertile women and from patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) to reveal differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in the mid-secretory endometrium. Furthermore, we investigated whether the overall changes during early to mid-secretory phase transition and with RIF condition could be reflected in blood miRNA profiles. In total, 116 endometrial and 114 matched blood samples collected from two different population cohorts were subjected to small RNA sequencing. Among fertile women, 91 DE miRNAs were identified in the mid-secretory vs. early secretory endometrium, while no differences were found in the corresponding blood samples. The comparison of mid-secretory phase samples between fertile and infertile women revealed 21 DE miRNAs from the endometrium and one from blood samples. Among discovered novel miRNAs, chr2_4401 was validated and showed up-regulation in the mid-secretory endometrium. Besides novel findings, we confirmed the involvement of miR-30 and miR-200 family members in mid-secretory endometrial functions.
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