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Goudarzi ST, Vousooghi N, Verdi J, Mehdizadeh A, Aslanian-Kalkhoran L, Yousefi M. Autophagy genes and signaling pathways in endometrial decidualization and pregnancy complications. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104223. [PMID: 38489930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is a process that occurs in almost all eukaryotic cells and this process is controlled by several molecular processes. Its biological roles include the provision of energy, the maintenance of cell homeostasis, and the promotion of aberrant cell death. The importance of autophagy in pregnancy is gradually becoming recognized. In literature, it has been indicated that autophagy has three different effects on the onset and maintenance of pregnancy: embryo (embryonic development), feto-maternal immune crosstalk, and maternal (decidualization). In humans, proper decidualization is a major predictor of pregnancy accomplishment and it can be influenced by different factors. This review highlights the genes, pathways, regulation, and function of autophagy in endometrial decidualization and other involved factors in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeedeh Torabi Goudarzi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Lida Aslanian-Kalkhoran
- Department of Immunology, school of medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Huang Y, Wang Z, Li B, Ke L, Xiong Y, Zhang Y. Loss of KLF15 impairs endometrial receptivity by inhibiting EMT in endometriosis. J Endocrinol 2024; 261:e230319. [PMID: 38513352 PMCID: PMC11056958 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The impaired endometrial receptivity is a major factor contributing to infertility in patients with endometriosis (EM), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role of Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) in endometrial receptivity and its regulation in EM. We observed a significant decrease in KLF15 expression in the mid-secretory epithelial endometrial cells of EM patients compared to normal females without EM. To confirm the role of KLF15 in endometrial receptivity, we found a significantly reduced KLF15 expression and a significant decrease in embryo implantation number in the rat model via uterine horn infection with siRNA. This highlights the importance of KLF15 as a regulator receptivity. Furthermore, through ChIP-qPCR, we discovered that the progesterone receptor (PR) directly binds to KLF15 promoter regions, indicating that progesterone resistance may mediate the decrease in KLF15 expression in EM patients. Additionally, we found that the mid-secretory endometrium of EM patients exhibited impaired epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Knockdown of KLF15 upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated vimentin expression, leading to inhibited invasiveness and migration of Ishikawa cells. Overexpression KLF15 promotes EMT, invasiveness, and migration ability, and increases the attachment rate of JAR cells to Ishikawa cells. Through RNA-seq analysis, we identified TWIST2 as a downstream gene of KLF15. We confirmed that KLF15 directly binds to the promoter region of TWIST2 via ChIP-qPCR, promoting epithelial cell EMT during the establishment of endometrial receptivity. Our study reveals the involvement of KLF15 in the regulation of endometrial receptivity and its downstream effects on EMT. These findings provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic approaches for treating non-receptive endometrium in patients with EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxiong Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan Hubei Province, PR China
- Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Science and Birth Health, Wuhan Hubei Province, PR China
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Sinopharm Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan Hubei Province, PR China
- Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Science and Birth Health, Wuhan Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Sinopharm Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Lina Ke
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Sinopharm Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yao Xiong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan Hubei Province, PR China
- Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Science and Birth Health, Wuhan Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, PR China
- Hubei Clinical Research Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan Hubei Province, PR China
- Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Science and Birth Health, Wuhan Hubei Province, PR China
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3
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Sparić R, Andjić M, Rakić A, Bjekić-Macut J, Livadas S, Kontić-Vučinić O, Mastorakos G, Macut D. Insulin-sensitizing agents for infertility treatment in woman with polycystic ovary syndrome: a narrative review of current clinical practice. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:49-58. [PMID: 37792213 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00494-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive disorder which, according to the Rotterdam criteria, affects up to 24% of women of childbearing age. Although the prevalence of infertility in this subpopulation of women is high, the optimal treatment has not been fully established yet. Insulin resistance is considered to be an important mechanism involved in the development of PCOS; hence, the aim of this narrative review is to present an overview of the current pharmacological insulin-sensitizing treatment modalities for infertile women with PCOS. METHODS A MEDLINE and PubMed search for the years 1990-2023 was performed using a combination of keywords. Clinical trials with insulin sensitizers used for infertility treatment as well as analyses of systematic reviews and meta-analyses were evaluated. When deemed necessary, additional articles referenced in the retrieved papers were included in this narrative review. RESULTS Several insulin-sensitizing compounds and various therapeutical protocols are available for infertility treatment of women with PCOS. Metformin is the most common adjuvant medication to induce ovulation in infertile women with PCOS and is more frequently administered in combination with clomiphene citrate than on its own. Recently, inositol and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have emerged as possible options for infertility treatment in PCOS. CONCLUSION The future of medical treatment of PCOS women with infertility lies in a personalized pharmacological approach, which involves various compounds with different mechanisms of action that could modify ovarian function and endometrial receptivity, ultimately leading to better overall reproductive outcomes in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Sparić
- University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mladen Andjić
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Rakić
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelica Bjekić-Macut
- Department of Endocrinology, UMC Bežanijska Kosa, University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Olivera Kontić-Vučinić
- University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrine Diseases, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Djuro Macut
- University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Dr Subotića 13, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
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Garg A, Zielinska AP, Yeung AC, Abdelmalak R, Chen R, Hossain A, Israni A, Nelson SM, Babwah AV, Dhillo WS, Abbara A. Luteal phase support in assisted reproductive technology. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:149-167. [PMID: 38110672 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects one in six couples, with in vitro fertilization (IVF) offering many the chance of conception. Compared to the solitary oocyte produced during the natural menstrual cycle, the supraphysiological ovarian stimulation needed to produce multiple oocytes during IVF results in a dysfunctional luteal phase that can be insufficient to support implantation and maintain pregnancy. Consequently, hormonal supplementation with luteal phase support, principally exogenous progesterone, is used to optimize pregnancy rates; however, luteal phase support remains largely 'black-box' with insufficient clarity regarding the optimal timing, dosing, route and duration of treatment. Herein, we review the evidence on luteal phase support and highlight remaining uncertainties and future research directions. Specifically, we outline the physiological luteal phase, which is regulated by progesterone from the corpus luteum, and evaluate how it is altered by the supraphysiological ovarian stimulation used during IVF. Additionally, we describe the effects of the hormonal triggers used to mature oocytes on the degree of luteal phase support required. We explain the histological transformation of the endometrium during the luteal phase and evaluate markers of endometrial receptivity that attempt to identify the 'window of implantation'. We also cover progesterone receptor signalling, circulating progesterone levels associated with implantation, and the pharmacokinetics of available progesterone formulations to inform the design of luteal phase support regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Garg
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Agata P Zielinska
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Arthur C Yeung
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Abdelmalak
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Runzhi Chen
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Aleena Hossain
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alisha Israni
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Scott M Nelson
- School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- The Fertility Partnership (TFP), Oxford, UK
| | - Andy V Babwah
- Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
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5
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Liao Z, Tang S, Jiang P, Geng T, Cope DI, Dunn TN, Guner J, Radilla LA, Guan X, Monsivais D. Impaired bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways disrupt decidualization in endometriosis. Commun Biol 2024; 7:227. [PMID: 38402336 PMCID: PMC10894266 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05898-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is linked to increased infertility and pregnancy complications due to defective endometrial decidualization. We hypothesized that identification of altered signaling pathways during decidualization could identify the underlying cause of infertility and pregnancy complications. Our study reveals that transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathways are impaired in the endometrium of individuals with endometriosis, leading to defective decidualization. Through detailed transcriptomic analyses, we discovered abnormalities in TGFβ signaling pathways and key regulators, such as SMAD4, in the endometrium of affected individuals. We also observed compromised activity of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), a subset of the TGFβ family, that control endometrial receptivity. Using 3-dimensional models of endometrial stromal and epithelial assembloids, we showed that exogenous BMP2 improved decidual marker expression in individuals with endometriosis. Our findings reveal dysfunction of BMP/SMAD signaling in the endometrium of individuals with endometriosis, explaining decidualization defects and subsequent pregnancy complications in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Graduate Program of Genetics and Genomics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peixin Jiang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ting Geng
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Timothy N Dunn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Joie Guner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Linda Alpuing Radilla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoming Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Shibata S, Endo S, Nagai LAE, H. Kobayashi E, Oike A, Kobayashi N, Kitamura A, Hori T, Nashimoto Y, Nakato R, Hamada H, Kaji H, Kikutake C, Suyama M, Saito M, Yaegashi N, Okae H, Arima T. Modeling embryo-endometrial interface recapitulating human embryo implantation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi4819. [PMID: 38394208 PMCID: PMC10889356 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi4819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The initiation of human pregnancy is marked by the implantation of an embryo into the uterine environment; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. To address this knowledge gap, we developed hormone-responsive endometrial organoids (EMO), termed apical-out (AO)-EMO, which emulate the in vivo architecture of endometrial tissue. The AO-EMO comprise an exposed apical epithelium surface, dense stromal cells, and a self-formed endothelial network. When cocultured with human embryonic stem cell-derived blastoids, the three-dimensional feto-maternal assembloid system recapitulates critical implantation stages, including apposition, adhesion, and invasion. Endometrial epithelial cells were subsequently disrupted by syncytial cells, which invade and fuse with endometrial stromal cells. We validated this fusion of syncytiotrophoblasts and stromal cells using human blastocysts. Our model provides a foundation for investigating embryo implantation and feto-maternal interactions, offering valuable insights for advancing reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Shibata
