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Bariani MV, Grimm SL, Coarfa C, Velez Edwards DR, Yang Q, Walker CL, Ali M, Al-Hendy A. Altered extracellular matrix-related pathways accelerate the transition from normal to prefibroid myometrium in Black women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 231:324.e1-324.e12. [PMID: 38825029 PMCID: PMC11344675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.05.048] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women experience a disproportionate impact of uterine fibroids compared to White women, including earlier diagnosis, higher frequency, and more severe symptoms. The etiology underlying this racial disparity remains elusive. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular differences in normal myometrium (fibroid-free uteri) and at-risk myometrium (fibroid-containing uteri) tissues in Black and White women. STUDY DESIGN We conducted whole-genome RNA-seq on normal and at-risk myometrium tissues obtained from both self-identified Black and White women (not Hispanic or Latino) to determine global gene expression profiles and to conduct enriched pathway analyses (n=3 per group). We initially assessed the differences within the same type of tissue (normal or at-risk myometrium) between races. Subsequently, we analyzed the transcriptome of normal myometrium compared to at-risk myometrium in each race and determined the differences between them. We validated our findings through real-time PCR (sample size range=5-12), western blot (sample size range=5-6), and immunohistochemistry techniques (sample size range=9-16). RESULTS The transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct profiles between Black and White women in normal and at-risk myometrium tissues. Interestingly, genes and pathways related to extracellular matrix and mechanosensing were more enriched in normal myometrium from Black than White women. Transcription factor enrichment analysis detected greater activity of the serum response transcription factor positional motif in normal myometrium from Black compared to White women. Furthermore, we observed increased expression levels of myocardin-related transcription factor-serum response factor and the serum response factor in the same comparison. In addition, we noted increased expression of both mRNA and protein levels of vinculin, a target gene of the serum response factor, in normal myometrium tissues from Black women as compared to White women. Importantly, the transcriptomic profile of normal to at-risk myometrium conversion differs between Black and White women. Specifically, we observed that extracellular matrix-related pathways are involved in the transition from normal to at-risk myometrium and that these processes are exacerbated in Black women. We found increased levels of Tenascin C, type I collagen alpha 1 chain, fibronectin, and phospho-p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182, active) protein levels in at-risk over normal myometrium tissues from Black women, whereas such differences were not observed in samples from White women. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the racial disparities in uterine fibroids may be attributed to heightened production of extracellular matrix in the myometrium in Black women, even before the tumors appear. Future research is needed to understand early life determinants of the observed racial differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra L Grimm
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Center for Precision and Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Center for Precision and Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Digna R Velez Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Cheryl L Walker
- Center for Precision and Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
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Olson SL, Akbar RJ, Gorniak A, Fuhr LI, Borahay MA. Hypoxia in uterine fibroids: role in pathobiology and therapeutic opportunities. OXYGEN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 4:236-252. [PMID: 38957794 PMCID: PMC11218552 DOI: 10.3390/oxygen4020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors in females affecting up to 70% of women world-wide, yet targeted therapeutic options are limited. Oxidative stress has recently surfaced as a key driver of fibroid pathogenesis and provides insights into hypoxia-induced cell transformation, extracellular matrix pathophysiology, hypoxic cell signaling cascades, and uterine biology. Hypoxia drives fibroid tumorigenesis through (1) promoting myometrial stem cell proliferation, (2) causing DNA damage propelling transformation of stem cells to tumor initiating cells, and (3) driving excess extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Common fibroid-associated DNA mutations include MED12 mutations, HMGA2 overexpression, and Fumarate hydratase loss of function. Evidence suggests an interaction between hypoxia signaling and these mutations. Fibroid development and growth are promoted by hypoxia-triggered cell signaling via various pathways including HIF-1, TGFβ, and Wnt/β-catenin. Fibroid-associated hypoxia persists due to antioxidant imbalance, ECM accumulation, and growth beyond adequate vascular supply. Current clinically available fibroid treatments do not take advantage of hypoxia-targeting therapies. Growing pre-clinical and clinical studies identify ROS inhibitors, anti-HIF-1 agents, Wnt/β-catenin inhibition, and TGFβ cascade inhibitors as agents that may reduce fibroid development and growth through targeting hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney L. Olson
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | | | - Adrianna Gorniak
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Laura I. Fuhr
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Mostafa A. Borahay
