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Velez C, Williamson D, Cánovas ML, Giai LR, Rutland C, Pérez W, Barbeito CG. Changes in Immune Response during Pig Gestation with a Focus on Cytokines. Vet Sci 2024; 11:50. [PMID: 38275932 PMCID: PMC10819333 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010050] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pigs have the highest percentage of embryonic death not associated with specific diseases of all livestock species, at 20-45%. During gestation processes, a series of complex alterations can arise, including embryonic migration and elongation, maternal immunological recognition of pregnancy, and embryonic competition for implantation sites and subsequent nutrition requirements and development. Immune cells and cytokines act as mediators between other molecules in highly complex interactions between various cell types. However, other non-immune cells, such as trophoblast cells, are important in immune pregnancy regulation. Numerous studies have shed light on the crucial roles of several cytokines that regulate the inflammatory processes that characterize the interface between the fetus and the mother throughout normal porcine gestation, but most of these reports are limited to the implantational and peri-implantational periods. Increase in some proinflammatory cytokines have been found in other gestational periods, such as placental remodeling. Porcine immune changes during delivery have not been studied as deeply as in other species. This review details some of the immune system cells actively involved in the fetomaternal interface during porcine gestation, as well as the principal cells, cytokines, and molecules, such as antibodies, that play crucial roles in sow pregnancy, both in early and mid-to-late gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Velez
- Laboratory of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), Santa Rosa 6300, Argentina; (C.V.); (D.W.); (L.R.G.)
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires 2690, Argentina;
| | - Delia Williamson
- Laboratory of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), Santa Rosa 6300, Argentina; (C.V.); (D.W.); (L.R.G.)
| | - Mariela Lorena Cánovas
- Laboratory of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), Santa Rosa 6300, Argentina; (C.V.); (D.W.); (L.R.G.)
| | - Laura Romina Giai
- Laboratory of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), Santa Rosa 6300, Argentina; (C.V.); (D.W.); (L.R.G.)
| | - Catrin Rutland
- Sutton Bonington Campus, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - William Pérez
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Montevideo, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Claudio Gustavo Barbeito
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires 2690, Argentina;
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Comparative and Experimental Histology and Embriology (LHYEDEC), Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina
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Zhou C, Cheng X, Meng F, Wang Y, Luo W, Zheng E, Cai G, Wu Z, Li Z, Hong L. Identification and characterization of circRNAs in peri-implantation endometrium between Yorkshire and Erhualian pigs. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:412. [PMID: 37488487 PMCID: PMC10364396 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most critical periods for the loss of pig embryos is the 12th day of gestation when implantation begins. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important regulatory roles during pregnancy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a kind of ubiquitously expressed ncRNAs that can directly regulate the binding proteins or regulate the expression of target genes by adsorbing micro RNAs (miRNA). RESULTS We used the Illumina Novaseq6,000 technology to analyze the circRNA expression profile in the endometrium of three Erhualian (EH12) and three Yorkshire (YK12) pigs on day 12 of gestation. Overall, a total of 22,108 circRNAs were identified. Of these, 4051 circRNAs were specific to EH12 and 5889 circRNAs were specific to YK12, indicating a high level of breed specificity. Further analysis showed that there were 641 significant differentially expressed circRNAs (SDEcircRNAs) in EH12 compared with YK12 (FDR < 0.05). Functional enrichment of differential circRNA host genes revealed many pathways and genes associated with reproduction and regulation of embryo development. Network analysis of circRNA-miRNA interactions further supported the idea that circRNAs act as sponges for miRNAs to regulate gene expression. The prediction of differential circRNA binding proteins further explored the potential regulatory pathways of circRNAs. Analysis of SDEcircRNAs suggested a possible reason for the difference in embryo survival between the two breeds at the peri-implantation stage. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data suggest that circRNAs are abundantly expressed in the endometrium during the peri-implantation period in pigs and are important regulators of related genes. The results of this study will help to further understand the differences in molecular pathways between the two breeds during the critical implantation period of pregnancy, and will help to provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the establishment of pregnancy and embryo loss in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xinyan Cheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wanyun Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China.
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China.
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Vélez C, Clauzure M, Williamson D, Koncurat MA, Barbeito C. IFN-γ and IL-10: seric and placental profile during pig gestation Seric and placental cytokines in pig gestation. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20201160. [PMID: 37075349 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320201160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Concentration of interferon-gamma and interleukin-10 in maternal serum and in maternal and fetal porcine placental extracts from different gestation periods was determined. Crossbred pigs' placental samples of 17, 30, 60, 70, and 114 days gestation and non-pregnant uteri were used. Interferon-gamma concentration was increased at the placental interface at 17 days, in maternal and fetal placenta, and decreased significantly in the remaining gestation periods. Interferon-gamma showed a peak in serum at 60 days. Regarding interleukin-10, placental tissue concentrations were unaltered, there were no significant differences with non-gestating uteri samples. In serum interleukin-10 increased at 17, 60, and 114 days gestation. At 17 days there are uterus structural and molecular changes that allow the embryos implantation and placenta development. The presence of interferon-gamma found at this moment in the interface would favor that placental growth. Moreover, its significant increase in serum at 60 days, would generate a proinflammatory cytokine pattern that facility the placental remodeling characteristic of this moment of porcine gestation. On the other hand, a significant interleukin-10 increase in serum at 17, 60 and 114 days could indicate its immunoregulatory role at a systemic level during pig gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Vélez
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), Calle 5, 116, General Pico, 6360 La Pampa, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariángeles Clauzure
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), Calle 5, 116, General Pico, 6360 La Pampa, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Delia Williamson
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), Calle 5, 116, General Pico, 6360 La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Mirta A Koncurat
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), Calle 5, 116, General Pico, 6360 La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Claudio Barbeito
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratory of Descriptive, Comparative and Experimental Histology and Embryology, School of Veterinary Science, National University of La Plata, Av. 60, 118, B1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Differential MicroRNA Expression in Porcine Endometrium Related to Spontaneous Embryo Loss during Early Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158157. [PMID: 35897733 PMCID: PMC9331794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Litter size is an important indicator to measure the production capacity of commercial pigs. Spontaneous embryo loss is an essential factor in determining sow litter size. In early pregnancy, spontaneous embryo loss in porcine is as high as 20–30% during embryo implantation. However, the specific molecular mechanism underlying spontaneous embryo loss at the end of embryo implantation remains unknown. Therefore, we comprehensively used small RNA sequencing technology, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular experiments to determine the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile in the healthy and arresting embryo implantation site of porcine endometrium on day of gestation (DG) 28. A total of 464 miRNAs were identified in arresting endometrium (AE) and healthy endometrium (HE), and 139 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were screened. We combined the mRNA sequencing dataset from the SRA database to predict the target genes of these miRNAs. A quantitative real-time PCR assay identified the expression levels of miRNAs and mRNAs. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed on differentially expressed target genes of DEMs, mainly enriched in epithelial development and amino acids metabolism-related pathways. We performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the dual-luciferase report gene assay to confirm miRNA and predicted target gene binding. miR-205 may inhibit its expression by combining 3′-untranslated regions (3′ UTR) of tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen-like 1 (TINAGL1). The resulting inhibition of angiogenesis in the maternal endometrium ultimately leads to the formation of arresting embryos during the implantation period. This study provides a reference for the effect of miRNA on the successful implantation of pig embryos in early gestation.