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Research and Development Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Osaka 544-8666, Japan
| | - Shun Endo
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Luis A. E. Nagai
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Eri H. Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Oike
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Akane Kitamura
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hori
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Yuji Nashimoto
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Nakato
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kaji
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Chie Kikutake
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mikita Suyama
- Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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Beddows I, Fan H, Heinze K, Johnson BK, Leonova A, Senz J, Djirackor S, Cho KR, Pearce CL, Huntsman DG, Anglesio MS, Shen H. Cell State of Origin Impacts Development of Distinct Endometriosis-Related Ovarian Carcinoma Histotypes. Cancer Res 2024; 84:26-38. [PMID: 37874327 PMCID: PMC10758692 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Clear cell ovarian carcinoma (CCOC) and endometrioid ovarian carcinoma (ENOC) are ovarian carcinoma histotypes, which are both thought to arise from ectopic endometrial (or endometrial-like) cells through an endometriosis intermediate. How the same cell type of origin gives rise to two morphologically and biologically different histotypes has been perplexing, particularly given that recurrent genetic mutations are common to both and present in nonmalignant precursors. We used RNA transcription analysis to show that the expression profiles of CCOC and ENOC resemble those of normal endometrium at secretory and proliferative phases of the menstrual cycle, respectively. DNA methylation at the promoter of the estrogen receptor (ER) gene (ESR1) was enriched in CCOC, which could potentially lock the cells in the secretory state. Compared with normal secretory-type endometrium, CCOC was further defined by increased expression of cysteine and glutathione synthesis pathway genes and downregulation of the iron antiporter, suggesting iron addiction and highlighting ferroptosis as a potential therapeutic target. Overall, these findings suggest that while CCOC and ENOC arise from the same cell type, these histotypes likely originate from different cell states. This "cell state of origin" model may help to explain the presence of histologic and molecular cancer subtypes arising in other organs. SIGNIFICANCE Two cancer histotypes diverge from a common cell of origin epigenetically locked in different cell states, highlighting the importance of considering cell state to better understand the cell of origin of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Beddows
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Huihui Fan
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Karolin Heinze
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Anna Leonova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janine Senz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Kathleen R. Cho
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Celeste Leigh Pearce
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David G. Huntsman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S. Anglesio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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8
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Chen C, Wen Q, Deng F, Li R, Wang Y, Zhen X, Hang J. Endometrial protein expression and phosphorylation landscape decipher aberrant insulin and mTOR signalling in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103585. [PMID: 38016376 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the proteomic and phosphoproteomic differences between the endometrium of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the endometrium of healthy control women during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle? DESIGN In total, 54 endometrial samples were collected during the proliferative and secretory phases from women with RPL (n = 28) and healthy controls (n = 26). Comprehensive proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses were conducted using label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (n = 44), and verified through Western blotting (n = 10). Three comparison groups were established: total RPL endometrium versus total control endometrium; RPL proliferative endometrium versus control proliferative endometrium; and RPL secretory endometrium versus control secretory endometrium. RESULTS Differentially expressed proteins and differentially phosphorylated proteins were identified in the three comparison groups. Combining pathway enrichment, network analysis and soft clustering analysis, the insulin/cyclic nucleotide signalling pathway and AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway were identified as the major contributors to the aberration of RPL endometrium. Western blotting verified altered expression of four proteins: cAMP-dependent protein kinase type I-β regulatory subunit, adenylate cyclase type 3, 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit α-2 and phosphatidate phosphatase LPIN2. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study provides insights into the differentiated protein expression and phosphorylation profiles of the endometrium of women with RPL in both the proliferative and sectretory phases of the menstrual cycle. The results highlight potential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of RPL that may serve as potential indicators for RPL. The findings contribute to the identification of potential targets for RPL treatment as well as its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Deng
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumei Zhen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Hang
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.
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9
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Monsivais D, Liao Z, Tang S, Jiang P, Geng T, Cope D, Dunn T, Guner J, Radilla LA, Guan X. Impaired bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways disrupt decidualization in endometriosis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3471243. [PMID: 37986901 PMCID: PMC10659538 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3471243/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is linked to increased infertility and pregnancy complications due to defective endometrial decidualization. We hypothesized that identification of altered signaling pathways during decidualization could identify the underlying cause of infertility and pregnancy complications. Our study reveals that transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathways are impaired in the endometrium of individuals with endometriosis, leading to defective decidualization. Through detailed transcriptomic analyses, we discovered abnormalities in TGFβ signaling pathways and key regulators, such as SMAD4, in the endometrium of affected individuals. We also observed compromised activity of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), a subset of the TGFβ family, that control endometrial receptivity. Using 3-dimensional models of endometrial stromal and epithelial assembloids, we showed that exogenous BMP2 improved decidual marker expression in individuals with endometriosis. Our findings unveil a previously unidentified dysfunction in BMP/SMAD signaling in the endometrium of individuals with endometriosis, explaining decidualization defects and subsequent pregnancy complications in these individuals.
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Roberson EC, Tran NK, Godambe AN, Mark H, Nguimtsop M, Rust T, Ung E, Barker LJ, Fitch RD, Wallingford JB. Hedgehog signaling is required for endometrial remodeling and myometrial homeostasis in the cycling mouse uterus. iScience 2023; 26:107993. [PMID: 37810243 PMCID: PMC10551904 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Decades of work demonstrate that the mammalian estrous cycle is controlled by cycling steroid hormones. However, the signaling mechanisms that act downstream, linking hormonal action to the physical remodeling of the cycling uterus, remain unclear. To address this issue, we analyzed gene expression at all stages of the mouse estrous cycle. Strikingly, we found that several genetic programs well-known to control tissue morphogenesis in developing embryos displayed cyclical patterns of expression. We find that most of the genetic architectures of Hedgehog signaling (ligands, receptors, effectors, and transcription factors) are transcribed cyclically in the uterus, and that conditional disruption of the Hedgehog receptor smoothened not only elicits a failure of normal cyclical thickening of the endometrial lining but also induces aberrant deformation of the uterine smooth muscle. Together, our data shed light on the mechanisms underlying normal uterine remodeling specifically and cyclical gene expression generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elle C Roberson
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ngan Kim Tran
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Anushka N Godambe
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Harrison Mark
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michelle Nguimtsop
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Trinity Rust
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ung
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - LeCaine J Barker
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rebecca D Fitch
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - John B Wallingford
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Liao Z, Tang S, Jiang P, Geng T, Cope DI, Dunn TN, Guner J, Radilla LA, Guan X, Monsivais D. Impaired bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways disrupt decidualization in endometriosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.21.558268. [PMID: 37790548 PMCID: PMC10542516 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.21.558268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
It is hypothesized that impaired endometrial decidualization contributes to decreased fertility in individuals with endometriosis. To identify the molecular defects that underpin defective decidualization in endometriosis, we subjected endometrial stromal cells from individuals with or without endometriosis to time course in vitro decidualization with estradiol, progesterone, and 8-bromo-cyclic-AMP (EPC) for 2, 4, 6, or 8 days. Transcriptomic profiling identified differences in key pathways between the two groups, including defective bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/SMAD4 signaling (ID2, ID3, FST), oxidate stress response (NFE2L2, ALOX15, SLC40A1), and retinoic acid signaling pathways (RARRES, RARB, ALDH1B1). Genome-wide binding analyses identified an altered genomic distribution of SMAD4 and H3K27Ac in the decidualized stromal cells from individuals without endometriosis relative to those with endometriosis, with target genes enriched in pathways related to signaling by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptors (NTRK), and nerve growth factor (NGF)-stimulated transcription. We found that direct SMAD1/5/4 target genes control FOXO, PI3K/AKT, and progesterone-mediated signaling in decidualizing cells and that BMP2 supplementation in endometriosis patient-derived assembloids elevated the expression of decidualization markers. In summary, transcriptomic and genome-wide binding analyses of patient-derived endometrial cells and assembloids identified that a functional BMP/SMAD1/5/4 signaling program is crucial for engaging decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Graduate Program of Genetics and Genomics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peixin Jiang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ting Geng
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I. Cope