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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Yang Q, Vafaei S, Falahati A, Khosh A, Bariani MV, Omran MM, Bai T, Siblini H, Ali M, He C, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Bromodomain-Containing Protein 9 Regulates Signaling Pathways and Reprograms the Epigenome in Immortalized Human Uterine Fibroid Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:905. [PMID: 38255982 PMCID: PMC10815284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020905] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing proteins (BRDs) are involved in many biological processes, most notably epigenetic regulation of transcription, and BRD dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, including tumorigenesis. However, the role of BRDs in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids (UFs) is entirely unknown. The present study aimed to determine the expression pattern of BRD9 in UFs and matched myometrium and further assess the impact of a BRD9 inhibitor on UF phenotype and epigenetic/epitranscriptomic changes. Our studies demonstrated that the levels of BRD9 were significantly upregulated in UFs compared to matched myometrium, suggesting that the aberrant BRD expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of UFs. We then evaluated the potential roles of BRD9 using its specific inhibitor, I-BRD9. Targeted inhibition of BRD9 suppressed UF tumorigenesis with increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, decreased cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix deposition in UF cells. The latter is the key hallmark of UFs. Unbiased transcriptomic profiling coupled with downstream bioinformatics analysis further and extensively demonstrated that targeted inhibition of BRD9 impacted the cell cycle- and ECM-related biological pathways and reprogrammed the UF cell epigenome and epitranscriptome in UFs. Taken together, our studies support the critical role of BRD9 in UF cells and the strong interconnection between BRD9 and other pathways controlling the UF progression. Targeted inhibition of BRDs might provide a non-hormonal treatment option for this most common benign tumor in women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Somayeh Vafaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Ali Falahati
- DNA GTx LAB, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai 505262, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Azad Khosh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.K.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Maria Victoria Bariani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Mervat M. Omran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
- Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Tao Bai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Hiba Siblini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
| | - Thomas G. Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.K.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
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Maxey AP, Travis JM, McCain ML. Regulation of oxytocin-induced calcium transients and gene expression in engineered myometrial tissues by tissue architecture and matrix rigidity. Curr Res Physiol 2023; 6:100108. [PMID: 38107790 PMCID: PMC10724203 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2023.100108] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterus is susceptible to benign tumors known as fibroids, which have been associated with many pregnancy complications, including preterm labor. However, the impact of fibrotic tissue remodeling on the physiology of the myometrium, the smooth muscle layer of the uterus, is poorly understood, in large part due to a lack of model systems. In this study, we engineered healthy-like and fibrotic-like myometrium by culturing human myometrial smooth muscle cells on polyacrylamide hydrogels micropatterned with fibronectin to independently tune matrix rigidity and tissue alignment, respectively. We then evaluated calcium transients in response to oxytocin stimulation. Isotropic myometrial tissues on stiff substrates (representing fibrotic myometrium) had shorter calcium transients due to shorter decay time compared to aligned myometrial tissues on soft substrates (representing healthy myometrium). Calcium transients in aligned tissues had longer response times and longer decay times than isotropic tissues, irrespective of substrate stiffness. The amplitude of calcium transients was also higher on soft substrates compared to stiff substrates, irrespective of tissue alignment. We also performed RNA sequencing to detect differentially expressed genes between healthy- and fibrotic-like tissues, which revealed that a bitter taste receptor shown to induce smooth muscle relaxation, TAS2R31, was down-regulated in fibrotic-like tissues. Finally, we measured oxytocin-induced calcium transients in response to pre-treatment with progesterone, caffeine, thrombin, and nifedipine to demonstrate applications for our model system in drug screening. Both progesterone and caffeine caused a decrease in calcium transient duration, as expected, while thrombin and nifedipine had less impact. Collectively, our engineered model of the myometrium enables new insights into myometrial mechanobiology and can be extended to identify or screen novel drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina P. Maxey
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaya M. Travis
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Megan L. McCain
- Laboratory for Living Systems Engineering, Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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5
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Chuang TD, Ton N, Rysling S, Quintanilla D, Boos D, Gao J, McSwiggin H, Yan W, Khorram O. The Influence of Race/Ethnicity on the Transcriptomic Landscape of Uterine Fibroids. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13441. [PMID: 37686244 PMCID: PMC10487975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if the aberrant expression of select genes could form the basis for the racial disparity in fibroid characteristics. The next-generation RNA sequencing results were analyzed as fold change [leiomyomas/paired myometrium, also known as differential expression (DF)], comparing specimens from White (n = 7) and Black (n = 12) patients. The analysis indicated that 95 genes were minimally changed in tumors from White (DF ≈ 1) but were significantly altered by more than 1.5-fold (up or down) in Black patients. Twenty-one novel genes were selected for confirmation in 69 paired fibroids by qRT-PCR. Among these 21, coding of transcripts for the differential expression of FRAT2, SOX4, TNFRSF19, ACP7, GRIP1, IRS4, PLEKHG4B, PGR, COL24A1, KRT17, MMP17, SLN, CCDC177, FUT2, MYO5B, MYOG, ZNF703, CDC25A, and CDCA7 was significantly higher, while the expression of DAB2 and CAV2 was significantly lower in tumors from Black or Hispanic patients compared with tumors from White patients. Western blot analysis revealed a greater differential expression of PGR-A and total progesterone (PGR-A and PGR-B) in tumors from Black compared with tumors from White patients. Collectively, we identified a set of genes uniquely expressed in a race/ethnicity-dependent manner, which could form the underlying mechanisms for the racial disparity in fibroids and their associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Der Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; (N.T.); (S.R.); (D.Q.); (D.B.); (J.G.); (H.M.); (W.Y.)
