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Shah S, Pocard M, Mirshahi M. Targeting the differentiation of gastric cancer cells (KATO‑III) downregulates epithelial‑mesenchymal and cancer stem cell markers. Oncol Rep 2019; 42:670-678. [PMID: 31233198 PMCID: PMC6609315 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyze the acquisition of the differentiated phenotype in the human gastric signet ring cell adenoma cancer KATO-III cell line in vitro. The morphology of KATO-III cells was explored by microcinematography. Different cytokines secreted by both adherent and non-adherent KATO-III cells into medium were observed. The cancer stem cell phenotypes were identified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction using primers (E-Cad, Slug, Snail, vimentin, NANOG, NESTIN, OCT3/4 and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4) or antibodies [cluster of differentiation (CD)90 and CD117] by flow cytometry (FACS). The influence of the induction media for the differentiation of mesenchymal cells was studied through viability and proliferation assays, by evaluating gene expression and the expression of markers via FACS. Cell viability and cell cycle distribution were evaluated following the treatment of KATO-III with acetyl salicylic acid and using the induction media as an inhibitor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and heparanase. A total of 3 phenotypes of KATO-III were observed (adherent, non-adherent and cell cluster), which have internal potential for cell transition into one of the other phenotypes. KATO-III was differentiated into adipocyte-, chondrocyte-, osteocyte- and neurocyte-like cells by the induction media. Identification of the induced cells was conducted using cell dyes. Reduced mRNA expression of EMT-associated molecules, stem cell markers and heparanase was observed with acetyl salicylic acid and induction media. An inhibitory effect of acetyl salicylic acid and the induction media was also noted in regard to cell proliferation. In addition, acetyl salicylic acid induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in KATO-III cells. In conclusion, the induction of the differentiation of cancer stem cells into non-proliferating cells offers the possibility for novel drug design to overcome the issues associated with metastasis, drug resistance and systemic toxicity with improved therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Shah
- University of Sorbonne Paris Cité‑Paris 7, Lariboisière Hospital, INSERM U965, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Marc Pocard
- University of Sorbonne Paris Cité‑Paris 7, Lariboisière Hospital, INSERM U965, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Massoud Mirshahi
- University of Sorbonne Paris Cité‑Paris 7, Lariboisière Hospital, INSERM U965, 75010 Paris, France
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Napso T, Yong HEJ, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. The Role of Placental Hormones in Mediating Maternal Adaptations to Support Pregnancy and Lactation. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1091. [PMID: 30174608 PMCID: PMC6108594 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the mother must adapt her body systems to support nutrient and oxygen supply for growth of the baby in utero and during the subsequent lactation. These include changes in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune and metabolic systems of the mother. Failure to appropriately adjust maternal physiology to the pregnant state may result in pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and abnormal birth weight, which can further lead to a range of medically significant complications for the mother and baby. The placenta, which forms the functional interface separating the maternal and fetal circulations, is important for mediating adaptations in maternal physiology. It secretes a plethora of hormones into the maternal circulation which modulate her physiology and transfers the oxygen and nutrients available to the fetus for growth. Among these placental hormones, the prolactin-growth hormone family, steroids and neuropeptides play critical roles in driving maternal physiological adaptations during pregnancy. This review examines the changes that occur in maternal physiology in response to pregnancy and the significance of placental hormone production in mediating such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Napso
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah E J Yong
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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3