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Timothy N. Dunn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Joie Guner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Linda Alpuing Radilla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoming Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Parraga-Leo A, Sebastian-Leon P, Devesa-Peiro A, Marti-Garcia D, Pellicer N, Remohi J, Dominguez F, Diaz-Gimeno P. Deciphering a shared transcriptomic regulation and the relative contribution of each regulator type through endometrial gene expression signatures. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:84. [PMID: 37700285 PMCID: PMC10496172 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01131-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGORUND While various endometrial biomarkers have been characterized at the transcriptomic and functional level, there is generally a poor overlap among studies, making it unclear to what extent their upstream regulators (e.g., ovarian hormones, transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs)) realistically contribute to menstrual cycle progression and function. Unmasking the intricacies of the molecular interactions in the endometrium from a novel systemic point of view will help gain a more accurate perspective of endometrial regulation and a better explanation the molecular etiology of endometrial-factor infertility. METHODS An in-silico analysis was carried out to identify which regulators consistently target the gene biomarkers proposed in studies related to endometrial progression and implantation failure (19 gene lists/signatures were included). The roles of these regulators, and of genes related to progesterone and estrogens, were then analysed in transcriptomic datasets compiled from samples collected throughout the menstrual cycle (n = 129), and the expression of selected TFs were prospectively validated in an independent cohort of healthy participants (n = 19). RESULTS A total of 3,608 distinct genes from the 19 gene lists were associated with endometrial progression and implantation failure. The lists' regulation was significantly favoured by TFs (89% (17/19) of gene lists) and progesterone (47% (8 /19) of gene lists), rather than miRNAs (5% (1/19) of gene lists) or estrogen (0% (0/19) of gene lists), respectively (FDR < 0.05). Exceptionally, two gene lists that were previously associated with implantation failure and unexplained infertility were less hormone-dependent, but primarily regulated by estrogen. Although endometrial progression genes were mainly targeted by hormones rather than non-hormonal contributors (odds ratio = 91.94, FDR < 0.05), we identified 311 TFs and 595 miRNAs not previously associated with ovarian hormones. We highlight CTCF, GATA6, hsa-miR-15a-5p, hsa-miR-218-5p, hsa-miR-107, hsa-miR-103a-3p, and hsa-miR-128-3p, as overlapping novel master regulators of endometrial function. The gene expression changes of selected regulators throughout the menstrual cycle (FDR < 0.05), dually validated in-silico and through endometrial biopsies, corroborated their potential regulatory roles in the endometrium. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed novel hormonal and non-hormonal regulators and their relative contributions to endometrial progression and pathology, providing new leads for the potential causes of endometrial-factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Parraga-Leo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Sebastian-Leon
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Almudena Devesa-Peiro
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Diana Marti-Garcia
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Pellicer
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Valencia, Plaza de La Policia Local 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Remohi
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez 15, 46010, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Valencia, Plaza de La Policia Local 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Diaz-Gimeno
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Av. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Ren Y, Zhu D, Han X, Zhang Q, Chen B, Zhou P, Wei Z, Zhang Z, Cao Y, Zou H. HMGB1: a double-edged sword and therapeutic target in the female reproductive system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1238785. [PMID: 37691930 PMCID: PMC10484633 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1238785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
HMGB1 that belongs to the High Mobility Group-box superfamily, is a nonhistone chromatin associated transcription factor. It is present in the nucleus of eukaryotes and can be actively secreted or passively released by kinds of cells. HMGB1 is important for maintaining DNA structure by binding to DNA and histones, protecting it from damage. It also regulates the interaction between histones and DNA, affecting chromatin packaging, and can influence gene expression by promoting nucleosome sliding. And as a DAMP, HMGB1 binding to RAGE and TLRs activates NF-κB, which triggers the expression of downstream genes like IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α. HMGB1 is known to be involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated the significance of HMGB1 as DAMPs in the female reproductive system. These findings have shed light on the potential role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of diseases in female reproductive system and the possibilities of HMGB1-targeted therapies for treating them. Such therapies can help reduce inflammation and metabolic dysfunction and alleviate the symptoms of reproductive system diseases. Overall, the identification of HMGB1 as a key player in disease of the female reproductive system represents a significant breakthrough in our understanding of these conditions and presents exciting opportunities for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ren
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Damin Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xingxing Han
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Oh Y, Quiroz E, Wang T, Medina-Laver Y, Redecke SM, Dominguez F, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ, Wu SP. The NR2F2-HAND2 signaling axis regulates progesterone actions in the uterus at early pregnancy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1229033. [PMID: 37664846 PMCID: PMC10473531 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1229033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial function is dependent on a tight crosstalk between the epithelial and stromal cells of the endometrium. This communication is critical to ensure a fertile uterus and relies on progesterone and estrogen signaling to prepare a receptive uterus for embryo implantation in early pregnancy. One of the key mediators of this crosstalk is the orphan nuclear receptor NR2F2, which regulates uterine epithelial receptivity and stromal cell differentiation. In order to determine the molecular mechanism regulated by NR2F2, RNAseq analysis was conducted on the uterus of PgrCre;Nr2f2f/f mice at Day 3.5 of pregnancy. This transcriptomic analysis demonstrated Nr2f2 ablation in Pgr-expressing cells leads to a reduction of Hand2 expression, increased levels of Hand2 downstream effectors Fgf1 and Fgf18, and a transcriptome manifesting suppressed progesterone signaling with an altered immune baseline. ChIPseq analysis conducted on the Day 3.5 pregnant mouse uterus for NR2F2 demonstrated the majority of NR2F2 occupies genomic regions that have H3K27ac and H3K4me1 histone modifications, including the loci of major uterine transcription regulators Hand2, Egr1, and Zbtb16. Furthermore, functional analysis of an NR2F2 occupying site that is conserved between human and mouse was capable to enhance endogenous HAND2 mRNA expression with the CRISPR activator in human endometrial stroma cells. These data establish the NR2F2 dependent regulation of Hand2 in the stroma and identify a cis-acting element for this action. In summary, our findings reveal a role of the NR2F2-HAND2 regulatory axis that determines the uterine transcriptomic pattern in preparation for the endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeongseok Oh
- Reproductive and Development Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
- Department of Life Science and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Elvis Quiroz
- Reproductive and Development Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Biostatistics & Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Yassmin Medina-Laver
- Reproductive and Development Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Skylar Montague Redecke
- Reproductive and Development Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - John P. Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Francesco J. DeMayo
- Reproductive and Development Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Development Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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Li R, Wang T, Marquardt RM, Lydon JP, Wu SP, DeMayo FJ. TRIM28 modulates nuclear receptor signaling to regulate uterine function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4605. [PMID: 37528140 PMCID: PMC10393996 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone, acting through their cognate receptors the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the progesterone receptor (PR) respectively, regulate uterine biology. Using rapid immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (RIME) and co-immunoprecipitation, we identified TRIM28 (Tripartite motif containing 28) as a protein which complexes with ERα and PR in the regulation of uterine function. Impairment of TRIM28 expression results in the inability of the uterus to support early pregnancy through altered PR and ERα action in the uterine epithelium and stroma by suppressing PR and ERα chromatin binding. Furthermore, TRIM28 ablation in PR-expressing uterine cells results in the enrichment of a subset of TRIM28 positive and PR negative pericytes and epithelial cells with progenitor potential. In summary, our study reveals the important roles of TRIM28 in regulating endometrial cell composition and function in women, and also implies its critical functions in other hormone regulated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ryan M Marquardt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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16
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Zhang Y, Liu Z, Sun H. Fetal-maternal interactions during pregnancy: a 'three-in-one' perspective. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1198430. [PMID: 37350956 PMCID: PMC10282753 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1198430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A successful human pregnancy requires the maternal immune system to recognize and tolerate the semi-allogeneic fetus, allowing for appropriate trophoblasts invasion and protecting the fetus from invading pathogens. Therefore, maternal immunity is critical for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, especially at the maternal-fetal interface. Anatomically, the maternal-fetal interface has both maternally- and fetally- derived cells, including fetal originated trophoblasts and maternal derived immune cells and stromal cells. Besides, a commensal microbiota in the uterus was supposed to aid the unique immunity in pregnancy. The appropriate crosstalk between fetal derived and maternal originated cells and uterine microbiota are critical for normal pregnancy. Dysfunctional maternal-fetal interactions might be associated with the development of pregnancy complications. This review elaborates the latest knowledge on the interactions between trophoblasts and decidual immune cells, highlighting their critical roles in maternal-fetal tolerance and pregnancy development. We also characterize the role of commensal bacteria in promoting pregnancy progression. Furthermore, this review may provide new thought on future basic research and the development of clinical applications for pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaozhao Liu
- Reproduction Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of ZhengZhou University, ZhengZhou, China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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The Human Early Maternal–Embryonic Interactome. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed4010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Single cell transcriptomics offers an avenue for predicting, with improved accuracy, the gene networks that are involved in the establishment of the first direct cell–cell interactions between the blastocyst and the maternal luminal epithelium. We hypothesised that in silico modelling of the maternal–embryonic interface may provide a causal model of these interactions, leading to the identification of genes associated with a successful initiation of implantation. Methods: Bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing of endometrial epithelium and scRNAseq of day 6 and 7 trophectoderm (TE) were used to model the initial encounter between the blastocyst and the maternal uterine lining epithelium in silico. In silico modelling of the maternal–embryonic interface was performed using hypernetwork (HN) analysis of genes mediating endometrial–TE interactions and the wider endometrial epithelial transcriptome. A hypernetwork analysis identifies genes that co-ordinate the expression of many other genes to derive a higher order interaction likely to be causally linked to the function. Potential interactions of TE with non-ciliated luminal cells, ciliated cells, and glandular cells were examined. Results: Prominent epithelial activities include secretion, endocytosis, ion transport, adhesion, and immune modulation. Three highly correlated clusters of 25, 22 and 26 TE-interacting epithelial surface genes were identified, each with distinct properties. Genes in both ciliated and non-ciliated luminal epithelial cells and glandular cells exhibit significant functional associations. Ciliated cells are predicted to bind to TE via galectin–glycan interaction. Day 6 and day 7 embryonic–epithelial interactomes are largely similar. The removal of aneuploid TE-derived mRNA invoked only subtle differences. No direct interaction with the maternal gland epithelial cell surface is predicted. These functional differences validate the in silico segregation of phenotypes. Single cell analysis of the epithelium revealed significant change with the cycle phase, but differences in the cell phenotype between individual donors were also present. Conclusions: A hypernetwork analysis can identify epithelial gene clusters that show correlated change during the menstrual cycle and can be interfaced with TE genes to predict pathways and processes occurring during the initiation of embryo–epithelial interaction in the mid-secretory phase. The data are on a scale that is realistic for functional dissection using current ex vivo human implantation models. A focus on luminal epithelial cells may allow a resolution to the current bottleneck of endometrial receptivity testing based on tissue lysates, which is confounded by noise from multiple diverse cell populations.