| | - Nhu Ton
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; (N.T.); (S.R.); (D.Q.); (D.B.); (J.G.); (H.M.); (W.Y.)
| | - Shawn Rysling
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; (N.T.); (S.R.); (D.Q.); (D.B.); (J.G.); (H.M.); (W.Y.)
| | - Derek Quintanilla
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; (N.T.); (S.R.); (D.Q.); (D.B.); (J.G.); (H.M.); (W.Y.)
| | - Drake Boos
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; (N.T.); (S.R.); (D.Q.); (D.B.); (J.G.); (H.M.); (W.Y.)
| | - Jianjun Gao
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; (N.T.); (S.R.); (D.Q.); (D.B.); (J.G.); (H.M.); (W.Y.)
| | - Hayden McSwiggin
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; (N.T.); (S.R.); (D.Q.); (D.B.); (J.G.); (H.M.); (W.Y.)
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; (N.T.); (S.R.); (D.Q.); (D.B.); (J.G.); (H.M.); (W.Y.)
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Omid Khorram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; (N.T.); (S.R.); (D.Q.); (D.B.); (J.G.); (H.M.); (W.Y.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Buyukcelebi K, Chen X, Abdula F, Elkafas H, Duval AJ, Ozturk H, Seker-Polat F, Jin Q, Yin P, Feng Y, Bulun SE, Wei JJ, Yue F, Adli M. Engineered MED12 mutations drive leiomyoma-like transcriptional and metabolic programs by altering the 3D genome compartmentalization. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4057. [PMID: 37429859 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39684-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly 70% of Uterine fibroid (UF) tumors are driven by recurrent MED12 hotspot mutations. Unfortunately, no cellular models could be generated because the mutant cells have lower fitness in 2D culture conditions. To address this, we employ CRISPR to precisely engineer MED12 Gly44 mutations in UF-relevant myometrial smooth muscle cells. The engineered mutant cells recapitulate several UF-like cellular, transcriptional, and metabolic alterations, including altered Tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism. The aberrant gene expression program in the mutant cells is, in part, driven by a substantial 3D genome compartmentalization switch. At the cellular level, the mutant cells gain enhanced proliferation rates in 3D spheres and form larger lesions in vivo with elevated production of collagen and extracellular matrix deposition. These findings indicate that the engineered cellular model faithfully models key features of UF tumors and provides a platform for the broader scientific community to characterize genomics of recurrent MED12 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadir Buyukcelebi
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xintong Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fatih Abdula
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hoda Elkafas
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexander James Duval
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Harun Ozturk
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fidan Seker-Polat
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qiushi Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ping Yin
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jian Jun Wei
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Feng Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mazhar Adli
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Buyukcelebi K, Chen X, Abdula F, Duval A, Ozturk H, Seker-Polat F, Jin Q, Yin P, Feng Y, Wei JJ, Bulun S, Yue F, Adli M. Engineered MED12 mutations drive uterine fibroid-like transcriptional and metabolic programs by altering the 3D genome compartmentalization. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2537075. [PMID: 36798375 PMCID: PMC9934745 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2537075/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroid (UF) tumors originate from a mutated smooth muscle cell (SMC). Nearly 70% of these tumors are driven by hotspot recurrent somatic mutations in the MED12 gene; however, there are no tractable genetic models to study the biology of UF tumors because, under culture conditions, the non-mutant fibroblasts outgrow the mutant SMC cells, resulting in the conversion of the population to WT phenotype. The lack of faithful cellular models hampered our ability to delineate the molecular pathways downstream of MED12 mutations and identify therapeutics that may selectively target the mutant cells. To overcome this challenge, we employed CRISPR knock-in with a sensitive PCR-based screening strategy to precisely engineer cells with mutant MED12 Gly44, which constitutes 50% of MED12 exon two mutations. Critically, the engineered myometrial SMC cells recapitulate several UF-like cellular, transcriptional and metabolic alterations, including enhanced proliferation rates in 3D spheres and altered Tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism. Our transcriptomic analysis supported by DNA synthesis tracking reveals that MED12 mutant cells, like UF tumors, have heightened expression of DNA repair genes but reduced DNA synthesis rates. Consequently, these cells accumulate significantly higher rates of DNA damage and are selectively more sensitive to common DNA-damaging chemotherapy, indicating mutation-specific and therapeutically relevant vulnerabilities. Our high-resolution 3D chromatin interaction analysis demonstrates that the engineered MED12 mutations drive aberrant genomic activity due to a genome-wide chromatin compartmentalization switch. These findings indicate that the engineered cellular model faithfully models key features of UF tumors and provides a novel platform for the broader scientific community to characterize genomics of recurrent MED12 mutations and discover potential therapeutic targets.
