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Hatching is modulated by microRNA-378a-3p derived from extracellular vesicles secreted by blastocysts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122708119. [PMID: 35298333 PMCID: PMC8944274 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122708119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hatching from the zona pellucida is a prerequisite for embryo implantation and is less likely to occur in vitro for reasons unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by the embryo into the culture medium. Yet the role that embryonic EVs and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) play in blastocyst hatching has not been elucidated, partially due to the difficulties of isolating them from low amounts of culture medium. Here, we optimized EV-miRNA isolation from medium conditioned by individually cultured bovine embryos and subsequently showed that miR-378a-3p, which was up-regulated in EVs secreted by blastocysts, plays a crucial role in promoting blastocyst hatching. This demonstrates the regulatory effect of miR-378-3p on hatching, which is an established embryo quality parameter linked with implantation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of embryo development to the blastocyst stage and beyond. Before implantation can take place, hatching of blastocysts from their zona pellucida is required. However, underlying mechanisms by which blastocyst formation and hatching are initiated remain largely unknown. Here, we provide evidence that embryonic EVs containing bta-miR-378a-3p play a crucial role in blastocyst hatching, using a bovine model. A customized procedure was used to isolate EV-miRNAs from culture droplets conditioned by individual bovine embryos that either developed to the blastocyst stage or did not (nonblastocyst). RNA sequencing identified 69 differentially expressed miRNAs between EVs derived from blastocyst conditioned medium (CM) and nonblastocyst CM. Among the miRNAs up-regulated in blastocyst CM, we selected bta-miR-378a-3p for further validation by functionality testing on developing in vitro embryos by means of mimics and inhibitors. Supplementing the embryo culture medium with miR-378a-3p mimic significantly improved blastocyst quality, with higher cell numbers and reduced apoptosis, and improved hatching, while the opposite was found after supplementation with miR-378a-3p inhibitor (P < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis of embryos treated with miR-378 mimic/inhibitor showed differential expression (P < 0.01) of genes associated with embryo development and implantation, including RAP1GAP, ARFGEF2, SLC7A6, CENPA, SP1, LDLR, PYCR1, MYD88, TPP1, and NCOA3. In conclusion, miR-378a-3p is up-regulated in EVs secreted by embryos that develop to the blastocyst stage, and this EV-derived miR-378a-3p increases blastocyst quality and regulates embryo hatching, which is essential for embryo implantation.
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Nagasawa T, Kawaguchi M, Nishi K, Yasumasu S. Molecular evolution of hatching enzymes and their paralogous genes in vertebrates. BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:9. [PMID: 35109790 PMCID: PMC8812170 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-01966-2] [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: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hatching is identified as one of the most important events in the reproduction of oviparous vertebrates. The genes for hatching enzymes, which are vital in the hatching process, are conserved among vertebrates. However, especially in teleost, it is difficult to trace their molecular evolution in detail due to the presence of other C6astacins, which are the subfamily to which the genes for hatching enzymes belong and are highly diverged. In particular, the hatching enzyme genes are diversified with frequent genome translocations due to retrocopy. RESULTS In this study, we took advantage of the rapid expansion of whole-genome data in recent years to examine the molecular evolutionary process of these genes in vertebrates. The phylogenetic analysis and the genomic synteny analysis revealed C6astacin genes other than the hatching enzyme genes, which was previously considered to be retained only in teleosts, was also retained in the genomes of basal ray-finned fishes, coelacanths, and cartilaginous fishes. These results suggest that the common ancestor of these genes can be traced back to at least the common ancestor of the Gnathostomata. Moreover, we also found that many of the C6astacin genes underwent multiple gene duplications during vertebrate evolution, and the results of gene expression analysis in frogs implied that genes derived from hatching enzyme genes underwent neo-functionalization. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we describe in detail the molecular evolution of the C6astacin gene in vertebrates, which has not been summarized previously. The results revealed the presence of the previously unknown C6astacin gene in the basal-lineage of jawed vertebrates and large-scale gene duplication of hatching enzyme genes in amphibians. The comprehensive investigation reported in this study will be an important basis for studying the molecular evolution of the vertebrate C6astacin genes, hatching enzyme, and its paralogous genes and for identifying these genes without the need for gene expression and functional analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Nagasawa
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan
| | - Mari Kawaguchi
- Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8554, Japan
| | - Kohki Nishi
- Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8554, Japan
| | - Shigeki Yasumasu
- Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8554, Japan.