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Mylonas I, Brüning A, Shabani N, Kunze S, Kupka MS. Evidence of inhibin/activin subunit betaC and betaE synthesis in normal human endometrial tissue. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:143. [PMID: 21092084 PMCID: PMC3002354 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibins are important regulators of the female reproductive system. Recently, two new inhibin subunits betaC and betaE have been described, although it is unclear if they are synthesized in normal human endometrium. METHODS Samples of human endometrium were obtained from 82 premenopausal, non-pregnant patients undergoing gynecological surgery for benign diseases. Endometrium samples were classified according to anamnestic and histological dating into proliferative (day 1-14, n = 46), early secretory (day 15-22, n = 18) and late secretory phase (day 23-28, n = 18). Immunohistochemical analyses were performed with specific antibodies against inhibin alpha (n = 81) as well as inhibin betaA (n = 82), betaB (n = 82), betaC (n = 74) and betaE (n = 76) subunits. RT-PCR was performed for all inhibin subunits. Correlation was assessed with the Spearman factor to assess the relationship of inhibin-subunits expression within the different endometrial samples. RESULTS The novel inhibin betaC and betaE subunits were found in normal human endometrium by immunohistochemical and molecular techniques. Inhibin alpha, betaA, betaB and betaE subunits showed a circadian expression pattern, being more abundant during the late secretory phase than during the proliferative phase. Additionally, a significant correlation between inhibin alpha and all inhibin beta subunits was observed. CONCLUSIONS The differential expression pattern of the betaC- and betaE-subunits in normal human endometrial tissue suggests that they function in endometrial maturation and blastocyst implantation. However, the precise role of these novel inhibin/activin subunits in human endometrium is unclear and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Mylonas
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Ansgar Brüning
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Naim Shabani
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Neuperlach, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Kunze
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Markus S Kupka
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany
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Weissenbacher T, Brüning A, Kimmich T, Makovitzky J, Gingelmaier A, Mylonas I. Immunohistochemical labeling of the inhibin/activin betaC subunit in normal human placental tissue and chorionic carcinoma cell lines. J Histochem Cytochem 2010; 58:751-7. [PMID: 20458061 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.2010.956185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibins and activins are important regulators of the female reproductive system. A novel inhibin subunit, named betaC, has been identified and demonstrated to be expressed in several human tissues. We demonstrate here that inhibin betaC is expressed in human placenta. Expression of the inhibin betaC subunit was demonstrated at the protein level by means of immunohistochemical evaluation and at the transcriptional level by an inhibin betaC-specific RT-PCR analysis. Expression of inhibin betaC was detected in the human chorionic carcinoma cell lines JEG and BeWo. Although the precise role of this novel inhibin subunit in human placenta development and homeostasis is unclear, analogies with other inhibin subunits and the strong expression of betaC in normal human trophoblast cells and chorionic carcinoma cells suggest that betaC may be involved in autocrine/paracrine signaling pathways, angiogenesis, decidualization, and tissue remodeling under normal and malignant conditions. Additionally, JEG and BeWo express betaC and, therefore, can be used as a cell culture model for further functional analysis of this subunit in the human placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Weissenbacher
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Hannan NJ, Paiva P, Dimitriadis E, Salamonsen LA. Models for Study of Human Embryo Implantation: Choice of Cell Lines?1. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:235-45. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Papageorgiou I, Nicholls PK, Wang F, Lackmann M, Makanji Y, Salamonsen LA, Robertson DM, Harrison CA. Expression of nodal signalling components in cycling human endometrium and in endometrial cancer. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:122. [PMID: 19874624 PMCID: PMC2774317 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human endometrium is unique in its capacity to remodel constantly throughout adult reproductive life. Although the processes of tissue damage and breakdown in the endometrium have been well studied, little is known of how endometrial regeneration is achieved after menstruation. Nodal, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, regulates the processes of pattern formation and differentiation that occur during early embryo development. METHODS In this study, the expression of Nodal, Cripto (co-receptor) and Lefty A (antagonist) was examined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry across the menstrual cycle and in endometrial carcinomas. RESULTS Nodal and Cripto were found to be expressed at high levels in both stromal and epithelial cells during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Although immunoreactivity for both proteins in surface and glandular epithelium was maintained at relatively steady-state levels across the cycle, their expression was significantly decreased within the stromal compartment by the mid-secretory phase. Lefty expression, as