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Hidalgo AI, Ulloa-Leal C, Gajardo G, López G, Carretta D, Burgos RA, Ratto M. Ovulation Induced by Intrauterine Seminal Plasma Increases Total Protein, PGE2, IL-8, and IL-1β in Uterine Fluid of Llamas ( Lama glama). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040554. [PMID: 36830341 PMCID: PMC9951705 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment of a state of immunotolerance in the female reproductive tract is important for embryo development, implantation and placentation. Llamas are induced ovulators and more than 98% of pregnancies occur in the left uterine horn. The objective of this study was to determine the uterine immune response of llamas in different stages of the reproductive cycle. Adult llamas (n = 20) were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography to determine follicular growth and then randomly assigned to four groups: Follicular phase (n = 5); Luteal phase induced by an intramuscular administration of 50 ug of GnRH analogue (n = 5); Luteal phase induced by intrauterine infusion of seminal plasma (n = 5); and Luteal phase induced by mating (n = 5). Uterine fluid was collected separately from both uterine horns by non-surgical flushing to determine the presence of cells, total proteins and concentration of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IFN γ, TNF-α and PGE2. Inflammatory cells were not observed in the uterine fluid and total protein pattern and inflammatory mediators did not differ between the left and the right horn amongst groups. Llamas treated with an intrauterine infusion of seminal plasma showed the highest concentration of total proteins, inflammatory cytokines PGE2, IL-8 and IL-1β in the uterine fluid. In conclusion, seminal plasma is made up of significant numbers of signaling molecules that are able to modify the uterine immune response in llamas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Isabel Hidalgo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Animal Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Correspondence:
| | - Cesar Ulloa-Leal
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Animal Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Gajardo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Animal Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Gerardo López
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Animal Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Daniella Carretta
- Laboratory of Inflammation Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Pharmacology and Morphophysiology, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Pharmacology and Morphophysiology, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Rafael Agustín Burgos
- Laboratory of Inflammation Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Pharmacology and Morphophysiology, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Pharmacology and Morphophysiology, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Marcelo Ratto
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Animal Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
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Hewitt SC, Wu SP, Wang T, Ray M, Brolinson M, Young SL, Spencer TE, DeCherney A, DeMayo FJ. The Estrogen Receptor α Cistrome in Human Endometrium and Epithelial Organoids. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqac116. [PMID: 35895287 PMCID: PMC9368022 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial health is affected by molecular processes that underlie estrogen responses. We assessed estrogen regulation of endometrial function by integrating the estrogen receptor α (ESR1) cistromes and transcriptomes of endometrial biopsies taken from the proliferative and mid-secretory phases of the menstrual cycle together with hormonally stimulated endometrial epithelial organoids. The cycle stage-specific ESR1 binding sites were determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation and next-generation sequencing and then integrated with changes in gene expression from RNA sequencing data to infer candidate ESR1 targets in normal endometrium. Genes with ESR1 binding in whole endometrium were enriched for chromatin modification and regulation of cell proliferation. The distribution of ESR1 binding sites in organoids was more distal from gene promoters when compared to primary endometrium and was more similar to the proliferative than the mid-secretory phase ESR1 cistrome. Inferred organoid estrogen/ESR1 candidate target genes affected formation of cellular protrusions and chromatin modification. Comparison of signaling effected by candidate ESR1 target genes in endometrium vs organoids reveals enrichment of both overlapping and distinct responses. Our analysis of the ESR1 cistromes and transcriptomes from endometrium and organoids provides important resources for understanding how estrogen affects endometrial health and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia C Hewitt
- Pregnancy & Female Reproduction, RDBL, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - San-pin Wu
- Pregnancy & Female Reproduction, RDBL, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Madhumita Ray
- Pregnancy & Female Reproduction, RDBL, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Marja Brolinson
- Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, NICHD, Bethesda, Maryland 20847, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Alan DeCherney
- Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, NICHD, Bethesda, Maryland 20847, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Pregnancy & Female Reproduction, RDBL, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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20
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Sahota JS, Sharma B, Guleria K, Sambyal V. Candidate genes for infertility: an in-silico study based on cytogenetic analysis. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:170. [PMID: 35918717 PMCID: PMC9347124 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01320-x] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cause of infertility remains unclear in a significant proportion of reproductive-age couples who fail to conceive naturally. Chromosomal aberrations have been identified as one of the main genetic causes of male and female infertility. Structural chromosomal aberrations may disrupt the functioning of various genes, some of which may be important for fertility. The present study aims to identify candidate genes and putative functional interaction networks involved in male and female infertility using cytogenetic data from cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes of infertile patients. Methods Karyotypic analyses was done in 201 infertile patients (100 males and 101 females) and 201 age and gender matched healthy controls (100 males and 101 females) after 72 h peripheral lymphocyte culturing and GTG banding, followed by bioinformatic analysis using Cytoscape v3.8.2 and Metascape. Results Several chromosomal regions with a significantly higher frequency of structural aberrations were identified in the infertile males (5q2, 10q2, and 17q2) and females (6q2, 16q2, and Xq2). Segregation of the patients based on type of infertility (primary v/s secondary infertility) led to the identification of chromosomal regions with a significantly higher frequency of structural aberrations exclusively within the infertile males (5q2, 17q2) and females (16q2) with primary infertility. Cytoscape identified two networks specific to these regions: a male specific network with 99 genes and a female specific network with 109 genes. The top enriched GO terms within the male and female infertility networks were “skeletal system morphogenesis” and “mRNA transport” respectively. PSME3, PSMD3, and CDC27 were the top 3 hub genes identified within the male infertility network. Similarly, UPF3B, IRF8, and PSMB1 were the top 3 hub genes identified with the female infertility network. Among the hub genes identified in the male- and female-specific networks, PSMB1, PSMD3, and PSME3 are functional components of the proteasome complex. These hub genes have a limited number of reports related to their respective roles in maintenance of fertility in mice model and humans and require validation in further studies. Conclusion The candidate genes predicted in the present study can serve as targets for future research on infertility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01320-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh Sahota
- Department of Human Genetics, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Bhavna Sharma
- Department of Human Genetics, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Kamlesh Guleria
- Department of Human Genetics, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Vasudha Sambyal
- Department of Human Genetics, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India.
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21
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Deng W, Wang H. Efficient cell chatting between embryo and uterus ensures embryo implantation. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:339-348. [PMID: 35774025 PMCID: PMC9310511 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac135] [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: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is one of the hottest topics during female reproduction since it is the first dialogue between maternal uterus and developing embryo whose disruption will contribute to adverse pregnancy outcome. Numerous achievements have been made to decipher the underlying mechanism of embryo implantation by genetic and molecular approaches accompanied with emerging technological advances. In recent decades, raising concepts incite insightful understanding on the mechanism of reciprocal communication between implantation competent embryos and receptive uterus. Enlightened by these gratifying evolvements, we aim to summarize and revisit current progress on the critical determinants of mutual communication between maternal uterus and embryonic signaling on the perspective of embryo implantation to alleviate infertility, enhance fetal health, and improve contraceptive design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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22
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Hewitt SC, Wu SP, Wang T, Young SL, Spencer TE, DeMayo FJ. Progesterone Signaling in Endometrial Epithelial Organoids. Cells 2022; 11:1760. [PMID: 35681455 PMCID: PMC9179553 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
For pregnancy to be established, uterine cells respond to the ovarian hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, via their nuclear receptors, the estrogen receptor (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR). ESR1 and PGR regulate genes by binding chromatin at genes and at distal enhancer regions, which interact via dynamic 3-dimensional chromatin structures. Endometrial epithelial cells are the initial site of embryo attachment and invasion, and thus understanding the processes that yield their receptive state is important. Here, we cultured and treated organoids derived from human epithelial cells, isolated from endometrial biopsies, with estrogen and progesterone and evaluated their transcriptional profiles, their PGR cistrome, and their chromatin conformation. Progesterone attenuated estrogen-dependent gene responses but otherwise minimally impacted the organoid transcriptome. PGR ChIPseq peaks were co-localized with previously described organoid ESR1 peaks, and most PGR and ESR1 peaks were in B (inactive) compartment regions of chromatin. Significantly more ESR1 peaks were assigned to estrogen-regulated genes by considering chromatin loops identified using HiC than were identified using ESR1 peak location relative to closest genes. Overall, the organoids model allowed a definition of the chromatin regulatory components governing hormone responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia C. Hewitt
- Pregnancy and Female Reproduction, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (S.C.H.); (S.-p.W.)
| | - San-pin Wu
- Pregnancy and Female Reproduction, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (S.C.H.); (S.-p.W.)
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Steven L. Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Thomas E. Spencer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MI 65211, USA;
| | - Francesco J. DeMayo
- Pregnancy and Female Reproduction, Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; (S.C.H.); (S.-p.W.)