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Liu Y, Jones C, Coward K. An investigation of mechanisms underlying mouse blastocyst hatching: a ribonucleic acid sequencing study. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:35-48. [PMID: 35559994 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory mechanisms and signaling molecules underlying hatching in mouse embryos. DESIGN Experimental laboratory study using a mouse embryo model. SETTING University-based basic scientific research laboratory. ANIMALS A total of 40 B6C3F1 × B6D2F1 mouse embryos were used in this study. INTERVENTION(S) Frozen/thawed mouse embryos, at the 8-cell stage, were cultured in vitro for 2 days. The resulting hatching and prehatching blastocysts were then used for complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) library preparation and ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing analysis (n = 8 for each group). Differentially expressed genes were then used for downstream functional analysis. In addition, a list of genes related to developmental progression in humans was used to identify genes that were potentially related to the hatching of human embryos. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Differentially expressed genes, enriched Gene Ontology terms and canonical pathways, clustered gene networks, activated upstream regulators, and common genes between a gene list of hatching-related genes in mice and a gene list associated with developmental progression in humans. RESULT(S) A total 275 differentially expressed genes were identified between hatching and prehatching blastocysts: 230 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that blastocyst hatching in vitro is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent process that involves protein biosynthesis and organization of the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, by regulating cell motility, the RhoA signaling pathway (including Arpc2, Cfl1, Gsn, Pfn1, Tpi1, Grb2, Tmsb10, Enah, and Rnd3 genes) may be a crucial signaling pathway during hatching. We also identified a cluster of genes (Krt8, Krt7, Cldn4, and Aqp3) that exerted functional roles in cell-cell junctions and water homeostasis during hatching. Moreover, some growth factors (angiotensinogen and fibroblast growth factor 2) and endocrine factors (estrogen receptor and prolactin) were predicted to be involved in the regulation of embryo hatching. In addition, we identified 81 potential genes that are potentially involved in the hatching process in human embryos. CONCLUSION(S) Our analysis identified potential genes and molecular regulatory pathways involved in the blastocyst hatching process in mice; we also identified genes that may potentially regulate hatching in human embryos. Our findings enhance our knowledge of embryo development and provide useful information for further exploring the mechanisms underlying embryo hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Liu
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Elieh Ali Komi D, Shafaghat F, Haidl G. Significance of mast cells in spermatogenesis, implantation, pregnancy, and abortion: Cross talk and molecular mechanisms. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 83:e13228. [PMID: 32053232 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Both subsets of MCs including MCTC (tryptase-positive, chymase-positive) and MCT (tryptase-positive, chymase-negative) are present in the testis and epididymis. Increased number of MCs, higher levels of MC-released tryptase in testis and seminal plasma of males with fertility problems, and promoting sperm motility in individuals with oligozoospermia after using MC blockers provide evidence that MCs may play a role in male infertility/subfertility disturbances. MC-released tryptase and histamine contribute to the fibrosis and may disrupt spermatogenesis. MCs not only influence the process of spermatogenesis but also have effects on the function of other testis-residing cells. MC-derived histamine may influence the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells by acting through H1R and H2R receptors. Additionally, the interaction between MC-released ATP and P2X receptors expressed on the peritubular cells may induce the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators by peritubular cells. Further investigations showed that MCs may be involved in the pathology of female infertility during implantation, pregnancy, and abortion. In the uterus, MCT subtype is abundant in myometrium and adjacent basal layer while MCTC subtype is distributed in all layers. MCs in response to hormones mainly estradiol and progesterone become activated and release a wide range of mediators including histamine, VEGF, proteases, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) that have a role in different stages of pregnancy. An increasing influx of MCs to the cervix during the pregnancy occurs that helps to the physiologic cervical ripening. While MMPs degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM), VEGF modulates neovascularization and histamine influences the embryo implantation. MC-derived histamine may have a positive effect during implantation due to its participation in tissue remodeling. MC proteases including tryptase and chymase activate the precursors of MMP2 and MMP9 to mediate ECM degradation during the physiologic menstrual cycle. There is a line of evidence that MCs have a role in abortion by releasing TNF-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Elieh Ali Komi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Shafaghat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gerhard Haidl
- Andrology Unit, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Sciorio R, Herrer Saura R, Thong KJ, Esbert Algam M, Pickering SJ, Meseguer M. Blastocyst collapse as an embryo marker of low implantation potential: a time-lapse multicentre study. ZYGOTE 2020; 28:1-9. [PMID: 31928572 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000819] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous blastocyst collapse during in vitro embryo development has been suggested as a novel marker of embryo quality. Therefore, the aim of this multicentre study was to carry out a retrospective multicentre analysis to investigate the correlation between blastocyst collapse and pregnancy outcome. Here, 1297 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF) fresh cycles, with an elective single blastocyst transfer (eSET) were included in this study. Embryos were cultured individually in 6.0% CO2, 5.0% O2, 89.0% N2, using single step medium (GTLTM VitroLife, Sweden) or sequential medium (CookTM, Cook Medical, Australia) and selected for transfer using standard morphological criteria. With the use of time-lapse monitoring (TLM), blastocysts were analyzed by measuring the maximum volume reduction and defined as having collapsed, if there was ≥ 50% volume reduction from the expanded blastocyst and the collapse event. Following embryo replacement, each blastocyst was retrospectively allocated to one of two groups (collapsed or not collapsed). Here, 259 blastocysts collapsed once or more during development (19.9%) and the remaining 1038 either contracted minimally or not collapsed (80.1%). A significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of 51.9% (95% CI 48.9-59.9%) was observed when blastocysts that had not collapsed were replaced compared with cycles in which collapsed blastocysts were transferred 37.5% (95% CI 31.6-43.4%). This study suggests that human blastocysts that collapse spontaneously during development are less likely to implant and generate a pregnancy compared with embryos that do not. Although this is a retrospective study, the results demonstrated the utility of collapse episodes as new marker of embryo selection following eSET at blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - K Joo Thong
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Susan Jane Pickering
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
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Massimiani M, Lacconi V, La Civita F, Ticconi C, Rago R, Campagnolo L. Molecular Signaling Regulating Endometrium-Blastocyst Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:E23. [PMID: 31861484 PMCID: PMC6981505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation of the embryo into the uterine endometrium is one of the most finely-regulated processes that leads to the establishment of a successful pregnancy. A plethora of factors are released in a time-specific fashion to synchronize the differentiation program of both the embryo and the endometrium. Indeed, blastocyst implantation in the uterus occurs in a limited time frame called the "window of implantation" (WOI), during which the maternal endometrium undergoes dramatic changes, collectively called "decidualization". Decidualization is guided not just by maternal factors (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormone), but also by molecules secreted by the embryo, such as chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and interleukin-1β (IL-1 β), just to cite few. Once reached the uterine cavity, the embryo orients correctly toward the uterine epithelium, interacts with specialized structures, called pinopodes, and begins the process of adhesion and invasion. All these events are guided by factors secreted by both the endometrium and the embryo, such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), integrins and their ligands, adhesion molecules, Notch family members, and metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the factors and mechanisms regulating implantation, with a focus on those involved in the complex crosstalk between the blastocyst and the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Massimiani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro, 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
| | - Fabio La Civita
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
| | - Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rocco Rago
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385/389, 00157 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (V.L.); (F.L.C.)