has previously been reported, was primarily restricted to glandular epithelium and surrounding stroma during the late secretory and menstrual phases. In line with recent studies that have shown that Nodal pathway activity is upregulated in many human cancers, we found that Nodal and Cripto immunoreactivity increased dramatically in the transition from histologic Grade 1 to histologic Grades 2 and 3 endometrial carcinomas. Strikingly, Lefty expression was low or absent in all cancer tissues. CONCLUSION The expression of Nodal in normal and malignant endometrial cells that lack Lefty strongly supports an important role for this embryonic morphogen in the tissue remodelling events that occur across the menstrual cycle and in tumourogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Papageorgiou
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
| | - Peter K Nicholls
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
| | - Fang Wang
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
| | - Martin Lackmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
| | - Yogeshwar Makanji
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
| | - David M Robertson
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Vic 3168, Australia
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Mylonas I, Makovitzky J, Shabani N, Gingelmaier A, Dian D, Kuhn C, Schulze S, Kunze S, Jeschke U, Friese K. Development and characterisation of an antibody for the immunohistochemical detection of inhibin/activin betaE (betaE) in normal human ovarian and placental tissue. Acta Histochem 2009; 111:366-71. [PMID: 19195688 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2008.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Inhibin/activin subunits are homologues to each other and belong to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family of proteins. These proteins have been demonstrated to be disulphide-linked dimers, which have a common alpha-subunit but just one of two beta-subunits, differentiated in inhibin A (alpha-betaA) and in inhibin B (alpha-betaB). Recently, an additional beta-subunit has been identified, determined as betaE and being primarily synthesized in liver tissue. However, since no antibody against the betaE subunit is commercially available, limited data on histological immunodistribution of this inhibin subunit in gynaecological organs exist. Therefore, the aims of the present study were the synthesis and evaluation of a specific antibody against the inhibin-betaE subunit. In this study, we describe the characterisation of a polyclonal antibody against the inhibin-betaE subunit. This antibody demonstrated a specific reaction in both western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, we demonstrated positive immunolabelling in normal human ovary and placenta. The role of this novel subunit is intriguing, especially within the view that the other inhibin/activin subunits might have substantial functions in human reproduction and carcinogenesis. However, the function of this subunit in humans remains still unclear and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Mylonas
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
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Coya R, Martul P, Algorta J, Aniel-Quiroga MA, Busturia MA, Señarís R. Effect of leptin on the regulation of placental hormone secretion in cultured human placental cells. Gynecol Endocrinol 2006; 22:620-6. [PMID: 17145648 DOI: 10.1080/09513590601012587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta is an important source of leptin during pregnancy that contributes to the high plasma leptin levels in pregnant women. Leptin and its functional receptors are synthesized in trophoblast cells that, in turn, secrete gestational hormones supporting a paracrine or autocrine role for leptin in the endocrine activity of the placenta. In the present study we examined the effect of leptin on in vitro release of gestational hormones (human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), progesterone, estrogens and testosterone) by human term placental cells in culture. Placentas at term were obtained immediately after delivery from mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies. Progesterone, hCG, hPL, estradiol, estrone, estriol and testosterone levels were measured by different assays in culture media of cells maintained in monolayer culture after incubation for 12, 24, 48 or 72 h with leptin or placebo. Incubation with leptin did not modify hCG, hPL, progesterone, estriol and estrone secretion for any of the doses and times assayed. However, leptin led to a dose-dependent decrease in estradiol release. This effect was observed when treatment with recombinant human leptin spanned from 12 to 72 h. At this time an increase in testosterone levels was observed in leptin-treated cells versus placebo. These results indicate that leptin can be considered a gestational hormone implied in the endocrine function of the placenta, with an important role in control of the production of steroid reproductive hormones in placental cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Coya
- Hormone Laboratory, Hospital de Cruces, Barakaldo, Spain.