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23
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Milesi MM, Lorenz V, Varayoud J. Aberrant Hoxa10 gene methylation as a mechanism for endosulfan-induced implantation failures in rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 547:111576. [PMID: 35114330 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a well-established epigenetic mechanism controlling gene expression. Environmental chemicals, such as pesticides have been shown to alter DNA methylation. We have previously shown that the insecticide endosulfan impairs female fertility in rats by increasing the rate of preimplantation embryo losses. In this study, we evaluated whether early postnatal exposure to endosulfan affects long-term transcriptional regulation of Homeobox A10 (Hoxa10) gene, which is a key marker of endometrial receptivity. Female rats were neonatally exposed to 6 or 600 μg/kg/day (ENDO6 and ENDO600, respectively) of endosulfan and uterine samples collected on gestational day (GD) 5. Hoxa10 protein and mRNA levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), respectively. In silico analysis of enzyme-specific restriction sites and predicted transcription factors were performed to investigate the methylation status of the regulatory regions of Hoxa10 gene by methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes-PCR technique. The expression of the DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) was also evaluated. ENDO600 showed a decreased uterine Hoxa10 expression at protein and transcript level, while ENDO6 decreased only the level of transcripts, during the receptive stage. In addition, endosulfan increased levels of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. Dysregulation of DNA methylation patterns of Hoxa10 regulatory regions was detected in ENDO6- and ENDO600-treated rats. All these results suggest that aberrant DNA methylation in Hoxa10 gene could be an underlining mechanism contributing to explain endosulfan-induced preimplantation losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Mercedes Milesi
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Virginia Lorenz
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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24
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Progesterone Receptor Signaling in the Uterus Is Essential for Pregnancy Success. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091474. [PMID: 35563781 PMCID: PMC9104461 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus plays an essential role in the reproductive health of women and controls critical processes such as embryo implantation, placental development, parturition, and menstruation. Progesterone receptor (PR) regulates key aspects of the reproductive function of several mammalian species by directing the transcriptional program in response to progesterone (P4). P4/PR signaling controls endometrial receptivity and decidualization during early pregnancy and is critical for the establishment and outcome of a successful pregnancy. PR is also essential throughout gestation and during labor, and it exerts critical roles in the myometrium, mainly by the specialized function of its two isoforms, progesterone receptor A (PR-A) and progesterone receptor B (PR-B), which display distinct and separate roles as regulators of transcription. This review summarizes recent studies related to the roles of PR function in the decidua and myometrial tissues. We discuss how PR acquired key features in placental mammals that resulted in a highly specialized and dynamic role in the decidua. We also summarize recent literature that evaluates the myometrial PR-A/PR-B ratio at parturition and discuss the efficacy of current treatment options for preterm birth.
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25
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Huang P, Deng W, Bao H, Lin Z, Liu M, Wu J, Zhou X, Qiao M, Yang Y, Cai H, Rao F, Chen J, Chen D, Lu J, Wang H, Qin A, Kong S. SOX4 facilitates PGR protein stability and FOXO1 expression conducive for human endometrial decidualization. eLife 2022; 11:72073. [PMID: 35244538 PMCID: PMC8923662 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of pregnancy in human necessitates appropriate decidualization of stromal cells, which involves steroids regulated periodic transformation of endometrial stromal cells during the menstrual cycle. However, the potential molecular regulatory mechanism underlying the initiation and maintenance of decidualization in humans is yet to be fully elucidated. In this investigation, we document that SOX4 is a key regulator of human endometrial stromal cells decidualization by directly regulating FOXO1 expression as revealed by whole genomic binding of SOX4 assay and RNA sequencing. Besides, our immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry results unravel that SOX4 modulates progesterone receptor (PGR) stability through repressing E3 ubiquitin ligase HERC4-mediated degradation. More importantly, we provide evidence that dysregulated SOX4–HERC4–PGR axis is a potential cause of defective decidualization and recurrent implantation failure in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. In summary, this study evidences that SOX4 is a new and critical regulator for human endometrial decidualization, and provides insightful information for the pathology of decidualization-related infertility and will pave the way for pregnancy improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinxiu Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhong Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinxiang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Manting Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yihua Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Han Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Faiza Rao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Aiping Qin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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26
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Churchill MJ, Mitchell PS, Rauch I. Epithelial Pyroptosis in Host Defense. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167278. [PMID: 34627788 PMCID: PMC10010195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a lytic form of cell death that is executed by a family of pore-forming proteins called gasdermins (GSDMs). GSDMs are activated upon proteolysis by host proteases including the proinflammatory caspases downstream of inflammasome activation. In myeloid cells, GSDM pore formation serves two primary functions in host defense: the selective release of processed cytokines to initiate inflammatory responses, and cell death, which eliminates a replicative niche of the pathogen. Barrier epithelia also undergo pyroptosis. However, unique mechanisms are required for the removal of pyroptotic epithelial cells to maintain epithelial barrier integrity. In the following review, we discuss the role of epithelial inflammasomes and pyroptosis in host defense against pathogens. We use the well-established role of inflammasomes in intestinal epithelia to highlight principles of epithelial pyroptosis in host defense of barrier tissues, and discuss how these principles might be shared or distinctive across other epithelial sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline J Churchill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Isabella Rauch
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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27
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Ren B, Zhu Y. A New Perspective on Thyroid Hormones: Crosstalk with Reproductive Hormones in Females. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052708. [PMID: 35269847 PMCID: PMC8911152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that thyroid hormones (THs) are vital for female reproductive system homeostasis. THs regulate the reproductive functions through thyroid hormone receptors (THRs)-mediated genomic- and integrin-receptor-associated nongenomic mechanisms, depending on TH ligand status and DNA level, as well as transcription and extra-nuclear signaling transduction activities. These processes involve the binding of THs to intracellular THRs and steroid hormone receptors or membrane receptors and the recruitment of hormone-response elements. In addition, THs and other reproductive hormones can activate common signaling pathways due to their structural similarity and shared DNA consensus sequences among thyroid, peptide, and protein hormones and their receptors, thus constituting a complex and reciprocal interaction network. Moreover, THs not only indirectly affect the synthesis, secretion, and action of reproductive hormones, but are also regulated by these hormones at the same time. This crosstalk may be one of the pivotal factors regulating female reproductive behavior and hormone-related diseases, including tumors. Elucidating the interaction mechanism among the aforementioned hormones will contribute to apprehending the etiology of female reproductive diseases, shedding new light on the treatment of gynecological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingtao Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China;
| | - Yan Zhu
- Laboratory of Reproductive Pharmacology, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-21-64438416
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28
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Pereira G, Guo Y, Silva E, Bevilacqua C, Charpigny G, Lopes-da-Costa L, Humblot P. Progesterone differentially affects the transcriptomic profiles of cow endometrial cell types. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:82. [PMID: 35086476 PMCID: PMC8793221 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08323-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The endometrium is a heterogeneous tissue composed of luminal epithelial (LE), glandular epithelial (GE), and stromal cells (ST), experiencing progesterone regulated dynamic changes during the estrous cycle. In the cow, this regulation at the transcriptomic level was only evaluated in the whole tissue. This study describes specific gene expression in the three types of cells isolated from endometrial biopsies following laser capture microdissection and the transcriptome changes induced by progesterone in GE and ST cells. Results Endometrial LE, GE, and ST cells show specific transcriptomic profiles. Most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to progesterone are cell type-specific (96%). Genes involved in cell cycle and nuclear division are under-expressed in the presence of progesterone in GE, highlighting the anti-proliferative action of progesterone in epithelial cells. Elevated progesterone concentrations are also associated with the under-expression of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) in GE and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in GE and ST cells. In ST cells, transcription factors such as SOX17 and FOXA2, known to regulate uterine epithelial-stromal cross-talk conveying to endometrial receptivity, are over-expressed under progesterone influence. Conclusions The results from this study show that progesterone regulates endometrial function in a cell type-specific way, which is independent of the expression of its main receptor PGR. These novel insights into uterine physiology present the cell compartment as the physiological unit rather than the whole tissue. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08323-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Pereira
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Yongzhi Guo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, PO Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabete Silva
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Claudia Bevilacqua
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Gilles Charpigny
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Luís Lopes-da-Costa
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Patrice Humblot