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Fernando F, Boussata S, Jongejan A, van der Post JA, Afink G, Ris-Stalpers C. In silico analysis of the Mus musculus uterine gene expression landscape during pregnancy identifies putative upstream regulators for labour. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204236. [PMID: 30235305 PMCID: PMC6147639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular pathways involved in the transition from uterine quiescence to overt labour are mapped and form the currently established pharmacological targets for both the induction and inhibition of human labour. However, both spontaneous premature labour and functional dystocia occur and are difficult to treat adequately. The identification of upstream regulators involved in the onset and orchestration of labour pathways is essential to develop additional therapies that will contribute to the regulation of the timing of birth. OBJECTIVES To define uterine biological processes and their upstream activators involved in the transition from uterine quiescence to overt labour. STUDY DESIGN The uterus of non-pregnant and pregnant FVB M. musculus is collected at embryonic days (E) 6.5, 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 15.5 and 17.5 and the uterine transcriptome is determined using the Illumina mouse Ref8v2 micro-array platform. K-means clustering and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis are applied to further dissect the transcriptome data. RESULTS From E6.5 to E17.5, 5405 genes are significantly differentially expressed and they segregate into 7 unique clusters. Five of the 7 clusters are enriched for genes involved in specific biological processes that include regulation of gene-expression, T-cell receptor activation, Toll-like receptor signalling and steroid metabolism. The identification of upstream activators for differentially expressed genes between consecutive time points highlights the E10.5 to E12.5 window during which the role from progesterone switches from an activated state to the inhibited state reflecting the process of functional progesterone withdrawal essential for the transgression from myometrial quiescence to synchronized contractions. For this time window in which 189 genes are differentially expressed we define 22 putative upstream activators of which NUPR1 and TBX2 are the most significant with respectively an activated and an inhibited status. CONCLUSIONS Gene expression profiling of mice uterus from E6.5 to E17.5 results in 7 unique gene expression clusters from early to late pregnancy that define the landscape of molecular events in ongoing pregnancy. In the current dataset progesterone is predicted as an activated upstream regulator and maintainer of myometrial quiescence and is active till E10.5. Progesterone is predicted as an inhibited upstream regulator at E12.5. We identify 22 upstream regulators in the E10.5 to E12.5 time window where the switch to progesterone withdrawal occurs. They are putative relevant upstream activators of labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Febilla Fernando
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Souad Boussata
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joris A. van der Post
- Women’s and Children’s Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs Afink
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carrie Ris-Stalpers
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Women’s and Children’s Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Bagheri D, Kazemi P, Sarmadi F, Shamsara M, Hashemi E, Daliri Joupari M, Dashtizad M. Low oxygen tension promotes invasive ability and embryo implantation rate. Reprod Biol 2018; 18:295-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Meyer N, Zenclussen AC. Mast cells-Good guys with a bad image? Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 80:e13002. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Meyer
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology; Medical Faculty; Otto-von-Guericke University; Magdeburg Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology; Medical Faculty; Otto-von-Guericke University; Magdeburg Germany
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Piccirilli D, Baldini E, Massimiani M, Camaioni A, Salustri A, Bernardini R, Centanni M, Ulisse S, Moretti C, Campagnolo L. Thyroid hormone regulates protease expression and activation of Notch signaling in implantation and embryo development. J Endocrinol 2018; 236:1-12. [PMID: 28993437 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A clinical association between thyroid dysfunction and pregnancy complications has been extensively reported; however, the molecular mechanisms through which TH might regulate key events of pregnancy have not been elucidated yet. In this respect, we performed in vivo studies in MMI-induced hypothyroid pregnant mice, evaluating the effect of hypothyroidism on the number of implantation sites, developing embryos/resorptions and pups per litter, at 4.5, 10.5, 18.5 days post-coitum (dpc) and at birth. We also studied the expression of major molecules involved in implantation and placentation, such as the proteases ISPs, MMPs, TIMPs and Notch pathway-related genes. Our results demonstrate that hypothyroidism may have a dual effect on pregnancy, by initially influencing implantation and by regulating placental development at later stages of gestation. To further elucidate the role of TH in implantation, we performed in vitro studies by culturing 3.5 dpc blastocysts in the presence of TH, with or without endometrial cells used as the feeder layer, and studied their ability to undergo hatching and outgrowth. We observed that, in the presence of endometrial feeder cells, TH is able to anticipate blastocyst hatching by upregulating the expression of blastocyst-produced ISPs, and to enhance blastocyst outgrowth by upregulating endometrial ISPs and MMPs. These results clearly indicate that TH is involved in the bidirectional crosstalk between the competent blastocyst and the receptive endometrium at the time of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Piccirilli
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgical Sciences'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Massimiani
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Camaioni
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Salustri
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Centanni
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies'Sapienza' University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgical Sciences'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanzo Moretti