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Jones RL, Findlay JK, Farnworth PG, Robertson DM, Wallace E, Salamonsen LA. Activin A and inhibin A differentially regulate human uterine matrix metalloproteinases: potential interactions during decidualization and trophoblast invasion. Endocrinology 2006; 147:724-32. [PMID: 16282351 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-1183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation and trophoblast invasion are tightly regulated processes, involving sophisticated communication between maternal decidual and fetal trophoblast cells. Decidualization is a prerequisite for successful implantation and is promoted by a number of paracrine agents, including activin A. To understand the downstream mechanisms of activin-promoted decidualization, the effects of activin on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (important mediators of decidualization) were investigated. Activin A stimulated endometrial production of proMMPs-2, -3, -7, -9, and active MMP-2. In contrast, inhibin A was a potent inhibitor of proMMP-2, and antagonized the effect of activin on MMPs. Activin is up-regulated with decidualization, and MMPs-2, -3, and -9 increase in parallel. Furthermore, proMMP-2 production is stimulated when decidualization is accelerated with activin, and suppressed when activin is neutralized, attenuating decidualization. These data support that activin A promotes decidualization through up-regulating MMPs. Previous in vitro evidence proposes further roles for activin and MMPs in promoting trophoblast invasion; therefore, we examined their interrelationships in early human implantation sites. MMPs-7 and -9 were produced by static cytotrophoblast subpopulations, whereas MMP-2 was strikingly up-regulated in invasive extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVT). Maternal decidua is the primary source of activin, where a role in stimulating MMP-2 in iEVTs can be envisaged. Inhibin was absent from cytotrophoblast populations, except for a dramatic up-regulation in endovascular EVT plugs, coinciding with a down-regulation of MMP-2. This suggests that inhibin may have a role in the cessation of vascular invasion. These data support that activin, via effects on MMPs, is an important factor in the maternal-fetal dialog regulating implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Jones
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Perrier d'Hauterive S, Charlet-Renard C, Dubois M, Berndt S, Goffin F, Foidart JM, Geenen V. Human endometrial leukemia inhibitory factor and interleukin-6: control of secretion by transforming growth factor-beta-related members. Neuroimmunomodulation 2005; 12:157-63. [PMID: 15905624 DOI: 10.1159/000084848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2003] [Accepted: 08/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) The implantation process is closely linked to the fundamental question of the tolerance of the maternal immune system. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether different members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily could intervene in the first steps of embryo implantation by modulating the secretion of proimplantatory leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and in the tolerance of the fetal graft by regulating proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 secretion by human endometrial epithelium (EEC) in vitro. METHODS EEC were isolated from biopsies collected from 16 informed and consenting fertile women and were cultured for 72 h. Cytokine measurements (LIF and IL-6) were realized by ELISA. RESULTS TGF-beta(1) (from 10(-12) to 10(-8)M), -beta(2), -beta(3) and activin A (10(-10) and 10(-8)M) increased LIF secretion by EEC cultures. Inhibin B (10(-10) and 10(-8)M) did not stimulate LIF production by human EEC. Contrastingly, TGF-beta(1) (from 10(-12) to 10(-8)M), -beta(2), -beta(3) and activin A (10(-10) and 10(-8)M) reduced IL-6 release by the same cells. Activin A at 10(-8) M also significantly reduced the stimulating effect of IL-1beta (10(-9)M) which is known to stimulate LIF production by EEC. Only the highest concentration of inhibin B (10(-8)M) reduced IL-6 secretion by EEC, but did not modulate IL-1beta-induced stimulation of IL-6 secretion. CONCLUSION(S) Besides their role in the control of the process of implantation and in the induction of embryonic mesoderm, different members of the TGF-beta superfamily may also contribute in the reproductive process by enhancing endometrial proimplantatory LIF secretion and reducing proinflammatory IL-6 release by EEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Perrier d'Hauterive
- University of Liège, Department of Medicine, Center of Immunology, Institute of Pathology CHU-B23, Liège-Sart Tilman, Belgium.