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8
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Rende U, Ahn SB, Adhikari S, Moh ESX, Pollock CA, Saad S, Guller A. Deciphering the Kidney Matrisome: Identification and Quantification of Renal Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Healthy Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032827. [PMID: 36769148 PMCID: PMC9917693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise characterization of a tissue's extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition (matrisome) is essential for biomedicine. However, ECM protein extraction that requires organ-specific optimization is still a major limiting factor in matrisome studies. In particular, the matrisome of mouse kidneys is still understudied, despite mouse models being crucial for renal research. Here, we comprehensively characterized the matrisome of kidneys in healthy C57BL/6 mice using two ECM extraction methods in combination with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), protein identification, and label-free quantification (LFQ) using MaxQuant. We identified 113 matrisome proteins, including 22 proteins that have not been previously listed in the Matrisome Database. Depending on the extraction approach, the core matrisome (structural proteins) comprised 45% or 73% of kidney ECM proteins, and was dominated by glycoproteins, followed by collagens and proteoglycans. Among matrisome-associated proteins, ECM regulators had the highest LFQ intensities, followed by ECM-affiliated proteins and secreted factors. The identified kidney ECM proteins were primarily involved in cellular, developmental and metabolic processes, as well as in molecular binding and regulation of catalytic and structural molecules' activity. We also performed in silico comparative analysis of the kidney matrisome composition in humans and mice based on publicly available data. These results contribute to the first reference database for the mouse renal matrisome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Rende
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale Biophotonics, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Seong Beom Ahn
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Subash Adhikari
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Edward S. X. Moh
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Carol A. Pollock
- Department of Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Sonia Saad
- Department of Medicine, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Anna Guller
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale Biophotonics, The Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
- Correspondence:
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9
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Bovine and human endometrium-derived hydrogels support organoid culture from healthy and cancerous tissues. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208040119. [PMID: 36279452 PMCID: PMC9636948 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208040119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoid technology has provided unique insights into human organ development, function, and diseases. Patient-derived organoids are increasingly used for drug screening, modeling rare disorders, designing regenerative therapies, and understanding disease pathogenesis. However, the use of Matrigel to grow organoids represents a major challenge in the clinical translation of organoid technology. Matrigel is a poorly defined mixture of extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors extracted from the Engelbreth–Holm–Swarm mouse tumor. The extracellular matrix is a major driver of multiple cellular processes and differs significantly between tissues as well as in healthy and disease states of the same tissue. Therefore, we envisioned that the extracellular matrix derived from a native healthy tissue would be able to support organoid growth akin to organogenesis in vivo. Here, we have developed hydrogels from decellularized human and bovine endometrium. These hydrogels supported the growth of mouse and human endometrial organoids, which was comparable to Matrigel. Organoids grown in endometrial hydrogels were proteomically more similar to the native tissue than those cultured in Matrigel. Proteomic and Raman microspectroscopy analyses showed that the method of decellularization affects the biochemical composition of hydrogels and, subsequently, their ability to support organoid growth. The amount of laminin in hydrogels correlated with the number and shape of organoids. We also demonstrated the utility of endometrial hydrogels in developing solid scaffolds for supporting high-throughput, cell culture–based applications. In summary, endometrial hydrogels overcome a major limitation of organoid technology and greatly expand the applicability of organoids to understand endometrial biology and associated pathologies.