- Department of Systems' Medicine University of Rome Tor VergataUOC of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 'Isola Tiberina', Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Nathan A, Reinhardt P, Kruspe D, Jörß T, Groth M, Nolte H, Habenicht A, Herrmann J, Holschbach V, Toth B, Krüger M, Wang ZQ, Platzer M, Englert C. The Wilms tumor protein Wt1 contributes to female fertility by regulating oviductal proteostasis. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1694-1705. [PMID: 28334862 PMCID: PMC5411738 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the zinc finger transcription factor Wt1 has been linked to female fertility, its precise role in this process has not yet been understood. We have sequenced the WT1 exons in a panel of patients with idiopathic infertility and have identified a missense mutation in WT1 in one patient out of eight. This mutation leads to an amino acid change within the zinc finger domain and results in reduced DNA binding. We utilized Wt1+/- mice as a model to mechanistically pinpoint the consequences of reduced Wt1 levels for female fertility. Our results indicate that subfertility in Wt1+/- female mice is a maternal effect caused by the Wt1-dependent de-regulation of Prss29, encoding a serine protease. Notably, blocking Prss29 activity was sufficient to rescue subfertility in Wt1+/- mice indicating Prss29 as a critical factor in female fertility. Molecularly, Wt1 represses expression of Prss29. De-repression and precocious expression of Prss29 in the oviduct of Wt1+/- mice interferes with pre-implantation development. Our study reveals a novel role for Wt1 in early mammalian development and identifies proteases as critical mediators of the maternal-embryonic interaction. Our data also suggest that the role of Wt1 in regulating fertility is conserved in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marco Groth
- Genome Analysis Lab, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Hendrik Nolte
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Habenicht
- Institute for Vascular Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Herrmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hufeland Klinikum, 99425 Weimar, Germany
| | - Verena Holschbach
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bettina Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Platzer
- Genome Analysis Lab, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Englert
- Molecular Genetics Lab.,Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
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Liu J, Gao F, Liu YF, Dou HT, Yan JQ, Fan ZM, Yang ZM. HB-EGF regulates Prss56 expression during mouse decidualization via EGFR/ERK/EGR2 signaling pathway. J Endocrinol 2017; 234:247-254. [PMID: 28611210 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation and decidualization are key steps for successful reproduction. Although numerous factors have been identified to be involved in embryo implantation and decidualization, the mechanisms underlying these processes are still unclear. Based on our preliminary data, Prss56, a trypsin-like serine protease, is strongly expressed at implantation site in mouse uterus. However, the expression, regulation and function of Prss56 during early pregnancy are still unknown. In mouse uterus, Prss56 is strongly expressed in the subluminal stromal cells at implantation site on day 5 of pregnancy compared to inter-implantation site. Under delayed implantation, Prss56 expression is undetected. After delayed implantation is activated by estrogen, Prss56 is obviously induced at implantation site. Under artificial decidualization, Prss56 signal is seen at the primary decidual zone at the initial stage of artificial decidualization. When stromal cells are induced for in vitro decidualization, Prss56 expression is significantly elevated. Dtprp expression under in vitro decidualization is suppressed by Prss56 siRNA. In cultured stromal cells, HB-EGF markedly stimulates Prss56 expression through EGFR/ERK pathway. Based on promoter analysis, we also showed that Egr2 is involved in Prss56 regulation by HB-EGF. Collectively, Prss56 expression at implantation site is modulated by HB-EGF/EGFR/ERK signaling pathway and involved in mouse decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of BiologyShantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of BiologyShantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Yue-Fang Liu
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Ting Dou
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Qi Yan
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zong-Min Fan
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Khanmohammadi N, Movahedin M, Safari M, Sameni HR, Yousefi B, Jafari B, Zarbakhsh S. Effect of L-carnitine on in vitro developmental rate, the zona pellucida and hatching of blastocysts and their cell numbers in mouse embryos. Int J Reprod Biomed 2016; 14:649-656. [PMID: 27921089 PMCID: PMC5124328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED L-carnitine (LC) is an antioxidant with the ability to promote the growth in vitro embryo. OBJECTIVE The goal was to evaluate the effect of LC on some indicators of embryo development and blastocyst quality including zona pellucid (ZP) thickness, the hatching of blastocysts and their cell numbers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mouse embryos were randomly divided into five groups and incubated with different concentrations of LC (I; 0, II; 0.5, III; 1, IV; 2 and V; 4 mg/ml) from 2-cell to hatched blastocyst. The percentage of blastocysts and hatched blastocysts was calculated. Blastocysts ZP thickness was measured and the number of blastocyst cells was counted using Hoechst and propidium iodide (PI) staining. RESULTS The results showed concentration of 0.5 mg/ml of LC had an antioxidant effect as in this group, the percentage of blastocysts and hatched blactocysts (p=0.01), the ZP thickness (p=0.00) and the number of blastocyst inner cell mass were significantly more favorable than the control group (p=0.03); and concentration of 4 mg/ml of LC had a toxic effect on embryo development and blastocyst quality (p=0.00). CONCLUSION The results suggest that LC may increase the number of blastocyst cells, which probably helps to expand the blastocyst and thinning of the ZP thickness and, therefore, creating a successful hatching for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Khanmohammadi
- Research Center of Nervous System Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- Anatomical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Manouchehr Safari
- Research Center of Nervous System Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Hamid Reza Sameni
- Research Center of Nervous System Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Behpour Yousefi
- Research Center of Nervous System Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Behnaz Jafari
- Research Center of Nervous System Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Sam Zarbakhsh