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, PO Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Ruane PT, Garner T, Parsons L, Babbington PA, Wangsaputra I, Kimber SJ, Stevens A, Westwood M, Brison DR, Aplin JD. Trophectoderm differentiation to invasive syncytiotrophoblast is promoted by endometrial epithelial cells during human embryo implantation. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:777-792. [PMID: 35079788 PMCID: PMC9398450 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does the human embryo breach the endometrial epithelium at implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER Embryo attachment to the endometrial epithelium promotes the formation of multinuclear syncytiotrophoblast from trophectoderm, which goes on to breach the epithelial layer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A significant proportion of natural conceptions and assisted reproduction treatments fail due to unsuccessful implantation. The trophectoderm lineage of the embryo attaches to the endometrial epithelium before breaching this barrier to implant into the endometrium. Trophectoderm-derived syncytiotrophoblast has been observed in recent in vitro cultures of peri-implantation embryos, and historical histology has shown invasive syncytiotrophoblast in embryos that have invaded beyond the epithelium, but the cell type mediating invasion of the epithelial layer at implantation is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Fresh and frozen human blastocyst-stage embryos (n = 46) or human trophoblast stem cell (TSC) spheroids were co-cultured with confluent monolayers of the Ishikawa endometrial epithelial cell line to model the epithelial phase of implantation in vitro. Systems biology approaches with published transcriptomic datasets were used to model the epithelial phase of implantation in silico. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human embryos surplus to treatment requirements were consented for research. Day 6 blastocysts were co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers until Day 8, and human TSC spheroids modelling blastocyst trophectoderm were co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers for 48 h. Embryo and TSC morphology was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy, and TSC differentiation by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and ELISA. Single-cell human blastocyst transcriptomes, and bulk transcriptomes of TSC and primary human endometrial epithelium were used to model the trophectoderm-epithelium interaction in silico. Hypernetworks, pathway analysis, random forest machine learning and RNA velocity were employed to identify gene networks associated with implantation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The majority of embryos co-cultured with Ishikawa cell layers from Day 6 to 8 breached the epithelial layer (37/46), and syncytiotrophoblast was seen in all of these. Syncytiotrophoblast was observed at the embryo-epithelium interface before breaching, and syncytiotrophoblast mediated all pioneering breaching events observed (7/7 events). Multiple independent syncytiotrophoblast regions were seen in 26/46 embryos, suggesting derivation from different regions of trophectoderm. Human TSC spheroids co-cultured with Ishikawa layers also exhibited syncytiotrophoblast formation upon invasion into the epithelium. RT-qPCR comparison of TSC spheroids in isolated culture and co-culture demonstrated epithelium-induced upregulation of syncytiotrophoblast genes CGB (P = 0.03) and SDC1 (P = 0.008), and ELISA revealed the induction of hCGβ secretion (P = 0.03). Secretory-phase primary endometrial epithelium surface transcriptomes were used to identify trophectoderm surface binding partners to model the embryo-epithelium interface. Hypernetwork analysis established a group of 25 epithelium-interacting trophectoderm genes that were highly connected to the rest of the trophectoderm transcriptome, and epithelium-coupled gene networks in cells of the polar region of the trophectoderm exhibited greater connectivity (P < 0.001) and more organized connections (P < 0.0001) than those in the mural region. Pathway analysis revealed a striking similarity with syncytiotrophoblast differentiation, as 4/6 most highly activated pathways upon TSC-syncytiotrophoblast differentiation (false discovery rate (FDR < 0.026)) were represented in the most enriched pathways of epithelium-coupled gene networks in both polar and mural trophectoderm (FDR < 0.001). Random forest machine learning also showed that 80% of the endometrial epithelium-interacting trophectoderm genes identified in the hypernetwork could be quantified as classifiers of TSC-syncytiotrophoblast differentiation. This multi-model approach suggests that invasive syncytiotrophoblast formation from both polar and mural trophectoderm is promoted by attachment to the endometrial epithelium to enable embryonic invasion. LARGE SCALE DATA No omics datasets were generated in this study, and those used from previously published studies are cited. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In vitro and in silico models may not recapitulate the dynamic embryo-endometrial interactions that occur in vivo. The influence of other cellular compartments in the endometrium, including decidual stromal cells and leukocytes, was not represented in these models. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Understanding the mechanism of human embryo breaching of the epithelium and the gene networks involved is crucial to improve implantation success rates after assisted reproduction. Moreover, early trophoblast lineages arising at the epithelial phase of implantation form the blueprint for the placenta and thus underpin foetal growth trajectories, pregnancy health and offspring health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by grants from Wellbeing of Women, Diabetes UK, the NIHR Local Comprehensive Research Network and Manchester Clinical Research Facility, and the Department of Health Scientist Practitioner Training Scheme. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Ruane
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK,Correspondence address. Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1476-1666
| | - Terence Garner
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Lydia Parsons
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Phoebe A Babbington
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Ivan Wangsaputra
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Stevens
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - John D Aplin
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
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La Greca A, Bellora N, Le Dily F, Jara R, Nacht AS, Quilez Oliete J, Villanueva JL, Vidal E, Merino G, Fresno C, Tarifa Reischle I, Vallejo G, Vicent GP, Fernández E, Beato M, Saragüeta P. Chromatin topology defines estradiol-primed progesterone receptor and PAX2 binding in endometrial cancer cells. eLife 2022; 11:66034. [PMID: 35018885 PMCID: PMC8887898 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen (E2) and Progesterone (Pg), via their specific receptors (ERalpha and PR), are major determinants in the development and progression of endometrial carcinomas, However, their precise mechanism of action and the role of other transcription factors involved are not entirely clear. Using Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells, we report that E2 treatment exposes a set of progestin-dependent PR binding sites which include both E2 and progestin target genes. ChIP-seq results from hormone-treated cells revealed a non-random distribution of PAX2 binding in the vicinity of these estrogen-promoted PR sites. Altered expression of hormone regulated genes in PAX2 knockdown cells suggests a role for PAX2 in fine-tuning ERalpha and PR interplay in transcriptional regulation. Analysis of long-range interactions by Hi-C coupled with ATAC-seq data showed that these regions, that we call ‘progestin control regions’ (PgCRs), exhibited an open chromatin state even before hormone exposure and were non-randomly associated with regulated genes. Nearly 20% of genes potentially influenced by PgCRs were found to be altered during progression of endometrial cancer. Our findings suggest that endometrial response to progestins in differentiated endometrial tumor cells results in part from binding of PR together with PAX2 to accessible chromatin regions. What maintains these regions open remains to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolás Bellora
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Institute of Nuclear Technologies for Health, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - François Le Dily
- Gene Regulation, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Jara
- Biology and Experimental Medicine Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Enrique Vidal
- Gene Regulation, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Merino
- Bioscience Data Mining Group, Córdoba University, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cristóbal Fresno
- Bioscience Data Mining Group, Córdoba University, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Griselda Vallejo
- Biology and Experimental Medicine Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Elmer Fernández
- Bioscience Data Mining Group, Córdoba University, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Miguel Beato
- Gene Regulation, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
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32
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Tian J, Zhang C, Kang N, Wang J, Kong N, Zhou J, Wu M, Ding L, Sun H, Yan G, Sheng X. Attenuated monoamine oxidase a impairs endometrial receptivity in women with adenomyosis via downregulation of FOXO1. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1443-1457. [PMID: 34568943 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of endometrial receptivity is a prerequisite for successful pregnancy. Women with adenomyosis possess a lower chance of clinical pregnancy after assisted reproductive technology, which is partially due to impaired endometrial receptivity. The establishment of endometrial receptivity requires the participation of multiple processes, and proper endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) proliferation is indispensable. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is a key molecule that regulates neurotransmitter metabolism in the nervous system. In the present study, we demonstrated a novel role for MAOA in the establishment of endometrial receptivity in women with adenomyosis and in an adenomyotic mouse model. Attenuated MAOA impairs endometrial receptivity by promoting inappropriate proliferation of EECs via the downregulation of FOXO1 during the window of implantation. These results revealed that MAOA plays a vital role in endometrial receptivity in female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Tian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
| | - Chunxue Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
| | - Nannan Kang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
| | - Junxia Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
| | - Jidong Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
| | - Min Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
| | - Lijun Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, 210032 Nanjing, China
| | - Guijun Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
| | - Xiaoqiang Sheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University
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Hawkins Bressler L, Fritz MA, Wu SP, Yuan L, Kafer S, Wang T, DeMayo FJ, Young SL. Poor Endometrial Proliferation After Clomiphene is Associated With Altered Estrogen Action. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:2547-2565. [PMID: 34058008 PMCID: PMC8372647 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Suboptimal endometrial thickening is associated with lower pregnancy rates and occurs in some infertile women treated with clomiphene. OBJECTIVE To examine cellular and molecular differences in the endometrium of women with suboptimal vs optimal endometrial thickening following clomiphene. METHODS Translational prospective cohort study from 2018 to 2020 at a university-affiliated clinic. Reproductive age women with unexplained infertility treated with 100 mg of clomiphene on cycle days 3 to 7 who developed optimal (≥8mm; n = 6, controls) or suboptimal (<6mm; n = 7, subjects) endometrial thickness underwent preovulatory blood and endometrial sampling. The main outcome measures were endometrial tissue architecture, abundance and location of specific proteins, RNA expression, and estrogen receptor (ER) α binding. RESULTS The endometrium of suboptimal subjects compared with optimal controls was characterized by a reduced volume of glandular epithelium (16% vs 24%, P = .01), decreased immunostaining of markers of proliferation (PCNA, ki67) and angiogenesis (PECAM-1), increased immunostaining of pan-leukocyte marker CD45 and ERβ, but decreased ERα immunostaining (all P < .05). RNA-seq identified 398 differentially expressed genes between groups. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated reduced proliferation (Z-score = -2.2, P < .01), decreased angiogenesis (Z-score = -2.87, P < .001), increased inflammation (Z-score = +2.2, P < .01), and ERβ activation (Z-score = +1.6, P < .001) in suboptimal subjects. ChIP-seq identified 6 genes bound by ERα that were differentially expressed between groups (P < .01), some of which may play a role in implantation. CONCLUSION Women with suboptimal endometrial thickness after clomiphene exhibit aberrant ER expression patterns, architectural changes, and altered gene and protein expression suggesting reduced proliferation and angiogenesis in the setting of increased inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Hawkins Bressler
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marc A Fritz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lingwen Yuan
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Suzanna Kafer
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Hu M, Zhang Y, Li X, Cui P, Li J, Brännström M, Shao LR, Billig H. Alterations of endometrial epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MAPK signalling components in women with PCOS are partially modulated by metformin in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:312-326. [PMID: 32202622 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its regulator mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) contribute to endometria-related reproductive disorders. However, the regulation of EMT and MAPK signalling components in the endometrium from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients has not been systematically investigated and remains elusive. In humans, how metformin induces molecular alterations in the endometrial tissues under PCOS conditions is not completely clear. Here, we recruited 7 non-PCOS patients during the proliferative phase (nPCOS), 7 non-PCOS patients with endometrial hyperplasia (nPCOSEH), 14 PCOS patients during the proliferative phase (PCOS) and 3 PCOS patients with endometrial hyperplasia (PCOSEH). Our studies demonstrated that compared with nPCOS, PCOS patients showed decreased Claudin 1 and increased Vimentin and Slug proteins. Similar to increased Slug protein, nPCOSEH and PCOSEH patients showed increased N-cadherin protein. Western blot and immunostaining revealed increased epithelial phosphorylated Cytokeratin 8 (p-CK 8) expression and an increased p-CK 8:CK 8 ratio in PCOS, nPCOSEH and PCOSEH patients compared to nPCOS patients. Although nPCOSEH and PCOSEH patients showed increased p-ERK1/2 and/or p38 protein levels, the significant increase in p-ERK1/2 expression and p-ERK1/2:ERK1/2 ratio was only found in PCOS patients compared to nPCOS patients. A significant induction of the membrane ERβ immunostaining was observed in the epithelial cells of PCOS and PCOSEH patients compared to nPCOS and nPCOSEH patients. While in vitro treatment with metformin alone increased Snail and decreased Claudin 1, N-cadherin and α-SMA proteins, concomitant treatment with metformin and E2 increased the expression of CK 8 and Snail proteins and decreased the expression of Claudin 1, ZO-1, Slug and α-SMA proteins. Our findings suggest that the EMT contributes to the switch from a healthy state to a PCOS state in the endometrium, which might subsequently drive endometrial injury and dysfunction. We also provide evidence that metformin differentially modulates EMT protein expression in PCOS patients depending on oestrogenic stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 510120 Guangzhou, China.,Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 150040 Harbin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 200011 Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, 200011 Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Cui