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10
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Proteomic and functional characterization of intra-tumor heterogeneity in human endometrial cancer. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100738. [PMID: 36103879 PMCID: PMC9512672 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed gynecological cancers worldwide, and its prevalence has increased by more than 50% over the last two decades. Despite the understanding of the major signaling pathways driving the growth and metastasis of endometrial cancer, clinical trials targeting these signals have reported poor outcomes. The heterogeneous nature of endometrial cancer is suspected to be one of the key reasons for the failure of targeted therapies. In this study, we perform a sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra (SWATH)-based comparative proteomic analysis of 63 tumor biopsies collected from 20 patients and define differences in protein signature in multiple regions of the same tumor. We develop organoids from multiple biopsies collected from the same tumor and show that organoids capture heterogeneity in endometrial cancer growth. Overall, using quantitative proteomics and patient-derived organoids, we define the heterogeneous nature of endometrial cancer within a patient’s tumor. Proteomic analysis of endometrial cancer intra-tumor heterogeneity Identification of potential biomarkers of tumor volume and invasion Protein signatures correlate with pre-and postmenopausal cancers Patient-derived organoids capture endometrial cancer heterogeneity
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11
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Importance of Fibrosis in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Leiomyoma and the Promising Anti-fibrotic Effects of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 and Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitors in the Treatment of Uterine Leiomyoma. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1383-1398. [PMID: 35969363 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroid or leiomyoma is the most common benign uterus tumor. The tumor is primarily composed of smooth muscle (fibroid) cells, myofibroblast, and a significant amount of extracellular matrix components. It mainly affects women of reproductive age. They are uncommon before menarche and usually disappear after menopause. The fibroids have excessive extracellular matrix components secreted by activated fibroblast cells (myofibroblast). Myofibroblast has the characteristics of fibroblast and smooth muscle cells. These cells possess contractile capability due to the expression of contractile proteins which are normally found only in muscle tissues. The rigid nature of the tumor is responsible for many side effects associated with uterine fibroids. The current drug treatment strategies are primarily hormone-driven and not anti-fibrotic. This paper emphasizes the fibrotic background of uterine fibroids and the mechanisms behind the deposition of excessive extracellular matrix components. The transforming growth factor-β, hippo, and focal adhesion kinase-mediated signaling pathways activate the fibroblast cells and deposit excessive extracellular matrix materials. We also exemplify how dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and fibroblast activation protein inhibitors could be beneficial in reducing the fibrotic process in leiomyoma. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and fibroblast activation protein inhibitors prevent the fibrotic process in organs such as the kidneys, lungs, liver, and heart. These inhibitors are proven to inhibit the signaling pathways mentioned above at various stages of their activation. Based on literature evidence, we constructed a narrative review on the mechanisms that support the beneficial effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and fibroblast activation protein inhibitors for treating uterine fibroids.
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Yang Q, Ciebiera M, Bariani MV, Ali M, Elkafas H, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Fibroids: Developmental Origin, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:678-719. [PMID: 34741454 PMCID: PMC9277653 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal neoplasms of the myometrium, representing the most common tumors in women worldwide. To date, no long-term or noninvasive treatment option exists for hormone-dependent uterine fibroids, due to the limited knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of uterine fibroids. This paper comprehensively summarizes the recent research advances on uterine fibroids, focusing on risk factors, development origin, pathogenetic mechanisms, and treatment options. Additionally, we describe the current treatment interventions for uterine fibroids. Finally, future perspectives on uterine fibroids studies are summarized. Deeper mechanistic insights into tumor etiology and the complexity of uterine fibroids can contribute to the progress of newer targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Qiwei Yang, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, M167, Billings, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Michal Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, ul. Cegłowska 80, 01-809, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hoda Elkafas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority, formerly National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Cairo 35521, Egypt
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Correspondence: Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, N112, Peck Pavilion, Chicago, IL 60637. USA.