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Zhang L, Zhou C, Jiang X, Huang S, Li Y, Su T, Wang G, Zhou Y, Liu M, Xu D. Circ0001470 Acts as a miR-140-3p Sponge to Facilitate the Progression of Embryonic Development through Regulating PTGFR Expression. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111746. [PMID: 35681442 PMCID: PMC9179393 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic implantation and development are vital in early pregnancy and assisted reproduction. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the two physiological processes and thus regulate animal reproduction. However, their specific regulatory functions and mechanisms remain unclear. Here, a novel circ0001470, originating from the porcine GRN gene, differentially expressed on day 18 versus day 32 of gestation in Meishan and Yorkshire pigs was screened. The circularization characteristic of circ0001470 was identified based on divergent primer amplification, Sanger sequencing, RNase digestion, and RNA nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation. Functionally, circ0001470 can promote cell proliferation and cycle progression of endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) and also inhibit apoptosis of EECs using CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry analyses. Mechanistically, bioinformatics database prediction, luciferase screening, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA-pull down, and FISH co-localization experiments revealed that the circ0001470 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) through sponging miR-140-3p to regulate downstream PTGFR expression. Moreover, in vivo assays revealed that mmu_circGRN promoted embryonic development by affecting the expression of PTGFR, which can activate the MAPK reproduction pathway and facilitate pregnancy maintenance. This study enriched our understanding of circRNAs in embryo implantation and development by deciding the fate of EECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhang
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Changfan Zhou
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiang
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shuntao Huang
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yiheng Li
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Tao Su
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guowei Wang
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - You Zhou
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Min Liu
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dequan Xu
- Colleges of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (L.Z.); (C.Z.); (X.J.); (S.H.); (Y.L.); (T.S.); (G.W.); (Y.Z.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence:
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Influence of Genotype on Endometrial Angiogenesis during Early Pregnancy in Piau and Commercial Line Gilts. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050553. [PMID: 35268121 PMCID: PMC8908842 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050553] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the endometrial angiogenesis of pregnant commercial line and Piau gilts during early pregnancy. We used 27 gilts, divided into three groups according to the type of mating: Commercial (n = 9), commercial line females mated with commercial line males; Cross-mated (n = 9), Piau females mated with commercial line males; and Piau (n = 9), Piau females mated with Piau males. Each group was divided into three subgroups based on gestational age at the time of slaughter (7, 15, and 30 days of pregnancy). Immediately after slaughter, endometrial samples were obtained for histological evaluation and for analysis of the relative transcript abundance (RTA) of angiogenesis-related genes (HIF1α, FGF9, ANG1, TEK, VEGFA, ANGPT1, and ANGPT2). The number of endometrial glands was similar among groups but decreased with gestational age (p < 0.05). Piau females showed a higher number of blood vessels (p < 0.05) at 7 and 15 days of pregnancy, but no differences were observed among groups at 30 days, suggesting an influence of the male genotype on the pattern of uterine vascularization. There were no differences among groups for RTA of the FGF9, HIF1α, TEK, VEGFA, ANGPT1, and ANGPT2 genes. The HIF1α-gene RTA was higher at 7 and 15 days of pregnancy; for TEK and ANGPT1, the RTA was higher at 15 days of pregnancy; and the RTA of VEGFA and ANGPT2 genes were higher at 30 days of pregnancy. The ANG1 RTA was similar for pregnancies in the commercial and Piau groups but was higher (p < 0.05) at 15 days in the Cross-mated group, suggesting an interaction between genotypes. Overall, the pattern found for the RTA of angiogenesis-related genes was similar among the groups in this study, although some phenotypic differences could be noted, such as the highest number of blood vessels being found during early pregnancy of Piau gilts. The results of the gene RTA when crossed with phenotypic data led to conclusions that are conflicting with those reported in the literature. However, noteworthy is that angiogenesis is a complex process in which the balance between stimulatory and inhibitory factors may be related to time.
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Molecular Characterisation of Uterine Endometrial Proteins during Early Stages of Pregnancy in Pigs by MALDI TOF/TOF. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136720. [PMID: 34201586 PMCID: PMC8267828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism underlying embryonic implantation is vital to understand the correct communications between endometrium and developing conceptus during early stages of pregnancy. This study’s objective was to determine molecular changes in the uterine endometrial proteome during the preimplantation and peri-implantation between 9 days (9D), 12 days (12D), and 16 days (16D) of pregnant Polish Large White (PLW) gilts. 2DE-MALDI-TOF/TOF and ClueGOTM approaches were employed to analyse the biological networks and molecular changes in porcine endometrial proteome during maternal recognition of pregnancy. A total of sixteen differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified using 2-DE gels and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Comparison between 9D and 12D of pregnancy identified APOA1, CAPZB, LDHB, CCT5, ANXA4, CFB, TTR upregulated DEPs, and ANXA5, SMS downregulated DEPs. Comparison between 9D and 16D of pregnancy identified HP, APOA1, ACTB, CCT5, ANXA4, CFB upregulated DEPs and ANXA5, SMS, LDHB, ACTR3, HP, ENO3, OAT downregulated DEPs. However, a comparison between 12D and 16D of pregnancy identified HP, ACTB upregulated DEPs, and CRYM, ANXA4, ANXA5, CAPZB, LDHB, ACTR3, CCT5, ENO3, OAT, TTR down-regulated DEPs. Outcomes of this study revealed key proteins and their interactions with metabolic pathways involved in the recognition and establishment of early pregnancy in PLW gilts.
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Bidarimath M, Lingegowda H, Miller JE, Koti M, Tayade C. Insights Into Extracellular Vesicle/Exosome and miRNA Mediated Bi-Directional Communication During Porcine Pregnancy. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:654064. [PMID: 33937376 PMCID: PMC8081834 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.654064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous fetal loss is one of the most important challenges that commercial pig industry is still facing in North America. Research over the decade provided significant insights into some of the associated mechanisms including uterine capacity, placental efficiency, deficits in vasculature, and immune-inflammatory alterations at the maternal-fetal interface. Pigs have unique epitheliochorial placentation where maternal and fetal layers lay in opposition without any invasion. This has provided researchers opportunities to accurately tease out some of the mechanisms associated with maternal-fetal interface adaptations to the constantly evolving needs of a developing conceptus. Another unique feature of porcine pregnancy is the conceptus derived recruitment of immune cells during the window of conceptus attachment. These immune cells in turn participate in pregnancy associated vascular changes and contribute toward tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus. However, the precise mechanism of how maternal-fetal cells communicate during the critical times in gestation is not fully understood. Recently, it has been established that bi-directional communication between fetal trophoblasts and maternal cells/tissues is mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) including exosomes. These EVs are detected in a variety of tissues and body fluids and their role has been described in modulating several physiological and pathological processes including vascularization, immune-modulation, and homeostasis. Recent literature also suggests that these EVs (exosomes) carry cargo (nucleic acids, protein, and lipids) as unique signatures associated with some of the pregnancy associated pathologies. In this review, we provide overview of important mechanisms in porcine pregnancy success and failure and summarize current knowledge about the unique cargo containing biomolecules in EVs. We also discuss how EVs (including exosomes) transfer their contents into other cells and regulate important biological pathways critical for pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjun Bidarimath
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | | | - Jessica E Miller
- Department Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Madhuri Koti
- Department Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Chandrakant Tayade
- Department Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Tersigni C, Vatish M, D'Ippolito S, Scambia G, Di Simone N. Abnormal uterine inflammation in obstetric syndromes: molecular insights into the role of chemokine decoy receptor D6 and inflammasome NLRP3. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:111-121. [PMID: 32030415 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptation of the uterine environment into a favorable immunological and inflammatory milieu is a physiological process needed in normal pregnancy. A uterine hyperinflammatory state, whether idiopathic or secondary to hormonal or organic uterine disorders (polycystic ovary syndromes, endometriosis/adenomyosis and fibroids), negatively influences the interactions between decidua and trophoblast, early in gestation, and between chorion and decidua later in pregnancy. Abnormal activation of uterine inflammatory pathways not only contributes to the pathogenesis of the obstetric syndromes, i.e. recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), pre-term delivery (PTD) and pre-eclampsia (PE), but also to correlates with severity. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the knowledge of uterine molecular mechanisms of inflammatory modulation in normal pregnancy and obstetric syndromes (RPL, PTD and PE). In particular, we focus on two regulators of uterine/placental inflammation: the NLRP3 inflammasome and the chemokines decoy receptor D6. We performed comprehensive review of the literature in PubMed and Google Scholar databases from 1994 to 2018. The available evidence suggests that: (i) the expression of inflammasome NLRP3 is increased in the endometrium of women with unexplained RPL, in the chorioamniotic membranes of women with PTL and in the placenta of women with PE; (ii) there is a role for abnormal expression and function of D6 decoy receptor at the feto-maternal interface in cases of RPL and PTD and (iii) the function of placental D6 decoy receptor is impaired in PE. A wider comprehension of the inflammatory molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the obstetric syndromes might lead to the identification of new potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tersigni
- U.O.C. di Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Silvia D'Ippolito
- U.O.C. di Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy.,U.O.C. di Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- U.O.C. di Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
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10
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The Interaction of lncRNA XLOC-2222497, AKR1C1, and Progesterone in Porcine Endometrium and Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093232. [PMID: 32370225 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is an important tissue for pregnancy and plays an important role in reproduction. In this study, high-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed in endometrium samples of Meishan and Yorkshire pigs on days 18 and 32 of pregnancy. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1) was found to be a differentially expressed gene, and was identified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Immunohistochemistry results revealed the cellular localization of the AKR1C1 protein in the endometrium. Luciferase activity assay demonstrated that the AKR1C1 core promoter region was located in the region from -706 to -564, containing two nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) binding sites (antioxidant response elements, AREs). XLOC-2222497 was identified as a nuclear long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) highly expressed in the endometrium. XLOC-2222497 overexpression and knockdown have an effect on the expression of AKR1C1. Endocrinologic measurement showed the difference in progesterone levels between Meishan and Yorkshire pigs. Progesterone treatment upregulated AKR1C1 and XLOC-2222497 expression in porcine endometrial epithelial cells. In conclusion, transcriptome analysis revealed differentially expressed transcripts during the early pregnancy process. Further experiments demonstrated the interaction of XLOC-2222497/AKR1C1/progesterone in the endometrium and provided new potential targets for pregnancy maintenance and its control.