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Abstract
Cell-lines derived from human placenta and chorion have been used extensively to model the endocrine functions of human trophoblast. In general terms, the endocrine functions of the primary cells and tissues are at least partially replicated within the cell-lines, suggesting that they may be used as appropriate models. There are, however, two major provisos that compromise this generalisation. Firstly, the endocrine function of placenta represents a complex interaction between cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast and multiple regulators, so a single cell population digested from the normal environment is unlikely to represent this. Secondly, the characterisation of primary trophoblast populations and of cell-lines is incomplete, complicating the assignment of functions to trophoblast populations. Despite these difficulties, useful information has been obtained from the available cell-lines, regardless of whether they have arisen spontaneously, been transformed in vitro, or derived from cancers in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H F Sullivan
- Faculty of Medicine, Wolfson and Weston Research Centre for Family Health, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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Mylonas I, Jeschke U, Wiest I, Hoeing A, Vogl J, Shabani N, Kuhn C, Schulze S, Kupka MS, Friese K. Inhibin/activin subunits alpha, beta-A and beta-B are differentially expressed in normal human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. Histochem Cell Biol 2004; 122:461-71. [PMID: 15480736 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-004-0709-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Inhibins are dimeric glycoproteins composed of an alpha (alpha) subunit and one of two possible beta (beta-) subunits (betaA or betaB). The aims of this study were to assess the frequency and tissue distribution patterns of the inhibin subunits in normal human endometrium. Samples from human endometrium from proliferative phase (PP; n=32), early secretory phase (ES; n=10) and late secretory phase (LS; n=12) were obtained. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and a statistical analysis were performed. All three inhibin subunits were expressed by normal endometrium by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Inhibin-alpha was primarily detected in glandular epithelial cells, while inhibin-beta subunits were additionally localised in stromal tissue. Inhibin-alpha staining reaction increased significantly between PP and ES (P<0.05), PP and LS (P<0.01), and ES and LS (P<0.02). Inhibin-betaA and -betaB were significant higher in LS than PP (P<0.05) and LS than ES (P<0.05). All three inhibin subunits were expressed by human endometrium varying across the menstrual cycle. This suggests substantial functions in human implantation of inhibin-alpha subunit, while stromal expression of the beta subunits could be important in the paracrine signalling for adequate endometrial maturation. The distinct expression in human endometrial tissue suggests a synthesis of inhibins into the lumen and a predominant secretion of activins into the stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Mylonas
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
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13
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Mylonas I, Makovitzky J, Fernow A, Richter DU, Jeschke U, Briese V, Gerber B, Friese K. Expression of the inhibin/activin subunits alpha (α), beta-A (βA) and beta-B (βB) in benign human endometrial polyps and tamoxifen-associated polyps. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2004; 272:59-66. [PMID: 15309402 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-004-0666-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2004] [Accepted: 06/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibins (INH) are dimeric glycoproteins, composed of an alpha subunit (INH-alpha) and one of two possible beta subunits (INH-betaA or INH-betaB). They have substantial roles in human reproduction and in endocrine-responsive tumours. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the frequency and tissue distribution of INH-alpha, INH-betaA and INH-betaB in normal human endometrium and glandular-cystic endometrial polyps, and polyps caused by tamoxifen use. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tissue samples were obtained from women in the proliferative, early secretory and late secretory phase as well as glandular-cystic polyps and endometrial polyps associated with tamoxifen use (n = 5 each). Immunohistochemistry with specific monoclonal antibodies, a semi-quantitative analysis and statistical evaluation was performed. RESULTS INH-alpha, INH-betaA and INH-betaB were primarily observed in glandular and luminal epithelial cells, with a variant staining intensity in stromal cells. INH-alpha in glands was significantly higher during the early secretory phase (p < 0.05) and the late secretory phase (p < 0.01) than in the proliferative phase with a significant difference between the early secretory and the late secretory phases (p < 0.01). INH-betaA expression was significantly higher during the late secretory than the proliferative phase (p < 0.05) and the late secretory than the early secretory phase (p < 0.05), with no significant differences for INH-betaB. Glandular-cystic polyps showed significantly lower expression of INH-alpha and INH-betaA than the late secretory endometria (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively). Additionally, tamoxifen-associated