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13
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Carbajo-García MC, de Miguel-Gómez L, Juárez-Barber E, Trelis A, Monleón J, Pellicer A, Flanagan JM, Ferrero H. Deciphering the Role of Histone Modifications in Uterine Leiomyoma: Acetylation of H3K27 Regulates the Expression of Genes Involved in Proliferation, Cell Signaling, Cell Transport, Angiogenesis and Extracellular Matrix Formation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061279. [PMID: 35740301 PMCID: PMC9219820 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061279] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is a benign tumor arising from myometrium (MM) with a high prevalence and unclear pathology. Histone modifications are altered in tumors, particularly via histone acetylation which is correlated with gene activation. To identify if the acetylation of H3K27 is involved in UL pathogenesis and if its reversion may be a therapeutic option, we performed a prospective study integrating RNA-seq (n = 48) and CHIP-seq for H3K27ac (n = 19) in UL vs MM tissue, together with qRT-PCR of SAHA-treated UL cells (n = 10). CHIP-seq showed lower levels of H3K27ac in UL versus MM (p-value < 2.2 × 10−16). From 922 DEGs found in UL vs. MM (FDR < 0.01), 482 presented H3K27ac. A differential acetylation (FDR < 0.05) was discovered in 82 of these genes (29 hyperacetylated/upregulated, 53 hypoacetylated/downregulated). Hyperacetylation/upregulation of oncogenes (NDP,HOXA13,COL24A1,IGFL3) and hypoacetylation/downregulation of tumor suppressor genes (CD40,GIMAP8,IL15,GPX3,DPT) altered the immune system, the metabolism, TGFβ3 and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Functional enrichment analysis revealed deregulation of proliferation, cell signaling, transport, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix. Inhibition of histone deacetylases by SAHA increased expression of hypoacetylated/downregulated genes in UL cells (p < 0.05). Conclusively, H3K27ac regulates genes involved in UL onset and maintenance. Histone deacetylation reversion upregulates the expression of tumor suppressor genes in UL cells, suggesting targeting histone modifications as a therapeutic approach for UL.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cristina Carbajo-García
- Fundación IVI, IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.C.C.-G.); (L.d.M.-G.); (E.J.-B.); (A.P.)
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Lucia de Miguel-Gómez
- Fundación IVI, IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.C.C.-G.); (L.d.M.-G.); (E.J.-B.); (A.P.)
| | - Elena Juárez-Barber
- Fundación IVI, IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.C.C.-G.); (L.d.M.-G.); (E.J.-B.); (A.P.)
| | | | | | - Antonio Pellicer
- Fundación IVI, IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.C.C.-G.); (L.d.M.-G.); (E.J.-B.); (A.P.)
- IVIRMA Rome, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - James M. Flanagan
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- Fundación IVI, IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.C.C.-G.); (L.d.M.-G.); (E.J.-B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-963-903-305
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Banerjee S, Xu W, Chowdhury I, Driss A, Ali M, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A, Thompson WE. Human Myometrial and Uterine Fibroid Stem Cell-Derived Organoids for Intervening the Pathophysiology of Uterine Fibroid. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2607-2619. [PMID: 35585291 PMCID: PMC9444830 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00960-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) (leiomyomas or myomas) are the most common clonal neoplasms of the uterus in women of reproductive age worldwide. UFs originate from myometrium consist of smooth muscle and fibroblast components, in addition to a substantial amount of fibrous extracellular matrix which all contribute to the pathogenetic process. Current treatments are primarily limited to surgical and interventional. Here, we have established a novel and promising organoid model from both normal and patient myometrial stem cells (MMSCs). MMSCs embedded in Matrigel in stem cell media swiftly formed organoids which successfully proliferate and self-organized into complex structures developing a sustainable organoid culture that maintain their capacity to differentiate into the different cell types recapitulating their tissue of origin and shows responsiveness to the reproductive hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Gene expression analysis and structural features indicated the early onset of uterine fibrosis led to the accumulation of extracellular matrix suggesting the potential use of this model in better understanding of the pathophysiology associated with UFs and inventing novel therapeutics for the treatment of UFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saswati Banerjee
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive Southwest, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive Southwest, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Indrajit Chowdhury
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adel Driss
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive Southwest, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Winston E Thompson
- Department of Physiology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive Southwest, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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15