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11
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Mordhorst BR, Benne JA, Cecil RF, Whitworth KM, Samuel MS, Spate LD, Murphy CN, Wells KD, Green JA, Prather RS. Improvement of in vitro and early in utero porcine clone development after somatic donor cells are cultured under hypoxia. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:558-565. [PMID: 30779254 PMCID: PMC6510642 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered pigs serve as excellent biomedical and agricultural models. To date, the most reliable way to generate genetically engineered pigs is via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), however, the efficiency of cloning in pigs is low (1-3%). Somatic cells such as fibroblasts frequently used in nuclear transfer utilize the tricarboxylic acid cycle and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for efficient energy production. The metabolism of somatic cells contrasts with cells within the early embryo, which predominately use glycolysis. We hypothesized that fibroblast cells could become blastomere-like if mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was inhibited by hypoxia and that this would result in improved in vitro embryonic development after SCNT. In a previous study, we demonstrated that fibroblasts cultured under hypoxic conditions had changes in gene expression consistent with increased glycolytic/gluconeogenic metabolism. The goal of this pilot study was to determine if subsequent in vitro embryo development is impacted by cloning porcine embryonic fibroblasts cultured in hypoxia. Here we demonstrate that in vitro measures such as early cleavage, blastocyst development, and blastocyst cell number are improved (4.4%, 5.5%, and 17.6 cells, respectively) when donor cells are cultured in hypoxia before nuclear transfer. Survival probability was increased in clones from hypoxic cultured donors compared to controls (8.5 vs. 4.0 ± 0.2). These results suggest that the clones from donor cells cultured in hypoxia are more developmentally competent and this may be due to improved nuclear reprogramming during somatic cell nuclear transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua A Benne
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Raissa F Cecil
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | | | - Melissa S Samuel
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Lee D Spate
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Clifton N Murphy
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Kevin D Wells
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jonathan A Green
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Randall S Prather
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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12
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Mordhorst BR, Murphy SL, Ross RM, Benne JA, Samuel MS, Cecil RF, Redel BK, Spate LD, Murphy CN, Wells KD, Green JA, Prather RS. Pharmacologic treatment of donor cells induced to have a Warburg effect-like metabolism does not alter embryonic development in vitro or survival during early gestation when used in somatic cell nuclear transfer in pigs. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:290-302. [PMID: 29392839 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer is a valuable technique for the generation of genetically engineered animals, however, the efficiency of cloning in mammalian species is low (1-3%). Differentiated somatic cells commonly used in nuclear transfer utilize the tricarboxylic acid cycle and cellular respiration for energy production. Comparatively the metabolism of somatic cells contrasts that of the cells within the early embryos which predominately use glycolysis. Early embryos (prior to implantation) are evidenced to exhibit characteristics of a Warburg Effect (WE)-like metabolism. We hypothesized that pharmacologically driven fibroblast cells can become more blastomere-like and result in improved in vitro embryonic development after SCNT. The goals were to determine if subsequent in vitro embryo development is impacted by (1) cloning pharmacologically treated donor cells pushed to have a WE-like metabolism or (2) culturing non-treated donor clones with pharmaceuticals used to push a WE-like metabolism. Additionally, we investigated early gestational survival of the donor-treated clone embryos. Here we demonstrate that in vitro development of clones is not hindered by pharmacologically treating either the donor cells or the embryos themselves with CPI, PS48, or the combination of these drugs. Furthermore, these experiments demonstrate that early embryos (or at least in vitro produced embryos) have a low proportion of mitochondria which have high membrane potential and treatment with these pharmaceuticals does not further alter the mitochondrial function in early embryos. Lastly, we show that survival in early gestation was not different between clones from pharmacologically induced WE-like donor cells and controls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renee M Ross
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Joshua A Benne
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Melissa S Samuel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Raissa F Cecil
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Bethany K Redel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Lee D Spate
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Clifton N Murphy
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Kevin D Wells
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jonathan A Green
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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13
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The influence of azaperone treatment at weaning on reproductive function in sows: ovarian activity and endocrine profiles during the weaning-to-ovulation interval. Animal 2018; 12:2089-2097. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731117003755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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14
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Sanchis EG, Cristofolini AL, Fiorimanti MR, Barbeito CG, Merkis CI. Apoptosis and cell proliferation in porcine placental vascularization. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 184:20-28. [PMID: 28789824 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a highly vascularized organ, indispensable tothe transfer of nutrients to the growing fetuses. During gestation, there exists an expansion of the placental vascular network through active angiogenesis. The aim of this research was to study cell proliferation and apoptosis through high resolution light microscopy (HRLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) ultrastructure, immunohistochemistry for Ki67and caspase-3, determination of placental vascular area,and TUNEL assay. Crossbred sows placental tissues from approximately 30±2(n=5), 40±2(n=5), 60±2 (n=5), 80±2(n=5), 90±2(n=5) and 114±2(n=5) days of gestation were used. The evaluation of cell proliferation showed the highest%Ki67 values on days 30±2 and 80±2 of pregnancy. Caspase-3 expressed the highest value on day 30±2, while the highest apoptotic indexes were found on days30±2 and 90±2. The placental vascular area was higher on day 80±2 of pregnancy. According to our results, an active vascular cell remodeling by a caspase-3 dependent apoptosis seems to be present in early pregnancy. The increase in the vascular area on day 80±2 would be the result of the intense vascular cell proliferation detected with Ki67. Further studies are needed to understand the complex processes of angiogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis that interact in the placenta during porcine gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva G Sanchis
- Area of Electron Microscopy, School of Agronomy and Veterinary, National University of Río Cuarto, Route 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Andrea L Cristofolini
- Area of Electron Microscopy, School of Agronomy and Veterinary, National University of Río Cuarto, Route 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto, Argentina; CONICET (National Scientific and Technical Research Council), Argentina
| | - Mariana R Fiorimanti
- Area of Electron Microscopy, School of Agronomy and Veterinary, National University of Río Cuarto, Route 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Claudio G Barbeito
- CONICET (National Scientific and Technical Research Council), Argentina; Laboratory of Descriptive, Comparative and Experimental Histology and Embriology, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 y 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Cecilia I Merkis
- Area of Electron Microscopy, School of Agronomy and Veterinary, National University of Río Cuarto, Route 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto, Argentina
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15
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Sun XH. Protective effects of marrubiin improve endometriosis through suppression of the expression of RANTES. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:3339-3344. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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16
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Deep sequencing of transcriptome profiling of GSTM2 knock-down in swine testis cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38254. [PMID: 27905550 PMCID: PMC5131268 DOI: 10.1038/srep38254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione-S-transferases mu 2 (GSTM2), a kind of important Phase II antioxidant enzyme of eukaryotes, is degraded by nonsense mediated mRNA decay due to a C27T substitution in the fifth exon of pigs. As a reproductive performance-related gene, GSTM2 is involved in embryo implantation, whereas, functional deficiency of GSTM2 induces pre- or post-natal death in piglets potentially. To have some insight into the role of GSTM2 in embryo development, high throughput RNA sequencing is performed using the swine testis cells (ST) with the deletion of GSTM2. Some embryo development-related genes are observed from a total of 242 differentially expressed genes, including STAT1, SRC, IL-8, DUSP family, CCL family and integrin family. GSTM2 affects expression of SRC, OPN, and SLCs. GSTM2 suppresses phosphorylation of STAT1 by binding to STAT1. In addition, as an important transcription factor, STAT1 regulates expression of uterus receptive-related genes including CCLs, IRF9, IFITs, MXs, and OAS. The present study provides evidence to molecular mechanism of GSTM2 modulating embryo development.