- Research Center of Nervous System Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Khanmohammadi N, Movahedin M, Safari M, Sameni HR, Yousefi B, Jafari B, Zarbakhsh S. Effect of L-carnitine on in vitro developmental rate, the zona pellucida and hatching of blastocysts and their cell numbers in mouse embryos. Int J Reprod Biomed 2016. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.14.10.649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Combined effects of individual culture and atmospheric oxygen on preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:537-549. [PMID: 27569702 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Embryos are routinely cultured individually, although this can reduce blastocyst development. Culture in atmospheric (20%) oxygen is also common, despite multiple detrimental effects on embryos. Although frequently occurring together, the consequences of this combination are unknown. Mouse embryos were cultured individually or grouped, under physiological (5%) or atmospheric (20%) oxygen. Embryos were assessed by time-lapse and blastocyst cell allocation. Compared with the control group (5% oxygen group culture), 5-cell cleavage (t5) was delayed in 5% oxygen individual culture and 20% oxygen group culture (59.91 ± 0.23, 60.70 ± 0.29, 63.06 ± 0.32 h post-HCG respectively, P < 0.05). Embryos in 20% oxygen individual culture were delayed earlier (3-cell cleavage), and at t5 cleaved later than embryos in other treatments (66.01 ± 0.40 h, P < 0.001), this delay persisting to blastocyst hatching. Compared with controls, hatching rate and cells per blastocyst were reduced in 5% oxygen single culture and 20% oxygen group culture (134.1 ± 3.4, 104.5 ± 3.2, 73.4 ± 2.2 cells, P < 0.001), and were further reduced in 20% oxygen individual culture (57.0 ± 2.8 cells, P < 0.001), as was percentage inner cell mass. These data indicate combining individual culture and 20% oxygen is detrimental to embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Li SJ, Wang TS, Qin FN, Huang Z, Liang XH, Gao F, Song Z, Yang ZM. Differential regulation of receptivity in two uterine horns of a recipient mouse following asynchronous embryo transfer. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15897. [PMID: 26531680 PMCID: PMC4632121 DOI: 10.1038/srep15897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptivity is a limited time in which uterine endometrium can establish a successful dialogue with blastocyst. This study was to investigate the effect of asynchronous embryo transfer on uterine receptivity in mice. Embryos under different stages were transferred into two oviduct sides of a recipient mouse on day 1 of pseudopregnancy. Our results showed the asynchronously transferred embryos can implant in all groups. Compared to zygote-transfer group, the length of implanted embryos is longer in 8-cell embryo- or blastocyst-transfer group. The levels of Snail and COX-2 immunostaining in blastocyst-transfer group are significantly stronger than that in zygote-transfer group. Embryos in blastocyst-transfer group migrate faster than that in zygote-transfer group within uterus. Blastocysts are in a state of developmental delay after they are transferred into oviducts, and they are reactivated and implanted rapidly in uterus. The developmental rate to newborn in zygote-transfer group is obviously higher than that in blastocyst-transfer group, suggesting that a delay in embryo development and implantation will lead to a decrease of litter size. These results indicated that the window of implantation is differentially regulated in two uterine horns of a recipient by embryos at different stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Jie Li
- Colleage of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | | | - Fu-Niu Qin
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhu Huang
- College of Life Science, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, China
| | - Xiao-Huan Liang
- Colleage of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Gao
- School of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Zhuo Song
- Colleage of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- Colleage of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Brosens JJ, Salker MS, Teklenburg G, Nautiyal J, Salter S, Lucas ES, Steel JH, Christian M, Chan YW, Boomsma CM, Moore JD, Hartshorne GM, Sućurović S, Mulac-Jericevic B, Heijnen CJ, Quenby S, Koerkamp MJG, Holstege FCP, Shmygol A, Macklon NS. Uterine selection of human embryos at implantation. Sci Rep 2014; 4:3894. [PMID: 24503642 PMCID: PMC3915549 DOI: 10.1038/srep03894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryos frequently harbor large-scale complex chromosomal errors that impede normal development. Affected embryos may fail to implant although many first breach the endometrial epithelium and embed in the decidualizing stroma before being rejected via mechanisms that are poorly understood. Here we show that developmentally impaired human embryos elicit an endoplasmic stress response in human decidual cells. A stress response was also evident upon in vivo exposure of mouse uteri to culture medium conditioned by low-quality human embryos. By contrast, signals emanating from developmentally competent embryos activated a focused gene network enriched in metabolic enzymes and implantation factors. We further show that trypsin, a serine protease released by pre-implantation embryos, elicits Ca2+ signaling in endometrial epithelial cells. Competent human embryos triggered short-lived oscillatory Ca2+ fluxes whereas low-quality embryos caused a heightened and prolonged Ca2+ response. Thus, distinct positive and negative mechanisms contribute to active selection of human embryos at implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan J Brosens
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Madhuri S Salker
- 1] Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK [2] Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 ONN, UK
| | - Gijs Teklenburg
- Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaya Nautiyal
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 ONN, UK
| | - Scarlett Salter
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Emma S Lucas
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Jennifer H Steel
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 ONN, UK
| | - Mark Christian
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Yi-Wah Chan
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Carolien M Boomsma
- Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan D Moore
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Geraldine M Hartshorne
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Sandra Sućurović
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Biserka Mulac-Jericevic
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Cobi J Heijnen
- Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Marian J Groot Koerkamp
- Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C P Holstege
- Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anatoly Shmygol
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Nick S Macklon
- 1] Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands [2] Division of Developmental Origins of Adult Diseases (DOHaD), University of Southampton, Coxford Road, Southampton SO16 5YA, UK