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203 Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 510120 Guangzhou, China.,Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linus R Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Håkan Billig
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Zhai J, Li S, Hu J, Gao M, Sun Y, Chen ZJ, Giudice LC, Du Y. In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Analysis Identifies Endometrial Circadian Clock Genes in Recurrent Implantation Failure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:2077-2091. [PMID: 33619544 PMCID: PMC8502449 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Previous work has demonstrated the role of the circadian clock in ovarian steroid hormone synthesis and attributed embryo implantation failure associated with arrhythmic circadian clock genes to insufficient ovarian-derived progesterone synthesis. Research on expression of core circadian clock genes in the endometrium itself and possible roles in compromised endometrial receptivity and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) are limited. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the core circadian clock gene profiling in human endometrium across the menstrual cycle and the possible gene interaction networks in the endometrial receptivity of window of implantation (WOI) as well as RIF. METHODS The study was initially an in silico study, with confirmatory lab-based data from primary human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) as well as endometrial biopsies obtained from 60 women undergoing gynecological surgery in a clinical research center. The study included 30 RIF women and 30 age-matched and body mass index-matched controls. RESULTS Initial data mining and bioinformatics analysis of human endometrial microarray datasets across the menstrual cycle and between RIF women versus controls demonstrated the varied expression of core circadian clock genes across menstrual cycle, including the key role of PER2 in WOI and RIF. A PER2-centered network was investigated in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. We also confirmed the evidently increased mRNA expression of SHTN1, RXFP1, KLF5, and STEAP4 in the endometrium of RIF women, displaying the same trend as PER2 did, without any changes in MT1E and FKBP5. Treatment of PER2 siRNA in hESCs verified the positive regulation of PER2 to SHTN1, KLF5, and STEAP4. CONCLUSION Aberrant expression of endometrial PER2 might contribute to impaired endometrial receptivity and development of RIF via regulating SHTN1, KLF5, and STEAP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Zhai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shang Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Minzhi Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yanzhi Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence: Yanzhi Du, MD, PhD, 845 Lingshan Road, Shanghai 200135, China.
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Retis-Resendiz AM, González-García IN, León-Juárez M, Camacho-Arroyo I, Cerbón M, Vázquez-Martínez ER. The role of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of gene expression in the cyclical endometrium. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:116. [PMID: 34034824 PMCID: PMC8146649 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human endometrium is a highly dynamic tissue whose function is mainly regulated by the ovarian steroid hormones estradiol and progesterone. The serum levels of these and other hormones are associated with three specific phases that compose the endometrial cycle: menstrual, proliferative, and secretory. Throughout this cycle, the endometrium exhibits different transcriptional networks according to the genes expressed in each phase. Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial in the fine-tuning of gene expression to generate such transcriptional networks. The present review aims to provide an overview of current research focused on the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression in the cyclical endometrium and discuss the technical and clinical perspectives regarding this topic. MAIN BODY The main epigenetic mechanisms reported are DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNAs. These epigenetic mechanisms induce the expression of genes associated with transcriptional regulation, endometrial epithelial growth, angiogenesis, and stromal cell proliferation during the proliferative phase. During the secretory phase, epigenetic mechanisms promote the expression of genes associated with hormone response, insulin signaling, decidualization, and embryo implantation. Furthermore, the global content of specific epigenetic modifications and the gene expression of non-coding RNAs and epigenetic modifiers vary according to the menstrual cycle phase. In vitro and cell type-specific studies have demonstrated that epithelial and stromal cells undergo particular epigenetic changes that modulate their transcriptional networks to accomplish their function during decidualization and implantation. CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES Epigenetic mechanisms are emerging as key players in regulating transcriptional networks associated with key processes and functions of the cyclical endometrium. Further studies using next-generation sequencing and single-cell technology are warranted to explore the role of other epigenetic mechanisms in each cell type that composes the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. The application of this knowledge will definitively provide essential information to understand the pathological mechanisms of endometrial diseases, such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer, and to identify potential therapeutic targets and improve women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Monserrat Retis-Resendiz
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Montes Urales 800, Lomas Virreyes, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ixchel Nayeli González-García
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Montes Urales 800, Lomas Virreyes, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Moisés León-Juárez
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Montes Urales 800, Lomas Virreyes, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Marco Cerbón
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Montes Urales 800, Lomas Virreyes, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Edgar Ricardo Vázquez-Martínez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Montes Urales 800, Lomas Virreyes, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Sebastian-Leon P, Devesa-Peiro A, Aleman A, Parraga-Leo A, Arnau V, Pellicer A, Diaz-Gimeno P. Transcriptional changes through menstrual cycle reveal a global transcriptional derepression underlying the molecular mechanism involved in the window of implantation. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6217366. [PMID: 33830236 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is a dynamic tissue that only is receptive to host the embryo during a brief time in the middle secretory phase, called the window of implantation (WOI). Despite its importance, regulation of the menstrual cycle remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the gene cooperation and regulation of menstrual cycle progression, to dissect the molecular complexity underlying acquisition of endometrial receptivity for a successful pregnancy, and to provide the scientific community with detailed gene co-expression information throughout the menstrual cycle on a user-friendly web-tool database. A retrospective gene co-expression analysis was performed based on the endometrial receptivity array (ERarray) gene signature from 523 human endometrial samples collected across the menstrual cycle, including during the WOI. Gene co-expression analysis revealed the WOI as having the significantly smallest proportion of negative correlations for transcriptional profiles associated with successful pregnancies compared to other cycle stages, pointing to a global transcriptional derepression being involved in acquisition of endometrial receptivity. Regulation was greatest during the transition between proliferative and secretory endometrial phases. Further, we prioritized nuclear hormone receptors as major regulators of this derepression and proved that some genes and transcription factors involved in this process were dysregulated in patients with recurrent implantation failure. We also compiled the wealth of gene co-expression data to stimulate hypothesis-driven single-molecule endometrial studies in a user-friendly database: Menstrual Cycle Gene Co-expression Network (www.menstrualcyclegcn.com). This study revealed a global transcriptional repression across the menstrual cycle, which relaxes when the WOI opens for transcriptional profiles associated with successful pregnancies. These findings suggest that a global transcriptional derepression is needed for embryo implantation and early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sebastian-Leon
- Department of Genomic & Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Devesa-Peiro
- Department of Genomic & Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Aleman
- Department of Genomic & Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Parraga-Leo
- Department of Genomic & Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - V Arnau
- Bioinformatics, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Spain.,Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universidad de Valencia-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), C/Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch, Paterna, Spain
| | - A Pellicer
- Department of Genomic & Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA IVI Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P Diaz-Gimeno
- Department of Genomic & Systems Reproductive Medicine, IVI-RMA IVI Foundation-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Ishida M, Takebayashi A, Kimura F, Nakamura A, Kitazawa J, Morimune A, Hanada T, Tsuta K, Murakami T. Induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the endometrium by chronic endometritis in infertile patients. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249775. [PMID: 33826645 PMCID: PMC8026044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between chronic endometritis and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the endometrium of infertile patients in the implantation phase. Methods Endometrial biopsy specimens from 66 infertility patients were analyzed. The presence of chronic endometritis was investigated by immunostaining for CD138. Immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Slug, and Snail was performed, and the expression profiles were statistically analyzed according to the presence of chronic endometritis. When the loss of E-cadherin expression and/or the positive expression of N-cadherin was detected, the specimen was considered epithelial-mesenchymal transition-positive. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-positive cases were also statistically analyzed according to the presence of chronic endometritis. The characteristics of the patients in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-positive and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-negative groups were compared. The association between variables, including age, body mass index, gravidity, parity, and each causative factor of infertility and epithelial-mesenchymal transition positivity was analyzed. Results The rates of the loss of E-cadherin expression, the gain of N-cadherin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition positivity were significantly higher in chronic endometritis patients. The expression of Slug, cytoplasmic Snail, and nuclear Snail was also detected at significantly higher rates in chronic endometritis patients. Chronic endometritis were related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Conclusion The epithelial-mesenchymal transition was frequently detected in the endometrium in infertile patients with chronic endometritis. Since the epithelial-mesenchymal transition is associated with chronic endometritis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition appears to be involved in the alteration of mechanisms of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuaki Ishida
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail: (MI); (FK)
| | - Akie Takebayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Fuminori Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
- * E-mail: (MI); (FK)
| | - Akiko Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Jun Kitazawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Aina Morimune
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Hanada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Koji Tsuta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