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17
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Bidarimath M, Khalaj K, Kridli RT, Wessels JM, Koti M, Tayade C. Altered expression of chemokines and their receptors at porcine maternal-fetal interface during early and mid-gestational fetal loss. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 366:747-761. [PMID: 27503377 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines play a significant role in pregnancy, especially during embryonic attachment and placental development. During early pregnancy, immune cells are recruited extensively to the endometrium in several species including pigs. However, this recruitment is solely mediated by the presence of the conceptus in pigs making it a unique feature compared with other species (humans, primates and mice). To understand the biological significance of chemokine expression and immune cell recruitment in the context of fetal loss, we investigate a well-characterized porcine fetal loss model during the window of early pregnancy at gestational day (gd) 20 and mid-pregnancy (gd50). These periods coincide with 25-40 % of conceptus loss. Using targeted quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot approaches, we screened a specific set of chemokines. Comparisons were made with endometrial lymphocytes (ENDO LY), endometrium and chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) associated with spontaneously arresting and healthy conceptus attachment sites (CAS). mRNA expression studies revealed an increased expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 in ENDO LY and of CXCL10, CXCR3, CCL5 and CCR5 in the endometrium associated with arresting CAS at gd20. DARC was decreased in the endometrium at gd50. CCL1 was increased in CAM associated with arresting CAS at gd50. Some of these differences were also noted at the protein level (CXCL10, CXCR3, CCL5 and CCR5) in the endometrium and CAM. CD45+ immunohistochemistry demonstrated a significantly higher localization in ENDO LY in the endometrium associated with healthy versus arresting counterparts. Most of these differences were observed in early pregnancy and might contribute towards a shift in immune cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjun Bidarimath
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Kasra Khalaj
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada, K7L 3N6.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - Rami T Kridli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.,Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Jocelyn M Wessels
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - Madhuri Koti
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Chandrakant Tayade
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada, K7L 3N6. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
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18
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Placentation, maternal-fetal interface, and conceptus loss in swine. Theriogenology 2015; 85:135-44. [PMID: 26324112 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a delicate yet complex physiological process that requires fine-tuning of many factors (hormones, growth factors, cytokines, and receptors) between the mother and the conceptus to ensure the survival of the conceptus(es) to term. Any disturbance in the maternal-conceptus dialog can have detrimental effects on the affected conceptus or even the outcome of pregnancy as a whole. Being a litter-bearing species, such disruptions can lead to a loss of up to 45% of the totally healthy offspring during early (periattachment) and midgestation to late gestation in pigs. Although the exact mechanism is not entirely understood, several factors have been associated with the fetal loss including but not limited to uterine capacity, placental efficiency, genetics, nutrition, and deficits in vascularization at the maternal-fetal interface. Over the years, we investigated how immune cells are recruited to the porcine maternal-fetal interface and whether they contribute to vascularization. We also delineated how cytokines, chemokines, and cytokine destabilizing factors fine-tune inflammation and whether the cytokine shift from early to midpregnancy exists at the porcine maternal-fetal interface. Finally, we evaluated the role of microRNAs in regulating immune cell recruitment and their angiogenic functions during pregnancy. Collectively our research points out that the immune-angiogenesis axis at the porcine maternal interface is significantly involved in promoting new blood vessel development, regulating inflammatory responses and ultimately contributing to pregnancy success. In this review, we summarized current knowledge on spontaneous fetal loss in swine, with special attention to the mechanisms in immune reactivity and interplay at the maternal-fetal interface.
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19
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García Fernández R, Sánchez Pérez M, Sánchez Maldonado B, García-Palencia P, Naranjo Freixa C, Palomo Yagüe A, Flores J. Iberian pig early pregnancy: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor system expression in the maternofetal interface in healthy and arresting conceptuses. Theriogenology 2015; 83:334-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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20
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Transmembrane Mucin Expression and Function in Embryo Implantation and Placentation. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2015; 216:51-68. [PMID: 26450494 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transmembrane mucins (TMs) are extremely large, complex glycoproteins that line the apical surfaces of simple epithelia including those of the female reproductive tract. TMs provide a physical barrier consistent with their role as part of the innate immune system. This barrier function must be overcome in the context of embryo implantation to permit blastocyst attachment. Three major TMs have been identified in uterine epithelia of multiple species: MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16. MUC1 has been found in all species studied to date, whereas expression of MUC4 and MUC16 have been less well studied and may be species specific. The strategies for removing mucins to permit embryo attachment also vary in a species-specific way and include both hormonal suppression of TM gene expression and membrane clearance via cell surface proteases. Studies emerging from the cancer literature indicate that TMs can modulate a surprisingly wide variety of signal transduction processes. Furthermore, various cell surface proteins have been identified that bind either the oligosaccharide or protein motifs of TMs suggesting that these molecules may support cell attachment in some contexts, including trophoblast interactions with cells of the immune system. The intimate association of TMs at sites of embryo-maternal interaction and the varied functions these complex molecules can play make them key players in embryo implantation and placentation processes.
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21
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Distinct microRNA expression in endometrial lymphocytes, endometrium, and trophoblast during spontaneous porcine fetal loss. J Reprod Immunol 2014; 107:64-79. [PMID: 25596873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial lymphocytes are recruited to the porcine maternal-fetal interface by conceptus-derived signals. The transiently recruited lymphocytes adopt a specialized phenotype in the endometrium that regulates various placental physiological processes, including angiogenesis. Small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as principal bio-molecules regulating the development of lymphocytes and their angiogenic functions. However, no information is available in the context of endometrial lymphocytes in pregnancy. We hypothesize that miRNAs are involved in the development of endometrial lymphocytes and their angiogenic functions at the porcine maternal-fetal interface. Using a targeted Q-PCR approach for selected miRNAs involved in immune cell development, angiogenesis, and anti-angiogenesis, we conducted a study to screen endometrial lymphocytes associated with healthy and spontaneously arresting conceptus attachment sites (CAS) at two well-defined periods of fetal loss. Comparisons were made with endometrium and trophoblasts associated with healthy and arresting CAS. In addition, levels of putative mRNA targets and subsequent functional clustering of genes were studied in order to predict the biological mechanisms affected. We found several significant differences for miRNAs involved in immune cell development and angiogenesis (miR-296-5P, miR-150, miR-17P-5P, miR-18a, and miR-19a) between endometrial lymphocytes associated with healthy and arresting CAS. Significant differences were also found in endometrium and trophoblasts for some miRNAs (miR-20b, miR-17-5P, miR-18a, miR-15b-5P, and miR-222). Finally, selected mRNA targets showed differential expression in all groups. Our data, although associative, are the first to unravel the selected miRNAs involved in immune cell development and provide insights into their possible regulation in abortive pregnancy.