polyps also demonstrated a significantly lower expression of INH-alpha and INH-betaA than late secretory endometria (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01 respectively). No statistical differences were observed between tamoxifen-associated and glandular-cystic polyps. DISCUSSION INH-alpha, INH-betaA and INH-betaB were expressed in normal endometrium and endometrial polyps. A cyclical expression of INH-alpha and INH-betaA in normal glands may reflect a functional and hormone-dependent role in human endometrium. Significant differences in staining reaction between the late secretory endometria and polyps suggest that this tissue remains in the proliferating state rather than the secretory state. Therefore, endometrial polyps may be tumours of dysregulation with mainly proliferating characteristics, being unable to synchronise with normal endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Mylonas
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany
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Tierney EP, Giudice LC. Role of activin A as a mediator of in vitro endometrial stromal cell decidualization via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway. Fertil Steril 2004; 81 Suppl 1:899-903. [PMID: 15019827 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2003] [Revised: 09/17/2003] [Accepted: 09/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the regulation and role of activin A in endometrial stromal decidualization. DESIGN In vitro model of human stromal cell decidualization with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) used to evaluate expression of activin A and to evaluate the effect of the addition of follistatin, a known activin inhibitor, on expression of the decidualized phenotype (as measured by levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 [IGFBP-1]). SETTING Academic research environment. PATIENT(S) Four premenopausal, normally cycling subjects (age range: 32-40 years). INTERVENTION(S) Endometrial samples were obtained from the subjects after informed consent was obtained. Endometrial stromal cells were treated with cAMP (decidualizing stimulus) and 50 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL, and 200 ng/mL of follistatin for 48 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Levels of IGFBP-1 secreted from cells decidualized in the absence and presence of three different concentrations of follistatin. RESULT(S) Addition of follistatin, a known binding protein inhibitor of activin A, resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of IGFBP-1 secreted into conditioned medium, with the greatest decrease observed at 4 days of decidualization. Cells treated with cAMP and 50 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL, and 200 ng/mL of follistatin demonstrated 67.3%, 58.6%, and 35.5%, respectively, of the IGFBP-1 levels observed with cAMP but without follistatin. CONCLUSION(S) These data suggest that activin A is a necessary component of the cAMP pathway leading to endometrial stromal decidualization. The role of activin A in regulating endometrial stromal decidualization and its known promotion of the invasive phenotype of the trophoblast suggest unique autocrine and paracrine interactions at the maternal/fetal interface during implantation, which might have important clinical implications for the understanding and treatment of fertility and pregnancy disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily P Tierney
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5317, USA
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Mylonas I, Makovitzky J, Richter DU, Jeschke U, Briese V, Friese K. Expression of the inhibin-alpha subunit in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrial tissue: an immunohistochemical analysis. Gynecol Oncol 2004; 93:92-7. [PMID: 15047219 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2003.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determination of the frequency and tissue distribution of inhibin-alpha (INH-alpha) in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrium. MATERIALS AND METHODS Endometrial tissue was obtained from normal, hyperplastic (glandular-cystic hyperplasia), adenomatous hyperplasia (AH grade I to III) and endometroid adenocarcinoma and immunohistochemically characterized with INH-alpha antibody. RESULTS INH-alpha was expressed in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrium. Highest expression was observed during secretory phase and glandular-cystic hyperplasia compared to all groups. A continuous decline was noted from AH grade I to III with a significance between AH I and II. DISCUSSION A menstrual cycle associated expression of INH-alpha in glandular endometrial epithelium was observed. Since AH grade II and III can be considered as a precursor of endometrial cancer, INH-alpha could be a marker of cell transformation and an endometrial tumor-suppressor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Mylonas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Peng C. The TGF-beta superfamily and its roles in the human ovary and placenta. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2004; 25:834-44. [PMID: 14532952 DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)30674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily consists of a large group of growth and differentiation factors, such as TGF-betas, activins, inhibins, growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). These molecules act through specific receptor complexes that are composed of type I and type II serine/threonine receptor kinases. The receptor kinases subsequently activate Smad proteins, which then propagate the signals into the nucleus to regulate target gene expression. Several ligands in this family, such as TGF-betas, activins, inhibins, BMP-15, and GDF-9, play important roles in regulating human ovarian functions, including follicle development and maturation. Activin and TGF-beta are also involved in regulating placental development and functions. Abnormal expression or function of these ligands has been found in several pathological conditions. This review summarizes the role of the TGF-beta superfamily in human ovarian and placental regulation and function, and the potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Yuen CW, Ge W. Follistatin suppresses FSHbeta but increases LHbeta expression in the goldfish - evidence for an activin-mediated autocrine/paracrine system in fish pituitary. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2004; 135:108-15. [PMID: 14644650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2003.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that recombinant goldfish activin B stimulated goldfish FSHbeta but inhibited LHbeta expression. Similar to activin B, activin A also exhibited the inverse effects on the expression of the two gonadotropins. The novel dual effects of activins on FSH and LH in the goldfish raise an interesting question as to where the activin comes from in vivo. In the present study, we first demonstrated the expression of activin, its receptors and binding protein follistatin in the goldfish pituitary, leading to a suggestion that an autocrine/paracrine regulatory system involving activin is operative in fish pituitary. To investigate the functionality of the pituitary-derived activin system in the regulation of gonadotropin biosynthesis, we further examined the effects of follistatin, an activin-binding protein, on goldfish FSHbeta and LHbeta expression. Follistatin not only reversed the effects of exogenous activin on FSHbeta and LHbeta expression but also had inverse effects on the basal expression of the genes; and its effects were opposite to those of activin. This suggests that the endogenous activin plays roles in controlling the expression of both FSHbeta and LHbeta genes. It is conceivable that any factors that influence the intrapituitary activin system in vivo will likely affect the biosynthesis of the two gonadotropins in the goldfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Wai Yuen
- Department of Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
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18
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Roberts HJ, Hu S, Qiu Q, Leung PCK, Caniggia I, Gruslin A, Tsang B, Peng C. Identification of novel isoforms of activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) generated by alternative splicing and expression of ALK7 and its ligand, Nodal, in human placenta. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1719-26. [PMID: 12606401 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.013045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the transforming growth factor (TGF) beta family play critical roles in regulating placental functions. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based strategies, we have cloned four transcripts encoding full-length activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) and three novel ALK7 isoforms from the human placenta. The full-length ALK7 has 493 amino acids and exhibits all characteristics of TGFbeta type I receptors, including an activin receptor-binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a GS domain, and a serine/threonine kinase domain. The three ALK7 isoforms identified include a truncated ALK7 (tALK7) and two soluble proteins designated as soluble ALK7a (sALK7a) and soluble ALK7b (sALK7b). The tALK7 lacks the first 50 amino acids of the full-length ALK7, resulting in a truncated receptor-binding domain. Both sALK7a and sALK7b lack transmembrane and GS domains. The ALK7 gene, located on chromosome 2q24.1, is composed of at least nine exons and eight introns. The isoforms of ALK7 are generated by alternative splicing. Transcripts encoding the sALK7 isoforms differ from the full-length transcript by lacking exon III or both exons III and IV in sALK7a and sALK7b, respectively. The transcript for tALK7 uses an alternative exon located within the first intron of the full-length transcript. These results indicate that four distinct proteins are encoded by the human ALK7 gene. Both reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that ALK7 and its isoforms are expressed in human placentae of different stages of pregnancy and that their expression is developmentally regulated. In addition, mRNA expression of Nodal, a ligand for ALK7, was also detected in placentae of different gestational age. The role of Nodal and ALK7 in human placenta is currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather J Roberts
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3J 1P3