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Ge J, Chen Y, Yang H, Zhao J, Ren D, Wu X. Expression and significance of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor in endometrial tissue of patients with intrauterine adhesions. Gland Surg 2021; 10:1478-1486. [PMID: 33968699 DOI: 10.21037/gs-21-232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Our study aims to analyze the expression and significance of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in endometrial tissues of patients with intrauterine adhesion (IUA). Methods Fifty-four patients with IUAs examined in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2019 were selected as the research object (observation group), 54 healthy women who had physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group, and the immunohistochemical EnVision was used. Two-step and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR methods were used to detect the expression levels of ER and PR in the endometrial tissues of the two groups of subjects. Results The immunohistochemical test results showed that ER's expression level in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The difference in PR expression levels between the two groups was insignificant (P<0.05). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR results showed ER and PR's expression levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions After IUA can detect ER and PR expression, we can formulate a personalized hormone treatment plan to improve the clinical treatment effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ge
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Jingxue Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Dongyan Ren
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaomei Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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40
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Li Y, Liu Y, Gao Z, Zhang L, Chen L, Wu Z, Liu Q, Wang S, Zhou N, Chai TC, Shi B. Single-cell transcriptomes of mouse bladder urothelium uncover novel cell type markers and urothelial differentiation characteristics. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13007. [PMID: 33538002 PMCID: PMC8016651 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Much of the information to date in terms of subtypes and function of bladder urothelial cells were derived from anatomical location or by the expression of a small number of marker genes. To have a comprehensive map of the cellular anatomy of bladder urothelial cells, we performed single‐cell RNA sequencing to thoroughly characterize mouse bladder urothelium. Materials and methods A total of 18,917 single cells from mouse bladder urothelium were analysed by unbiased single‐cell RNA sequencing. The expression of the novel cell marker was confirmed by immunofluorescence using urinary tract infection models. Results Unsupervised clustering analysis identified 8 transcriptionally distinct cell subpopulations from mouse bladder urothelial cells. We discovered a novel type of bladder urothelial cells marked by Plxna4 that may be involved with host response and wound healing. We also found a group of basal‐like cells labelled by ASPM that could be the progenitor cells of adult bladder urothelium. ASPM+ urothelial cells are significantly increased after injury by UPEC. In addition, specific transcription factors were found to be associated with urothelial cell differentiation. At the last, a number of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome–regulating genes were found differentially expressed among different urothelial cell subpopulations. Conclusions Our study provides a comprehensive characterization of bladder urothelial cells, which is fundamental to understanding the biology of bladder urothelium and associated bladder disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Yaxiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China.,Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhengdong Gao
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Lekai Zhang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Lipeng Chen
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Zonglong Wu
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Qinggang Liu
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China
| | - Toby C Chai
- Department of Urology, Boston University/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benkang Shi
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Urinary Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, China
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Suthaporn S, Jayaprakasan K, Thornton J, Walker K, Medrano JH, Castellanos M, May S, Polanski L, Raine-Fenning N, Maalouf WE. Suboptimal mid-luteal progesterone concentrations are associated with aberrant endometrial gene expression, potentially resulting in implantation failure. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:595-608. [PMID: 33608186 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the difference in endometrial transcriptomics between women with normal and with low mid-luteal progesterone during the implantation window? DESIGN An endometrial biopsy and serum progesterone concentration were taken from participants during the mid-luteal phase (LH+7 to LH+9). A total of 12 participants were recruited and categorized into two groups based on their progesterone concentrations: normal progesterone (>15 ng/ml, n = 6) and low progesterone (<15 ng/ml, n = 6). Global endometrial gene expression between the two groups was compared by microarray techniques. Principal component analysis was used to display the gene's expression pattern. Pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis were performed to determine the biological mechanism of progesterone on the endometrium. RESULTS Several key genes related to endometrial receptivity were found to be regulated by progesterone. With regard to gene ontology and pathway analysis, progesterone was shown to be mainly involved in structure morphogenesis predominantly during a process of decidualization, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and cell adhesion. Distinct differences were observed in the transcriptomic profiles between the two groups, indicating potential impairment of endometrial receptivity in women with suboptimal progesterone concentrations. There was a relatively similar pattern of gene expression between endometrial samples with progesterone concentrations approximately 10 ng/ml and >15 ng/ml. Thus, a progesterone concentration of between 10 and 15 ng/ml appears to be sufficient to induce endometrial receptivity. CONCLUSIONS Abnormally low progesterone below the threshold of 10-15 ng/ml during the implantation window results in aberrant endometrial gene expression that may affect implantation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutham Suthaporn
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Jim Thornton
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kate Walker
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Juan Hernandez Medrano
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marcos Castellanos
- Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sean May
- Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lukasz Polanski
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nick Raine-Fenning
- Nurture Fertility, The East Midlands Fertility Centre, Bostocks Lane, Nottingham, UK
| | - Walid E Maalouf
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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Mechanisms Underlying the Regulation of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Complexes by Nuclear Steroid Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186683. [PMID: 32932692 PMCID: PMC7555717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes play important roles in energy production via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to drive various biochemical processes in eukaryotic cells. These processes require coordination with other cell organelles, especially the nucleus. Factors encoded by both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA are involved in the formation of active respiratory chain complexes and 'supercomplexes', the higher-order structures comprising several respiratory chain complexes. Various nuclear hormone receptors are involved in the regulation of OXPHOS-related genes. In this article, we review the roles of nuclear steroid receptors (NR3 class nuclear receptors), including estrogen receptors (ERs), estrogen-related receptors (ERRs), glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), progesterone receptors (PRs), and androgen receptors (ARs), in the regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and supercomplex formation.
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Sex differences in neutrophil biology modulate response to type I interferons and immunometabolism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:16481-16491. [PMID: 32601182 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2003603117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Differences between female and male immunity may contribute to variations in response to infections and predisposition to autoimmunity. We previously reported that neutrophils from reproductive-age males are more immature and less activated than their female counterparts. To further characterize the mechanisms that drive differential neutrophil phenotypes, we performed RNA sequencing on circulating neutrophils from healthy adult females and males. Female neutrophils displayed significant up-regulation of type I IFN (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs). Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that these differences are neutrophil specific, driven by a distinct neutrophil subset and related to maturation status. Neutrophil hyperresponsiveness to type I IFNs promoted enhanced responses to Toll-like receptor agonists. Neutrophils from young adult males had significantly increased mitochondrial metabolism compared to those from females and this was modulated by estradiol. Assessment of ISGs and neutrophil maturation genes in Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) males and in prepubescent children supported that differences in neutrophil phenotype between adult male and female neutrophils are hormonally driven and not explained by X chromosome gene dosage. Our results indicate that there are distinct sex differences in neutrophil biology related to responses to type I IFNs, immunometabolism, and maturation status that may have prominent functional and pathogenic implications.
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Endometrial Decidualization: The Primary Driver of Pregnancy Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114092. [PMID: 32521725 PMCID: PMC7312091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interventions to prevent pregnancy complications have been largely unsuccessful. We suggest this is because the foundation for a healthy pregnancy is laid prior to the establishment of the pregnancy at the time of endometrial decidualization. Humans are one of only a few mammalian viviparous species in which decidualization begins during the latter half of each menstrual cycle and is therefore independent of the conceptus. Failure to adequately prepare (decidualize) the endometrium hormonally, biochemically, and immunologically in anticipation of the approaching blastocyst—including the downregulation of genes involved in the pro- inflammatory response and resisting tissue invasion along with the increased expression of genes that promote angiogenesis, foster immune tolerance, and facilitate tissue invasion—leads to abnormal implantation/placentation and ultimately to adverse pregnancy outcome. We hypothesize, therefore, that the primary driver of pregnancy health is the quality of the soil, not the seed.
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Guo C, Kong F, Lv Y, Gao N, Xiu X, Sun X. CDC20 inhibitor Apcin inhibits embryo implantation in vivo and in vitro. Cell Biochem Funct 2020; 38:810-816. [PMID: 32458533 PMCID: PMC7496523 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
For successful implantation, endometrial receptivity must be established. The high expression of CDC20 in many kinds of malignant tumours has been reported, and it is related to the occurrence and development of tumours. According to these functions, we think that CDC20 may also play important roles in the process of embryo implantation. To prove our hypothesis, we observed the distribution and expression of CDC20 in mouse and human early pregnancy. The effect of E2 and/or P4 on the expression of CDC20 in human endometrial cells was detected by Western blot. To further explore whether CDC20 is an important factor in adhesion and proliferation. The results showed that the expression of CDC20 in the uterus and menstrual cycle of early pregnant mice was spatiotemporal. E2 can promote the expression of CDC20. On the contrary, P4 and E2 + P4 inhibited the expression of CDC20. We also detected the proliferation and adhesion of human endometrial cells. We found that the inhibition of CDC20 with its inhibitor Apcin could reduce the adhesion rate and proliferation ability to RL95‐2 and HEC‐1A cells, respectively. Inhibiting CDC20 by Apcin could interfere the embryo implantation of mouse. It is suggested that CDC20 may play an important role in the process of embryo implantation. Significance of the study Embryo implantation is an extremely complex and delicate process, including identification, localisation, adhesion and invasion between embryo and endometrium. Studies have shown the process of embryo implantation is very similar to that of tumour invasion. CDC20 is a cancer‐promoting factor. We found CDC20 is spatially and spatially expressed in mouse and human menstrual cycles and is regulated by oestrogen and progesterone. Apcin can inhibit the adhesion of JAR cells and embryo implantation of mouse. CDC20 may provide a new way to improve the success rate of assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjia Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fandou Kong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yunyi Lv
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaoxin Xiu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaojing Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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