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22
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Khalaj K, Wessels JM, Kridli RT, Bidarimath M, LaMarre J, Tayade C. mRNA destabilizing factors: tristetraprolin expression at the porcine maternal-fetal interface. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 73:402-16. [PMID: 25496016 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To evaluate the expression of the tristetraprolin family and their selected targets during porcine pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY Using qPCR and Western blot, mRNA and protein levels were compared between endometrium and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) associated with healthy and impaired conceptuses at gestation day (gd) 20 and gd50, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine localization of TIS11 family members at gd20 and 50. RESULTS Multiple significant differences (P < 0.05) in TIS11 family transcripts were observed in the aforementioned comparisons. GM-CSF was significantly higher in healthy endometrium and CAM from impaired conceptus attachment sites. TNF-α was elevated in CAM as compared to endometrium at gd50, regardless of conceptus health status. Immunohistochemical staining shows TIS11 family expressed in the glandular and luminal epithelium, as well as stromal cells in the uterus. CONCLUSIONS The shift in the expression of tristetraprolin (TTP) and TIS11D points to a potential role of these genes in regulating spontaneous fetal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Khalaj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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23
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Geisert RD, Lucy MC, Whyte JJ, Ross JW, Mathew DJ. Cytokines from the pig conceptus: roles in conceptus development in pigs. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2014; 5:51. [PMID: 25436109 PMCID: PMC4247618 DOI: 10.1186/2049-1891-5-51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishment of pregnancy in pigs involves maintaining progesterone secretion from the corpora lutea in addition to regulating a sensitive interplay between the maternal immune system and attachment of the rapidly expanding trophoblast for nutrient absorption. The peri-implantation period of rapid trophoblastic elongation followed by attachment to the maternal uterine endometrium is critical for establishing a sufficient placental-uterine interface for subsequent nutrient transport for fetal survival to term, but is also marked by the required conceptus release of factors involved with stimulating uterine secretion of histotroph and modulation of the maternal immune system. Many endometrial genes activated by the conceptus secretory factors stimulate a tightly controlled proinflammatory response within the uterus. A number of the cytokines released by the elongating conceptuses stimulate inducible transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB) potentially regulating the maternal uterine proinflammatory and immune response. This review will establish the current knowledge for the role of conceptus cytokine production and release in early development and establishment of pregnancy in the pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney D Geisert
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Matthew C Lucy
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Jeffrey J Whyte
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Jason W Ross
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, 2356 Kildee Hall, Ames, IA 50011 USA
| | - Daniel J Mathew
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
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24
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Bauersachs S, Wolf E. Uterine responses to the preattachment embryo in domestic ungulates: recognition of pregnancy and preparation for implantation. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2014; 3:489-511. [PMID: 25387113 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022114-110639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The endometrium is a tissue newly evolved with the development of mammalian species. Its main function is the support of embryonic growth and development and the nutrition of the fetus. The species-specific differences in establishment and maintenance of pregnancy make the study of this tissue in various mammalian organisms particularly interesting. With the application of omics technologies to various mammalian species, many systematic studies of endometrial gene expression changes during the phase of establishment of pregnancy have been performed to obtain a global view of regulatory events associated with this biological process. This review summarizes the results of trancriptome studies of bovine, porcine, and equine endometrium. Furthermore, the results are compared between these species and to humans. Because an increasing number of studies suggest an important role of small regulatory RNAs (i.e., microRNAs), recent findings related to the regulation of endometrial functions and the development of the conceptus are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bauersachs
- Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
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25
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Gu T, Zhu MJ, Schroyen M, Qu L, Nettleton D, Kuhar D, Lunney JK, Ross JW, Zhao SH, Tuggle CK. Endometrial gene expression profiling in pregnant Meishan and Yorkshire pigs on day 12 of gestation. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:156. [PMID: 24564230 PMCID: PMC3940021 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Litter size in pigs is a major factor affecting the profitability in the pig industry. The peri-implantation window in pigs is characterized by the coordinated interactions between the maternal uterine endometrium and the rapidly elongating conceptuses and represents a period of time during which a large percentage of the developing conceptuses are lost. However, the gene expression and regulatory networks in the endometrium contributing to the establishment of the maternal: placental interface remain poorly understood. Results We characterized the endometrial gene expression profile during the peri-implantation stage of development by comparing two breeds that demonstrate very different reproductive efficiencies. We employed the porcine Affymetrix GeneChip® to assay the transcriptomic profiles of genes expressed in the uterine endometrium obtained from Meishan and Yorkshire gilts (n = 4 for each breed) on day 12 of gestation (M12 and Y12, respectively). Total of 17,076 probesets were identified as "present" in at least two arrays. A mixed model-based statistical analysis predicted a total of 2,656 (q < 0.1) transcripts as differentially expressed between Meishan and Yorkshire pigs. Eighteen differentially expressed transcripts of interest were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Gene ontology (GO) annotation revealed that the known functions of the differentially expressed genes were involved in a series of important biological processes relevant to early pregnancy establishment in the pig. Conclusions The results identified endometrial gene expression profiles of two breeds differing in litter size and identified candidate genes that are related to known physiological pathways related to reproductive prolificacy. These findings provide a deeper understanding of molecular pathways differing between two breeds at the critical peri-implantation stage of pregnancy, which can be utilized to better understand the events contributing to pregnancy establishment in the pig.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shu-hong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P, R, China.