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New EP, Semerci N, Ozmen A, Guo X, Jonnalagadda VA, Kim JW, Anderson ML, Guzeloglu-Kayisli O, Imudia AN, Lockwood CJ, Kayisli UA. FKBP51 Contributes to Uterine Leiomyoma Pathogenesis by Inducing Cell Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Deposition. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1939-1949. [PMID: 35426036 PMCID: PMC9009985 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00921-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) binds progesterone receptor (PR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and androgen receptor (AR) to coregulate their transcriptional activity. We evaluated FKBP51 expression and function in human leiomyoma vs. myometrial tissues and primary cultures to discover FKBP51 role(s) in the pathogenesis of leiomyomas. Quantification of in situ FKBP51 mRNA and protein levels inpaired myometrial vs. leiomyoma tissues from proliferative and secretory phases were analyzed by qPCR (n = 14), immunoblotting (n = 20), and immunohistochemistry (n = 12). Control (scramble) vs. FKBP5 siRNA-transfected leiomyoma cell cultures were assessed for proliferation, apoptosis, and mRNA levels of genes involved in cell survival and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. Significantly higher FKBP5 mRNA levels were detected in leiomyoma vs. paired myometrium (P < 0.001). Immunoblot (P = 0.001) and immunostaining (P ≤ 0.001) confirmed increased FKBP51 levels in leiomyoma vs. paired myometrium. Compared to control siRNA transfection, FKBP5-silenced leiomyoma cell cultures displayed significantly decreased cell survival factors and reduced proliferation (P < 0.05). Moreover, qPCR analysis revealed significantly lower mRNA levels of ECM, TIPM1, and TIPM3 proteins in FKBP5-silenced leiomyoma cell cultures (P < 0.05). Increased FKBP51 expression in leiomyoma likely involves dysregulation of steroid signaling by blocking GR and PR action and promoting proliferation and ECM production. Evaluating the effect of FKBP51 inhibition in preclinical studies will clarify its significance as a potential therapeutic approach against leiomyoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika P New
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Nihan Semerci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Asli Ozmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Venkata A Jonnalagadda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Joung Woul Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Matthew L Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Ozlem Guzeloglu-Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Anthony N Imudia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
- Shady Grove Fertility Center, Tampa Bay, FL, USA
| | - Charles J Lockwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Umit A Kayisli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 560 Channelside Drive, Office MDD738, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA.
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16
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Aninye IO, Laitner MH. Uterine Fibroids: Assessing Unmet Needs from Bench to Bedside. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:1060-1067. [PMID: 34410867 PMCID: PMC8432600 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are noncancerous growths that can have deleterious effects on the health and quality of life for millions of women. Attempts to better understand the factors that influence prevalence and disparities associated with fibroids have been made; however, significant knowledge gaps continue to persist, which hinder care for individuals living with fibroids. The Society for Women's Health Research convened an interdisciplinary Uterine Fibroids Working Group to review the current state of knowledge about uterine fibroids and recommend areas in which to prioritize efforts to address research gaps and improve diagnosis, treatment, and access to care for patients with this chronic disease. Throughout a 2-day roundtable meeting, participants discussed updates on key literature, research, clinical practice, and public health data on uterine fibroids. Overarching themes and recommendations were identified and determined by consensus agreement of the participants at the conclusion of the meeting. Systematic studies of the etiology and pathology of uterine fibroids are needed to address important knowledge gaps and unmet clinical needs regarding the multifaceted management of fibroids and their effects on overall health and quality of life. The Working Group recommends addressing key deficits within the spheres of research, clinical care, and federal policy. Immediate needs include increasing research investment, improving fibroid assessment using pelvic imaging, implementing longitudinal study designs, addressing factors that contribute to disease disparities (especially among women of color), developing fertility-friendly treatment options, expanding awareness and education beyond gynecologic specialists, and advancing personalized patient care through shared decision-making approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene O Aninye
- Society for Women's Health Research, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Melissa H Laitner
- Society for Women's Health Research, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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17
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Vitamin D: Mechanism of Action and Biological Effects in Uterine Fibroids. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020597. [PMID: 33670322 PMCID: PMC7917888 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign gynecological tumors. It was estimated that fifty percent of women presenting with UFs has symptomatology that negatively influences their quality of life. Pharmacological and/or surgical treatments are frequently required, depending on the woman's desire to preserve fertility, with a high impact on healthcare costs. Generally, the use of currently available pharmacological treatments may lead to side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in a natural and safe approach for UFs. In recent years, epidemiological studies reported a vitamin D deficiency in patients with UFs raised interest in the potential biological effects of vitamin D supplementation. In vitro studies proved vitamin D efficacy in inhibiting UFs growth by targeting pathways involved in the regulation of various biological processes, including proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, DNA repair, signaling and apoptosis. However, clinical studies supported only in part the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in reducing UFs growth and tumor volume. Randomized controlled trials and large population studies are mandatory as the potential clinical benefits are likely to be substantial.