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Sharma N, Fahr J, Renaux B, Saifeddine M, Kumar R, Nishikawa S, Mihara K, Ramachandran R, Hollenberg MD, Rancourt DE. Implantation serine proteinase 2 is a monomeric enzyme with mixed serine proteolytic activity and can silence signalling via proteinase activated receptors. Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 91:487-97. [DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2013-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation serine proteinase 2 (ISP2), a S1 family serine proteinase, is known for its role in the critical processes of embryo hatching and implantation in the mouse uterus. Native implantation serine proteinases (ISPs) are co-expressed and co-exist as heterodimers in uterine and blastocyst tissues. The ISP1–ISP2 enzyme complex shows trypsin-like substrate specificity. In contrast, we found that ISP2, isolated as a 34 kDa monomer from a Pichia pastoris expression system, exhibited a mixed serine proteolytic substrate specificity, as determined by a phage display peptide cleavage approach and verified by the in vitro cleavage of synthetic peptides. Based upon the peptide sequence substrate selectivity, a database search identified many potential ISP2 targets of physiological relevance, including the proteinase activated receptor 2 (PAR2). The in vitro cleavage studies with PAR2-derived peptides confirmed the mixed substrate specificity of ISP2. Treatment of cell lines expressing proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) 1, 2, and 4 with ISP2 prevented receptor activation by either thrombin (PARs 1 and 4) or trypsin (PAR2). The disarming and silencing of PARs by ISP2 may play a role in successful embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jochen Fahr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Bernard Renaux
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Mahmoud Saifeddine
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sandra Nishikawa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Koichiro Mihara
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Rithwik Ramachandran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Morley D. Hollenberg
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Derrick E. Rancourt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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Baek KH, Lee H, Yang S, Lim SB, Lee W, Lee JE, Lim JJ, Jun K, Lee DR, Chung Y. Embryonic demise caused by targeted disruption of a cysteine protease Dub-2. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44223. [PMID: 22984479 PMCID: PMC3440420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A plethora of biological metabolisms are regulated by the mechanisms of ubiquitination, wherein this process is balanced with the action of deubiquitination system. Dub-2 is an IL-2-inducible, immediate-early gene that encodes a deubiquitinating enzyme with growth regulatory activity. DUB-2 presumably removes ubiquitin from ubiquitin-conjugated target proteins regulating ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, but its specific target proteins are unknown yet. Methodology/Principal Findings To elucidate the functional role of Dub-2, we generated genetically modified mice by introducing neo cassette into the second exon of Dub-2 and then homologous recombination was done to completely abrogate the activity of DUB-2 proteins. We generated Dub-2+/− heterozygous mice showing a normal phenotype and are fertile, whereas new born mouse of Dub-2−/− homozygous alleles could not survive. In addition, Dub-2−/− embryo could not be seen between E6.5 and E12.5 stages. Furthermore, the number of embryos showing normal embryonic development for further stages is decreased in heterozygotes. Even embryonic stem cells from inner cell mass of Dub-2−/− embryos could not be established. Conclusions Our study suggests that the targeted disruption of Dub-2 may cause embryonic lethality during early gestation, possibly due to the failure of cell proliferation during hatching process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, CHA General Hospital, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
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Balakier H, Sojecki A, Motamedi G, Bashar S, Mandel R, Librach C. Is the zona pellucida thickness of human embryos influenced by women's age and hormonal levels? Fertil Steril 2012; 98:77-83. [PMID: 22608315 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether zona pellucida thickness (ZPT) of human embryos is correlated with maternal age, patient's hormonal status, embryo quality, and IVF outcomes. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING University-affiliated IVF clinic. PATIENT(S) Couples undergoing IVF-ET cycles. INTERVENTION(S) Zona measurements, clinical data collection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Correlation between the ZPT and maternal age, basal FSH and E(2) levels, stimulation protocols, cause of infertility, embryo quality, and implantation/pregnancy rates. RESULT(S) The measurements of ZPT were collected from 5,184 day 3 human embryos originated from 744 IVF patients. The overall mean ZPT was 16.18 ± 2.00 μm. No significant correlation was observed between the ZPT and the patient's age, E(2) values on the day of hCG administration, basal concentration of serum FSH, stimulation protocol, infertility diagnosis, and implantation/pregnancy rates. The ZPT was strongly influenced only by the embryo quality: Embryos with good morphology exhibited considerably thinner ZP compared with those of less favorable morphology (mean 15.87 ± 2.48 μm vs. 16.36 ± 2.57 μm, respectively). The ZPT had no significant impact on the implantation and pregnancy rates. CONCLUSION(S) The thickness of the human ZP of day 3 embryos is not influenced by women's age and hormonal levels. The strong correlation between ZPT and embryo quality suggests that thickness of ZP depends on inherent embryo properties. The overall ZPT is not a good predictive indicator for IVF clinical outcomes.
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Serine protease inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) inhibits the rat embryo implantation in vivo and interferes with cell adhesion in vitro. Contraception 2011; 84:642-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2011.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Revised: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Implantation serine proteinase 1 exhibits mixed substrate specificity that silences signaling via proteinase-activated receptors. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27888. [PMID: 22132161 PMCID: PMC3223204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Implantation S1 family serine proteinases (ISPs) are tryptases involved in embryo hatching and uterine implantation in the mouse. The two different ISP proteins (ISP1 and ISP2) have been detected in both pre- and post-implantation embryo tissue. To date, native ISP obtained from uterus and blastocyst tissues has been isolated only as an active hetero-dimer that exhibits trypsin-like substrate specificity. We hypothesised that in isolation, ISP1 might have a unique substrate specificity that could relate to its role when expressed alone in individual tissues. Thus, we isolated recombinant ISP1 expressed in Pichia pastoris and evaluated its substrate specificity. Using several chromogenic substrates and serine proteinase inhibitors, we demonstrate that ISP1 exhibits trypsin-like substrate specificity, having a preference for lysine over arginine at the P1 position. Phage display peptide mimetics revealed an expanded but mixed substrate specificity of ISP1, including chymotryptic and elastase activity. Based upon targets observed using phage display, we hypothesised that ISP1 might signal to cells by cleaving and activating proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) and therefore assessed PARs 1, 2 and 4 as potential ISP1 targets. We observed that ISP1 silenced enzyme-triggered PAR signaling by receptor-disarming. This PAR-disarming action of ISP1 may be important for embryo development and implantation.