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Wessels JM, Edwards AK, Khalaj K, Kridli RT, Bidarimath M, Tayade C. The microRNAome of pregnancy: deciphering miRNA networks at the maternal-fetal interface. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72264. [PMID: 24278102 PMCID: PMC3838410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) post-transcriptionally regulate a vast network of genes by inhibiting mRNA translation. Aberrant miRNA expression profiles have been implicated in pathologies and physiological processes including pregnancy and angiogenesis. Using our established model of implantation failure and spontaneous fetal loss in pigs (Sus scrofa), 236 miRNAs were profiled and compared between 1) non-pregnant and pregnant endometrium, 2) maternal and fetal tissues, and 3) viable and growth-arrested conceptus attachment sites by microarray and Real-Time PCR. Many significant differences in miRNA expression were observed between each of the aforementioned comparisons, and several were validated by PCR. Results indicated which miRNAs were important during pregnancy, which were elevated on the maternal or fetal side of the maternal-fetal interface, and they implicated the maternal expression of miR-10a, 27a, 29c, 323, 331-5p, 339-3p, 374b-5p, and 935 in the spontaneous loss observed in pigs. Several putative mRNA targets of the miRNAs (elevated in endometrium associated with arresting conceptuses) were assessed by quantitative Real-Time PCR and were depressed, supporting their regulation by miRNAs. Finally, targets were clustered by function to obtain ranked lists of gene networks that indicated which pathways/physiological processes might be important in non-pregnant (extracellular matrix factors) versus pregnant endometrium (nuclear transcription factor regulation), maternal (blood vessel development) versus fetal (neuronal differentiation) tissue, and healthy (extracellular matrix factors) versus arresting (GRAM domain) conceptus attachment sites. Overall, we demonstrate the presence of miRNAs on both sides of the maternal-fetal interface, implicate them in spontaneous fetal loss, and present a unique glimpse into the vast microRNAome of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M. Wessels
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew K. Edwards
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kasra Khalaj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rami T. Kridli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mallikarjun Bidarimath
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chandrakant Tayade
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Cancellieri C, Caronni N, Vacchini A, Savino B, Borroni EM, Locati M, Bonecchi R. Review: Structure-function and biological properties of the atypical chemokine receptor D6. Mol Immunol 2013; 55:87-93. [PMID: 22939232 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The atypical chemokine receptor D6 was initially called "silent" on the basis of lack of conventional signaling events that lead to directional cell migration. It has emerged that D6 is able to bind and drive to degradative compartments most inflammatory CC chemokines and that is able to convey G-protein independent signaling events to optimize its scavenging activity. We here summarize the knowledge available today on D6 structural and signaling properties and its essential role for the control of inflammatory cells traffic and proper development of the adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Cancellieri
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Rozzano (MI), Italy
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Bazer FW. Pregnancy recognition signaling mechanisms in ruminants and pigs. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2013; 4:23. [PMID: 23800120 PMCID: PMC3710217 DOI: 10.1186/2049-1891-4-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal recognition of pregnancy refers to the requirement for the conceptus (embryo and its associated extra-embryonic membranes) to produce a hormone that acts on the uterus and/or corpus luteum (CL) to ensure maintenance of a functional CL for production of progesterone; the hormone required for pregnancy in most mammals. The pregnancy recognition signal in primates is chorionic gonadotrophin which acts directly on the CL via luteinizing hormone receptors to ensure maintenance of functional CL during pregnancy. In ruminants, interferon tau (IFNT) is the pregnancy recognition signal. IFNT is secreted during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy and acts on uterine epithelia to silence expression of estrogen receptor alpha and oxytocin receptor which abrogates the oxytocin-dependent release of luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF) by uterine epithelia; therefore, the CL continues to produce progesterone required for pregnancy. Pig conceptuses secrete interferon delta and interferon gamma during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy, but there is no evidence that they are involved in pregnancy recognition signaling. Rather, pig conceptuses secrete abundant amounts of estrogens between Days 11 to 15 of pregnancy required for maternal recognition of pregnancy. Estrogen, likely in concert with prolactin, prevents secretion of PGF into the uterine venous drainage (endocrine secretion), but maintains secretion of PGF into the uterine lumen (exocrine secretion) where it is metabolized to a form that is not luteolytic. Since PGF is sequestered within the uterine lumen and unavailable to induce luteolysis, functional CL are maintained for production of progesterone. In addition to effects of chorionic gonadotrophin, IFNT and estrogens to signal pregnancy recognition, these hormones act on uterine epithelia to enhance expression of genes critical for growth and development of the conceptus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, 442D Kleberg Center, 2471 TAMU, Texas 77843-2471, USA.
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Hong L, Hou C, Li X, Li C, Yu M. Expression Pattern of CD34 at the Maternal-Foetal Interface During Pregnancy in Pigs. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 48:762-7. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Hong
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology; Huazhong (Central China) Agricultural University; Wuhan; Hubei; China
| | - C Hou
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology; Huazhong (Central China) Agricultural University; Wuhan; Hubei; China
| | - X Li
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology; Huazhong (Central China) Agricultural University; Wuhan; Hubei; China
| | - C Li
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology; Huazhong (Central China) Agricultural University; Wuhan; Hubei; China
| | - M Yu
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology; Huazhong (Central China) Agricultural University; Wuhan; Hubei; China
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Graham GJ, Locati M, Mantovani A, Rot A, Thelen M. The biochemistry and biology of the atypical chemokine receptors. Immunol Lett 2012; 145:30-8. [PMID: 22698181 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
A subset of chemokine receptors, initially called "silent" on the basis of their apparent failure to activate conventional signalling events, has recently attracted growing interest due to their ability to internalize, degrade, or transport ligands and thus modify gradients and create functional chemokine patterns in tissues. These receptors recognize distinct and complementary sets of ligands with high affinity, are strategically expressed in different cellular contexts, and lack structural determinants supporting Gα(i) activation, a key signalling event in cell migration. This is in keeping with the hypothesis that they have evolved to fulfil fundamentally different functions to the classical signalling chemokine receptors. Based on these considerations, these receptors (D6, Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC), CCX-CKR1 and CXCR7) are now collectively considered as an emerging class of 'atypical' chemokine receptors. In this article, we review the biochemistry and biology of this emerging chemokine receptor subfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Graham
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK.
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Bauersachs S, Wolf E. Transcriptome analyses of bovine, porcine and equine endometrium during the pre-implantation phase. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 134:84-94. [PMID: 22917876 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Different reproductive strategies evolved in various mammalian groups to achieve recognition, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The complexity of these processes is reflected by a high incidence of embryonic loss during this critical period in many mammalian species. Besides studies in mice and humans a number of transcriptome studies of endometrial tissue samples and also of early embryos have been performed during the pre-implantation phase in cattle, swine and horse to identify genes associated with embryo-maternal interaction. Results of these studies are reviewed and compared between species. The comparison of data sets from different species indicated a general role of interferons for the establishment of pregnancy. In addition to many species-specific changes in gene expression, which may reflect different pregnancy recognition signals and mechanisms of embryo implantation, a number of transcriptome changes were found to be similar across species. These genes may have conserved roles during the establishment of pregnancy in mammals and reflect basic principles of mammalian reproduction. The relevance and strategies, but also the challenges of cross-species comparisons of gene expression data are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bauersachs
- Molecular Animal Breeding & Biotechnology and Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Torres-Rovira L, Gonzalez-Añover P, Pallares P, Pérez-Solana ML, Astiz S, Gomez-Izquierdo E, Sanchez-Sanchez R, Gonzalez-Bulnes A. The interaction between ovulation rate and embryo survival in determining prolificacy of different strains of obese swine with gene polymorphisms for leptin receptors. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.1071/an11140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Iberian pigs show a clear predisposition to obesity, due to gene polymorphisms for leptin receptors, and a lower prolificacy when compared with lean breeds. Previous studies indicate a bimodal effect of obese genotypes on prolificacy; either by lowering ovulation rate or by increasing embryo losses when compared with lean genotypes. The present study aimed to discriminate the relative influence of both parameters by comparing strains of Iberian females with different prolificacy (14 original purebred Retinto, group R, and 20 Retinto × Torbiscal females selected for prolificacy, group RT). Examination of ovaries around Day 40 of pregnancy showed a higher ovulation rate in the RT than in the R sows (21.5 ± 1.4 versus 12.3 ± 1.0 corpora lutea, respectively; P < 0.0005). However, there was a higher incidence of implantation failures and early embryo losses in the RT females (42.9 versus 14% for the group R; P < 0.005). Thus, the number of viable embryos was higher in the RT line (10.8 ± 0.5 versus 7.6 ± 0.7 in the R sows, P < 0.0005), but also limited when compared with ovulation rate. Conversely, this effect was not found in the R sows; however, prolificacy of these females was limited by higher embryo mortality (24.1 versus 4.6% for RT females). In conclusion, the present study evidences dissimilar reproductive behaviour among strains of the Iberian pig differing in prolificacy and confirms previous evidences suggesting the existence of intrinsic factors avoiding excessively large litter sizes in Iberian females.
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Immunologic regulation in pregnancy: from mechanism to therapeutic strategy for immunomodulation. Clin Dev Immunol 2011; 2012:258391. [PMID: 22110530 PMCID: PMC3216345 DOI: 10.1155/2012/258391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 09/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The immunologic interaction between the fetus and the mother is a paradoxical communication that is regulated by fetal antigen presentation and/or by recognition of and reaction to these antigens by the maternal immune system. There have been significant advances in understanding of abnormalities in the maternal-fetal immunologic relationship in the placental bed that can lead to pregnancy disorders. Moreover, immunologic recognition of pregnancy is vital for the maintenance of gestation, and inadequate recognition of fetal antigens may cause abortion. In this paper, we illustrate the complex immunologic aspects of human reproduction in terms of the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), immune cells, cytokines and chemokines, and the balance of immunity in pregnancy. In addition, we review the immunologic processes of human reproduction and the current immunologic therapeutic strategies for pathological disorders of pregnancy.