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Chen VTS, Peng C, Leung PCK. Activin-A up-regulates type I activin receptor mRNA levels in human immortalized extravillous trophoblast cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2003; 1:29. [PMID: 12702211 PMCID: PMC153493 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-1-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2003] [Accepted: 03/24/2003] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin is known to play an important regulatory role in reproduction, including pregnancy. To further examine the role and signaling mechanism of activin in regulating placental function, the steady-state level of activin type I receptor (ActRI) mRNA in immortalized extravillous trophoblasts (IEVT) cells was measured using competitive PCR (cPCR). An internal standard of ActRI cDNA for cPCR was constructed for the quantification of ActRI mRNA levels in IEVT cells. ActRI mRNA levels were increased in a dose-dependent manner by activin-A with the maximal effect observed at the dose of 10 ng/ml. Time course studies revealed that activin-A had maximal effects on ActRI mRNA levels at 6 hours after treatment. The effects of activin-A on ActRI mRNA levels was blocked by follistatin, an activin binding protein, in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, inhibin-A inhibited basal, as well as activin-A-induced ActRI mRNA levels. These findings provide evidence, for the first time, that activin-A modulates ActRI mRNA levels in human trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor TS Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter CK Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Sidis Y, Tortoriello DV, Holmes WE, Pan Y, Keutmann HT, Schneyer AL. Follistatin-related protein and follistatin differentially neutralize endogenous vs. exogenous activin. Endocrinology 2002; 143:1613-24. [PMID: 11956142 DOI: 10.1210/endo.143.5.8805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-related protein (FSRP) is a new addition to the expanding follistatin (FS)-related gene family whose members contain at least one conserved 10-cysteine follistatin domain. In contrast to other members of this family, FSRP and follistatin also share a common exon/intron domain structure, substantial primary sequence homology, and an ability to irreversibly bind activin. In this study, we further explored the hypothesis that FSRP is a functional as well as structural homologue of FS. N-terminal sequencing of recombinant FSRP revealed that signal peptide cleavage occurs within exon 1, a significant structural difference from FS, in which cleavage occurs at the exon/intron boundary. Solid-phase radioligand competition assays revealed both FS and FSRP to preferentially bind activin with the next closest TGF-beta superfamily member, bone-morphogenic protein-7, being at least 500-fold less potent. Consistent with their similar activin-binding affinities, FSRP and FS both prevented exogenous (endocrine or paracrine) activin from accessing its receptor and inducing gene transcription in bioassays. However, FS was at least 100-fold more potent than FSRP in inhibiting gene transcription and FSH release mediated by endogenously produced (autocrine) activin-A or activin-B in multiple cell systems. Finally, FSRP lacks the heparin-binding sequence found in FS, and we found that it was also unable to bind cell surface heparin sulfated proteoglycans. These findings suggest that structural differences between FSRP and FS may underlie their different neutralizating capabilities with respect to exogenous vs. endogenous activin. Taken together with our previous studies showing that activin binding is essential for FS's biological activity, the differential activities of FSRP and FS further indicate that activin binding is necessary but not sufficient to account for all of FS's actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisrael Sidis
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and National Center for Infertility Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02144, USA
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Wu D, Luo S, Wang Y, Zhuang L, Chen Y, Peng C. Smads in human trophoblast cells: expression, regulation and role in TGF-beta-induced transcriptional activity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2001; 175:111-21. [PMID: 11325521 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(01)00397-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Smad proteins have recently been shown to be downstream signaling molecules that transduce TGF-beta signals from cell surface to the nucleus. To determine the mechanisms of TGF-beta action in human trophoblast cells, we investigated the expression and regulation of Smad2,3,4, and 7 mRNAs in a normal trophoblast cell line, NPC, and a cell line derived from choriocarcinoma, JEG-3. Messenger RNAs for Smad2,3,4 and 7 were detected in both NPC and JEG-3 cells. TGF-beta1 induced modest increases in Smad2 and Smad4 mRNA levels without affecting Smad3 mRNA expression in both cell lines. Significant increases in Smad7 mRNA levels in both NPC and JEG-3 cells following TGF-beta1 treatment were observed. TGF-beta1 also induced promoter activity of the Smad7 gene, indicating a direct effect at the level of gene transcription. The transcriptional activity of TGF-beta was examined in JEG-3 cells using two TGF-beta responsive reporter constructs, p3TP-Lux and pAR3-Lux. We found that Smad3 and to a lesser extent, Smad2 and Smad4, enhanced, while Smad7 inhibited, TGF-beta1-induced transcriptional activities. The basal and TGF-beta1-induced transcription can be blocked by overexpression of a dominant negative TGF-beta type II receptor. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that in human trophoblast cell lines, the Smad pathway involved in TGF-beta signal transduction is functional and that TGF-beta plays an autocrine role in regulating gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Wu
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, M3J 1P3, Ontario, Canada
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