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Kirkegaard K, Juhl Hindkjaer J, Ingerslev HJ. Human embryonic development after blastomere removal: a time-lapse analysis. Hum Reprod 2011; 27:97-105. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Kang HJ, Hwang SJ, Yoon JA, Jun JH, Lim HJ, Yoon TK, Song H. Activation of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) promotes blastocyst hatching in mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2011; 17:653-60. [PMID: 21511721 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gar030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandins participate in a variety of female reproductive processes, including ovulation, fertilization, embryo implantation and parturition. In particular, maternal prostacyclin (PGI(2)) is critical for embryo implantation and the action of PGI(2) is not mediated via its G-protein-coupled membrane receptor, IP, but its nuclear receptor, peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ). Recently, several studies have shown that PGI(2) enhances blastocyst development and/or hatching rate in vitro, and subsequently implantation and live birth rates in mice. However, the mechanism by which PGI(2) improves preimplantation embryo development in vitro remains unclear. Using molecular, pharmacologic and genetic approaches, we show that PGI(2)-induced PPARδ activation accelerates blastocyst hatching in mice. mRNAs for PPARδ, retinoid X receptor (heterodimeric partners of PPARδ) and PGI(2) synthase (PGIS) are temporally induced after zygotic gene activation, and their expression reaches maximum levels at the blastocyst stage, suggesting that functional complex of PPARδ can be formed in the blastocyst. Carbaprostacyclin (a stable analogue of PGI(2)) and GW501516 (a PPARδ selective agonist) significantly accelerated blastocyst hatching but did not increase total cell number of cultured blastocysts. Whereas U51605 (a PGIS inhibitor) interfered with blastocyst hatching, GW501516 restored U51605-induced retarded hatching. In contrast to the improvement of blastocyst hatching by PPARδ agonists, PPAR antagonists significantly inhibited blastocyst hatching. Furthermore, deletion of PPARδ at early stages of preimplantation mouse embryos caused delay of blastocyst hatching, but did not impair blastocyst development. Taken together, PGI(2)-induced PPARδ activation accelerates blastocyst hatching in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jung Kang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology & Infertility, Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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In vitro assay for protease activity of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexins (PCSKs): an overall review of existing and new methodologies. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 768:127-53. [PMID: 21805240 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-204-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian proprotein convertase subtilisin kexins (PCSKs) previously called proprotein or prohormone convertases (PCs) are a family of Ca(+2)-dependent endoproteases in the subtilisin family. These proteolytic enzymes exert their many crucial physiological and biological functions in vivo via their ability to cleave larger inactive precursor proteins into their biologically active mature forms. This event takes place in a highly efficient and selective manner. Such actions of PCSKs either alone or in combination to cleave specific protein bonds are the hallmark events that not only define the normal functions and metabolism of the body but also may lead to a variety of diseases or disorders with associated conditions. These include among others, diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, reproduction abnormalities as well as viral bacterial infections. These conditions were the direct consequences of an enhanced level of enzymatic activity of one or more PCSKs except only PCSK9, whose protease activity in relation to its physiological substrate has yet to be characterized. Owing to this finding, a large number of research studies have been exclusively devoted to develop rapid, efficient and reliable in vitro methods for examining the protease activity of these enzymes. Several assays have been developed to monitor PCSK activity and these are widely used in chemical, biochemical, cellular and animal studies. This review will cover various methodologies and protocols that are currently available in the literature for PCSK activity assays. These include liquid phase methods using fluorogenic, chromogenic and intramolecularly quenched fluorescent substrates as well as a newly developed novel solid phase fluorescence method. This review will also highlight the usefulness of these methodologies and finally a comparative analysis has been made to examine their merits and demerits with some key examples.
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Su RW, Lei W, Liu JL, Zhang ZR, Jia B, Feng XH, Ren G, Hu SJ, Yang ZM. The integrative analysis of microRNA and mRNA expression in mouse uterus under delayed implantation and activation. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15513. [PMID: 21124741 PMCID: PMC2993968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2010] [Accepted: 10/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Delayed implantation is a developmental arrest at the blastocyst stage and a good model for embryo implantation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be involved in mouse embryo implantation through regulating uterine gene expression. This study was to have an integrative analysis on global miRNA and mRNA expression in mouse uterus under delayed implantation and activation through Illumina sequencing. Methodology/Principal Findings By deep sequencing and analysis, we found that there are 20 miRNAs up-regulated and 42 miRNAs down-regulated at least 1.2 folds, and 268 genes up-regulated and 295 genes down-regulated at least 2 folds under activation compared to delayed implantation, respectively. Many different forms of editing in mature miRNAs are detected. The percentage of editing at positions 4 and 5 of mature miRNAs is significantly higher under delayed implantation than under activation. Although the number of miR-21 reference sequence under activation is slightly lower than that under delayed implantation, the total level of miR-21 under activation is higher than that under delayed implantation. Six novel miRNAs are predicted and confirmed. The target genes of significantly up-regulated miRNAs under activation are significantly enriched. Conclusions miRNA and mRNA expression patterns are closely related. The target genes of up-regulated miRNAs are significantly enriched. A high level of editing at positions 4 and 5 of mature miRNAs is detected under delayed implantation than under activation. Our data should be valuable for future study on delayed implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Wei Su
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Cell Biology and Tumor Cell Engineering, School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Lei
- School of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- School of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhi-Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Cell Biology and Tumor Cell Engineering, School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bo Jia
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Cell Biology and Tumor Cell Engineering, School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xu-Hui Feng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Cell Biology and Tumor Cell Engineering, School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Gang Ren
- School of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Shi-Jun Hu
- School of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Cell Biology and Tumor Cell Engineering, School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- * E-mail:
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Martínez-Hernández MG, Baiza-Gutman LA, Castillo-Trápala A, Armant DR. Regulation of proteinases during mouse peri-implantation development: urokinase-type plasminogen activator expression and cross talk with matrix metalloproteinase 9. Reproduction 2010; 141:227-39. [PMID: 21075828 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trophoblast cells express urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) and may depend on its activity for endometrial invasion and tissue remodeling during peri-implantation development. However, the developmental regulation, tissue distribution, and function of PLAU are not completely understood. In this study, the expression of PLAU and its regulation by extracellular matrix proteins was examined by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and plasminogen-casein zymography in cultured mouse embryos. There was a progressive increase in Plau mRNA expression in blastocysts cultured on gestation days 4-8. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (55 kDa) and PLAU (a triplet of 40, 37, and 31 kDa) were present in conditioned medium and embryo lysates, and were adsorbed to the culture plate surface. The temporal expression pattern of PLAU, according to semi-quantitative gel zymography, was similar in non-adhering embryos and embryos cultured on fibronectin, laminin, or type IV collagen, although type IV collagen and laminin upregulated Plau mRNA expression. Immunofluorescence revealed PLAU on the surface of the mural trophectoderm and in non-spreading giant trophoblast cells. Exogenous human plasminogen was transformed to plasmin by cultured embryos and activated endogenous matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). Indeed, the developmental expression profile of MMP9 was similar to that of PLAU. Our data suggest that the intrinsic developmental program predominantly regulates PLAU expression during implantation, and that PLAU could be responsible for activation of MMP9, leading to localized matrix proteolysis as trophoblast invasion commences.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Martínez-Hernández
- Obstetrics and Gynecology and Anatomy and Cell Biology, C. S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 275 East Hancock Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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Quesada V, Velasco G, Puente XS, Warren WC, López-Otín C. Comparative genomic analysis of the zebra finch degradome provides new insights into evolution of proteases in birds and mammals. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:220. [PMID: 20359326 PMCID: PMC2865498 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The degradome -the complete repertoire of proteases in an organism- is involved in multiple key biological and pathological processes. Previous studies in several organisms have yielded sets of curated protease sequences which may be used to characterize the degradome in a novel genome by similarity. Differences between degradomes can then be related to physiological traits of the species under study. Therefore, the sequencing of the zebra finch genome allows the comparison between the degradomes of mammals and birds and may help to understand the biological peculiarities of the zebra finch. Results A set of curated protease sequences from humans and chicken was used to predict the sequences of 460 protease and protease-like genes in the zebra finch genome. This analysis revealed important differences in the evolution of mammalian and bird degradomes, including genomic expansions and deletions of caspases, cytotoxic proteases, kallikreins, matrix metalloproteases, and trypsin-like proteases. Furthermore, we found several zebra finch-specific features, such as duplications in CASP3 and BACE, and a large genomic expansion of acrosin. Conclusions We have compared the degradomes of zebra finch, chicken and several mammalian species, with the finding of multiple differences which illustrate the evolution of the protease complement of these organisms. Detailed analysis of these changes in zebra finch proteases has shown that they are mainly related to immunological, developmental, reproductive and neural functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Quesada
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Oncología, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006-Oviedo, Spain.
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29
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Oozono S, Yamauchi N, Nishimura K, Matsumoto K, Watanabe R, Kubota K, Aramaki S, Sato F, Wood C, Soh T, Kizaki KI, Hattori MA. Expression of rat uterine serine proteinases homologous to mouse implantation serine proteinase 2. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2008; 310:642-9. [PMID: 18831529 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.21237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Implantation serine protease (ISP) was first identified in the uteri of pregnant mice. It is thought that ISP may have an important role in the initiation of implantation. However, the expression status and detailed functions of ISP remain unclear. In this study, the expression of ISP was investigated in the rat uterus. The analysis of two rat genes registered in GenBank, accession nos. XM_220240 and XM_577076, exhibited high identities to the mouse ISP2 genes, respectively at an mRNA level. We labeled the former as rISP2a and the latter as rISP2b. Using RT-PCR, we found that both genes were expressed in the uterus. Specifically, rISP2a mRNA was detected in the uterus throughout pregnancy, whereas rISP2b mRNA was only expressed in the uterus from day 5 of pregnancy until the end of gestation. Expression of both genes was observed specifically within the endometrial gland epithelium. Furthermore, rISP2a was also observed to be expressed in the fetus and placenta, whereas rISP2b expression was observed in the fetus but not in the placenta. An expressional signal of the rISP2a gene was observed in the spongiotrophoblasts, giant cells and decidual endometrium in the placenta. In the embryo, the ventral specific region was positive in rISP2a and rISP2b gene expression. These findings indicate the possibility that the presently examined genes with high identity to mouse ISP2 may play some role not only during the implantation phase, but also in the development of the placenta and embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Oozono
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School Kyushu University, Hakozaki, Fukuoka, Japan
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Substrate specificity determination of mouse implantation serine proteinase and human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 by phage display. Biol Chem 2008. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2008.118_bchm.just-accepted] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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31
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Sharma N, Kaur J, Xu H, Zur Nieden N, Rancourt D. Characterization of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor as an inhibitor of implantation serine proteinases. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 75:1136-42. [PMID: 18163438 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We have recently identified and characterized two implantation serine proteinase genes, ISP1 and ISP2, which give rise to a dimeric proteinase, ISP that facilitates embryo invasion during peri-implantation period. As many proteinases have cognate serpins that regulate their proteolytic activity, we have been investigating anti-tryptases, expressed during this window of implantation. Here, we report the differential expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in uterine endometrium around the implantation period. The co-localization of SLPI and ISP suggests the possibility that SLPI is an ISP serpin and that expression of SLPI may lead to a reduction in ISP activity. The expression of SLPI is down regulated during the window of embryo-uterine receptivity. Our results are consistent with a model suggesting that the drop in SLPI expression may help to refine the opening of the window of implantation, by allowing the proteolytic activity of embryo invasive serine proteinases such as the ISPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Substrate specificity determination of mouse implantation serine proteinase and human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 by phage display. Biol Chem 2008; 389:1097-105. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2008.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
We constructed a random library of hexapeptides displayed on the surface of bacteriophage T7 to determine the substrate specificity of proteinases. The phage-displayed library was subjected to repeated rounds of biopanning with native implantation serine proteinase and recombinant human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) followed by selection and identification of putative substrates. For both enzymes, the results obtained demonstrate a preference for arginine and lysine at multiple positions in the recognition cleavage motif, confirming their previously reported trypsin-like substrate specificity. In the case of KLK6, there is also a pronounced presence of tryptophan within the cleaved peptide sequences, indicating its potential dual substrate specificity, acting as both a trypsin and chymotrypsin-like enzyme.
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