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Miese-Looy G, VAN DEN Heuvel MJ, Edwards AK, Lamarre J, Tayade C. Expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family members in porcine pregnancy. J Reprod Dev 2011; 58:51-60. [PMID: 21685713 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.09-191k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal mortality is a prime concern for commercial swine industry in North America. Fetal losses occur throughout gestation but cluster in early (~day20) and mid (~day50) pregnancy. Adequate vascularization of the attachment site has emerged as a key factor contributing to fetal success. Since Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) family members regulate angiogenesis in addition to promoting fetal development and growth, we hypothesized that conceptus success is governed by members of the IGF family. Using quantitative real time PCR, we analyzed expression of IGF family members (IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF-I Receptor (IGF-IR), IGF-IIR and their binding proteins, IGFBPs) in matched maternal and fetal tissues of healthy and arresting conceptuses at gestation days (gd) 20 and 50. IGF-II transcripts were 100 fold increased in both maternal and fetal tissues compared to IGF-I, but receptor transcripts were found in similar abundance irrespective of health status and gestation point. IGFBP3 was the most abundantly transcribed of the binding proteins. Using immunohistochemistry we confirmed the expression of IGF family members in maternal luminal and glandular epithelial cells, the endothelium of blood vessels and some scattered stromal cells. Our results suggest that IGF-I and II and their receptors are differentially expressed at the maternal and fetal components of the attachment site.
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Gonzalez-Añover P, Encinas T, Torres-Rovira L, Sanz E, Pallares P, Ros JM, Gomez-Izquierdo E, Sanchez-Sanchez R, Gonzalez-Bulnes A. Patterns of corpora lutea growth and progesterone secretion in sows with thrifty genotype and leptin resistance due to leptin receptor gene polymorphisms (Iberian pig). Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:1011-6. [PMID: 21385231 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01776.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to compare luteal function, as measured by corpora lutea dynamics and progesterone secretion, in 10 sows with obesity/leptin resistance genotype (Iberian pig) and 10 females of lean commercial crosses (Large White × Landrace). In all the animals, the oestrous cycle was synchronized with progestagens, and ovulation was induced by exogenous gonadotrophins. Thereafter, number and size of follicles and plasma oestradiol concentration were determined at oestrus detection, and number and size of corpora lutea and progesterone concentration were evaluated from Day 4 to 12 of the cycle. There were no differences between genotypes in follicle population and oestradiol concentration, and ovulation rate (15.2±1.3 in Iberian vs 12.7±1.8 in LWxL sows); however, there was a higher percentage of Iberian than control sows showing luteal cysts (66.7% vs 30%, respectively; p<0.05). In both breeds, both total luteal area and plasma progesterone concentration grew linearly from Day 4 to 8 (p<0.01) and remained more stable between Days 8 and 12, without significant differences between genotypes. In conclusion, current study supports that ovulatory processes and luteal functionality are not the main limiting factors for prolificacy in a pig model of leptin resistance and obesity.
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BRÜSSOW KP, SCHNEIDER F, WOLLENHAUPT K, TUCHSCHERER A. Endocrine Effects of GnRH Agonist Application to Early Pregnant Gilts. J Reprod Dev 2011; 57:242-8. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-021o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Ovulation rate, embryo mortality and intrauterine growth retardation in obese swine with gene polymorphisms for leptin and melanocortin receptors. Theriogenology 2010; 75:34-41. [PMID: 20833418 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Revised: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Iberian pigs are obese genotypes, due to a leptin resistance syndrome related to leptin receptor gene polymorphisms. The Iberian pig is affected by a lower prolificacy when compared to lean breeds, and thus may constitute a good animal model for adverse effects of obesity in reproductive performance. The present study determined possible differences in rates of ovulation and embryo implantation and later incidence of embryo mortality and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in sows of Iberian breed (n = 23) and highly-prolific lean commercial crosses (Large White × Landrace, n = 17) at two critical periods of swine pregnancy: Day 21 (just after achievement of trophoblast attachment) and Day 35 (just after completion of the transition from late embryo to early foetal stage). Two different reproductive performances were identified in the Iberian breed; 58.3% of the females had lower ovulation rates than LWxL (13.2 ± 2.3 vs 22.5 ± 1.6, P < 0.05), but 41.7% had a similar number of ovulations (18.2 ± 3.9). However, those Iberian sows having high ovulatory rates showed a high incidence of regression of corpora lutea and embryo losses between Days 21 and 35, which was not found in Iberian females with low ovulation rates; therefore, the number of viable embryos was similar in both Iberian groups (8.2 ± 1.0 and 8.4 ± 1.0) and lower that in highly-prolific LWxL (14.8 ± 1.8, P < 0.05). At Day 35, a total of 167 conceptuses (73 LWxL and 94 IB) were evaluated for IUGR. The LWxL conceptuses were longer and wider than Iberian (69.5 ± 0.1 and 64.4 ± 0.1 vs 49.9 ± 0.1 and 41.9 ± 0.1 mm, P < 0.0001). However, Iberian conceptuses were heavier than LWxL (107.4 ± 6.6 vs 68.6 ± 2.4 g) due to a lower quantity of fluids and a higher development of the placental tissues in comparison to the embryo itself. In conclusion, current study indicates a bimodal effect of obese genotypes on reproductive performances, either by lowering ovulation rate or by increased embryo losses in the first third of pregnancy.
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Bonecchi R, Savino B, Borroni EM, Mantovani A, Locati M. Chemokine decoy receptors: structure-function and biological properties. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2010; 341:15-36. [PMID: 20373092 DOI: 10.1007/82_2010_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemokines induce cell migration through the activation of a distinct family of structurally related heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Over the last few years, several receptors in this family that recognize chemokines but do not induce cell migration have been identified. These "atypical" chemokine receptors are unable to activate transduction events that lead directly to cell migration, but appear nonetheless to play a nonredundant role in the control of leukocyte recruitment at inflammatory sites and in tumors by shaping the chemoattractant gradient, either by removing, transporting, or concentrating their cognate ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Bonecchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Bazer FW, Wu G, Spencer TE, Johnson GA, Burghardt RC, Bayless K. Novel pathways for implantation and establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 16:135-52. [PMID: 19880575 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine receptivity to implantation varies among species, and involves changes in expression of genes that are coordinate with attachment of trophectoderm to uterine lumenal and superficial glandular epithelia, modification of phenotype of uterine stromal cells, silencing of receptors for progesterone and estrogen, suppression of genes for immune recognition, alterations in membrane permeability to enhance conceptus-maternal exchange of factors, angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, increased vascularity of the endometrium, activation of genes for transport of nutrients into the uterine lumen, and enhanced signaling for pregnancy recognition. Differential expression of genes by uterine epithelial and stromal cells in response to progesterone, glucocorticoids, prostaglandins and interferons may influence uterine receptivity to implantation in mammals. Uterine receptivity to implantation is progesterone-dependent; however, implantation is preceded by loss of expression of receptors for progesterone (PGR) so that progesterone most likely acts via PGR-positive stromal cells throughout pregnancy. Endogenous retroviruses expressed by the uterus and/or blastocyst also affect implantation and placentation in various species. Understanding the roles of the variety of hormones, growth factors and endogenous retroviral proteins in uterine receptivity for implantation is essential to enhancing reproductive health and fertility in humans and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuller W Bazer
- Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Bazer FW, Spencer TE, Johnson GA, Burghardt RC, Wu G. Comparative aspects of implantation. Reproduction 2009; 138:195-209. [PMID: 19502456 DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Uterine receptivity to implantation of blastocysts in mammals includes hatching from zona pellucida, precontact with uterine luminal (LE) and superficial glandular (sGE) epithelia and orientation of blastocyst, apposition between trophectoderm and uterine LE and sGE, adhesion of trophectoderm to uterine LE/sGE, and, in some species, limited or extensive invasion into the endometrial stroma and induction of decidualization of stromal cells. These peri-implantation events are prerequisites for pregnancy recognition signaling, implantation, and placentation required for fetal-placental growth and development through the remainder of pregnancy. Although there is a range of strategies for implantation in mammals, a common feature is the requirement for progesterone (P(4)) to downregulate expression of its receptors in uterine epithelia and P(4) prior to implantation events. P(4) then mediates its effects via growth factors expressed by stromal cells in most species; however, uterine luminal epithelium may express a growth factor in response to P(4) and/or estrogens in species with a true epitheliochorial placenta. There is also compelling evidence that uterine receptivity to implantation involves temporal and cell-specific expression of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes that may be induced directly by an IFN or induced by P(4) and stimulated by an IFN. These genes have many roles including nutrient transport, cellular remodeling, angiogenesis and relaxation of vascular tissues, cell proliferation and migration, establishment of an antiviral state, and protection of conceptus tissues from challenges by the maternal immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, 2471 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA.
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Croy BA, Wessels J, Linton N, Tayade C. Comparison of immune cell recruitment and function in endometrium during development of epitheliochorial (pig) and hemochorial (mouse and human) placentas. Placenta 2008; 30 Suppl A:S26-31. [PMID: 19010536 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2008] [Revised: 09/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The role of maternal immune cells in early implantation sites has received special attention from reproductive biologists because immune cells participate in tissue transplant rejection. During normal pregnancy, endometrial immune cells differ from those in blood by subset distribution and appear to be activated but non-destructive of conceptuses. The immune system evolved well before placental mammals. By comparing the regulation and functions of endometrial immune cells between species in two phylogenetic clades that model differently evolved placental types (pig (Sus scrofa) versus mouse (Mus musculus) and human (Homo sapiens)), we seek to understand how "non-self" trophoblast cells thrive in most pregnancies. Our studies suggest recruitment of specific immune cells to conceptus-associated endometrium and immune cell-promoted endometrial angiogenesis are of key importance for mammalian conceptus well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Croy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Interferons and progesterone for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy: interactions among novel cell signaling pathways. Reprod Biol 2008; 8:179-211. [DOI: 10.1016/s1642-431x(12)60012-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Garlanda C, Maina V, Martinez de la Torre Y, Nebuloni M, Locati M. Inflammatory reaction and implantation: the new entries PTX3 and D6. Placenta 2008; 29 Suppl B:129-34. [PMID: 18676013 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2008] [Revised: 06/06/2008] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Successful embryonic implantation implies anchoring the conceptus in the maternal uterine wall, establishing a vascular supply to enable optimal growth and development of the conceptus, and promoting tolerance of fetal alloantigens encoded by paternal genes. To achieve these goals, complex molecular dialogues take place among the maternal endometrium, the conceptus, and the placenta. Several factors are involved in the fetal-maternal interaction, including hormones, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix components, and matrix-degrading enzymes. This complex cross-talk results in the induction of a local inflammatory response and a state of systemic inflammation, as revealed by leukocytosis, endothelium activation, increased activity of innate immune cells, and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The enriched cytokine milieu associated to implantation is likely to control trophoblast migration and differentiation, leukocyte influx and activation, complement activation, as well as angiogenic and angiostatic processes in the implantation site. Finally, these mediators play a key role in tuning the immune responses to protect the fetus from infections as well as from maternal rejection. Here, the role of pro-inflammatory networks activated in implantation will be discussed. In particular, emphasis will be put on two new players involved in regulating inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface: the long pentraxin PTX3 and the decoy receptor for inflammatory chemokines D6.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Garlanda
- Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, I-20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
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Bonecchi R, Borroni EM, Savino B, Buracchi C, Mantovani A, Locati M. Non-signaling chemokine receptors: mechanism of action and role in vivo. J Neuroimmunol 2008; 198:14-9. [PMID: 18513804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2008.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2008] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration is fundamental for numerous biological processes and is critical for the pathogenesis of several diseases. Chemokines represent the main class of mediators providing cell directional migration and several levels of regulation of their function have been identified. A subfamily of chemokine receptors not able to transduce chemotactic signals plays an important role in the control of chemokine concentrations through binding, internalization and degradation of chemotactic factors. Here we review in vitro and in vivo evidences indicating that these 'silent' chemokine receptors represent a strategy to regulate innate and adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Bonecchi
- Istituto Clinico Humanitas, IRCCS Via Manzoni 113, I-20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
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Borroni EM, Bonecchi R, Buracchi C, Savino B, Mantovani A, Locati M. Chemokine decoy receptors: new players in reproductive immunology. Immunol Invest 2008; 37:483-97. [PMID: 18716935 DOI: 10.1080/08820130802191318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines are multifunctional molecules with roles in leukocyte trafficking and developmental processes. Both fetal and maternal components of the placenta produce chemokines, which control leukocyte trafficking observed in the placenta. Thus, chemokines play roles in the balance between protection of the developing embryo/fetus and tolerance of its hemiallogeneic tissues. Recently, a group of chemokine receptors, which include D6, DARC, and CCX-CKR, have been described as "silent" receptors by virtue of their inability to activate signal transduction events leading to cell chemoattraction. Here we review in vitro and in vivo evidence indicating that chemokine "silent" receptors regulate innate and adaptive immunity behaving as decoy receptors that support internalization and degradation of chemotactic factors, and discuss available information on their potential role in reproductive immunology.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Movement/immunology
- Chemokines/agonists
- Chemokines/immunology
- Chemokines/metabolism
- Chemotaxis, Leukocyte/immunology
- Duffy Blood-Group System/immunology
- Duffy Blood-Group System/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Leukocytes/immunology
- Leukocytes/metabolism
- Placenta/immunology
- Placenta/metabolism
- Placental Circulation/immunology
- Pregnancy/immunology
- Receptors, CCR10/agonists
- Receptors, CCR10/immunology
- Receptors, CCR10/metabolism
- Receptors, Cell Surface/agonists
- Receptors, Cell Surface/immunology
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/immunology
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Reproductive Medicine
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Chemokine Receptor D6
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Linton NF, Wessels JM, Cnossen SA, Croy BA, Tayade C. Immunological mechanisms affecting angiogenesis and their relation to porcine pregnancy success. Immunol Invest 2008; 37:611-29. [PMID: 18716940 DOI: 10.1080/08820130802191540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal mortality due to loss of lymphocyte-promoted endometrial angiogenesis is being investigated as a major cause of litter reductions during pregnancy in pigs. This review discusses immune mechanisms influencing porcine endometrial angiogenesis as well as additional signalling molecules that may play important roles in the compromise of peri-implantation and mid-gestation fetal pig survival. These include dendritic cells, signalling molecules such as toll-like receptors, chemokines and ficolins. Together these cells and molecules regulate immune responses and, ideally, protect the mother and prevent immune-based conceptus losses. Dendritic cells were recently shown to be angiogenic. Their tolerogenic role at the maternal-fetal interface coupled with the ability to secrete and respond to angiogenic factors suggests that dendritic cells are the key coordinators of angiogenesis at the porcine maternal-fetal interface. Chemokines coordinate the localization of immune effector and endothelial cells. The balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic chemokines is addressed in relation to conceptus viability. Ficolins, components of the lectin-mediated complement activation pathway, are used for self/non-self recognition. Together, these components of the immune system could regulate lymphocyte- and non-lymphocyte-promoted endometrial angiogenesis to determine conceptus survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola F Linton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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