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Tinelli A, Kosmas IP, Mynbaev OA, Malvasi A, Sparic R, Vergara D. The Biological Impact of Ulipristal Acetate on Cellular Networks Regulating Uterine Leiomyoma Growth. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:310-317. [PMID: 31987017 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200121141533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Uterine Fibroids (UFs), or leiomyomas, represent the most frequent pelvic tumor in reproductive-aged women. Although of benign origin, UFs decrease fertility and cause significant reproductive dysfunctions. Compared to normal myometrium, UFs are characterized by a clinical and molecular heterogeneity as demonstrated by the presence of multiple genetic alterations and altered signaling pathways. Recently, selective progesteronereceptor modulators (SPRM), as ulipristal acetate (UPA), have demonstrated their clinical benefits by reducing tumor growth and extracellular matrix deposition. For these reasons, UPA is used in the clinical practice as an intermittent treatment for women symptomatic for UFs or, sometimes, before a myomectomy. However, drug effects on signaling pathways frequently upregulated in UFs remain largely unknown. In fact, the mechanisms of action of the UPA on UFs and on the surrounding areas are not yet understood. To learn more about UPA molecular mechanisms, UF samples were treated ex vivo with UPA and profiled for drug effects on selected markers. During this preliminary ex vivo UPA administration, significant changes were observed in the expression levels of proteins related to cell cycle regulation, cytoskeleton remodeling, and drug resistance. The UPA administration reduced cofilin, Erk and Src phosphorylation, p27 and ezrin protein levels, but not Akt phosphorylation and cyclin D1 and β-catenin levels. This preliminary ex vivo biological analysis provided new insights into the mechanism of action of UPA in the treatment of UFs, which could better explain the biological functioning of the drug on UFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Experimental Endoscopic Surgery, Imaging, Technology and Minimally Invasive Therapy, Vito Fazzi Hospital, P.zza Muratore, Lecce, Italy
| | - Ioannis P Kosmas
- Ioannina State General Hospital G. Hatzikosta, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ospan A Mynbaev
- Laboratory of Human Physiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russian Federation
| | - Antonio Malvasi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Santa Maria Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Bari, Italy
| | - Radmila Sparic
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Serbia, Višegradska 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Daniele Vergara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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19
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Gao LN, Ge LG, Zhu MZ, Yao XX. Association between tumor necrosis factor α and uterine fibroids: A protocol of systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21667. [PMID: 32872031 PMCID: PMC7437802 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study will explore the association between tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and uterine fibroids (UFs). METHODS We will retrieve electronic databases in Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, WANGFANG, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to the present. All potential case-controlled studies investigating the association between TNF-α and UFs will be included in this study. Two researchers will independently select literature, appraise study quality, and extract outcome data. We will utilize a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model to synthesize outcome data. All data analysis will be performed by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS The present study will supply high-quality synthesis and/or descriptive analysis of the recent evidence to explore the association between TNF-α and UFs. CONCLUSION This study will exert evidence to determine whether or not TNF-α is associated with UFs. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER INPLASY202070010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-nan Gao
- Department of Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jilin Medical University
| | - Lian-gang Ge
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second People's Hospital of Jilin
| | | | - Xin-xin Yao
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin Province, China
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20
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Holzmann C, Kuepker W, Rommel B, Helmke B, Bullerdiek J. Reasons to Reconsider Risk Associated With Power Morcellation of Uterine Fibroids. In Vivo 2020; 34:1-9. [PMID: 31882457 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Our insights into the molecular pathogenesis of uterine smooth muscle tumors have improved significantly. Accordingly, in the present review, we advocate a more refined risk assessment for patients considering surgical removal of fibroids or hysterectomy, respectively, requiring morcellation. For this procedure, the risk estimates given for the iatrogenic spread of a previously unexpected malignancy considerably vary among different studies. Nearly all previous studies conducted retrospectively refer to the risk of a patient having an unexpected malignancy at the time of surgery. We feel that, more appropriately, risk should refer to the number of tumors because, as a rule, every single nodule arises independently and, thus, carries an independent risk of being malignant or not. Furthermore, whether so-called parasitic fibroids carry an underestimated risk of stepwise malignant transformation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Holzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University Rostock Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kuepker
- Center for Minimal Invasive Gynecology, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Baden Baden-Buehl, Germany
| | - Birgit Rommel
- Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Burkhard Helmke
- Institute of Pathology, Elbe Clinics, Stade Clinic, Stade, Germany
| | - Joern Bullerdiek
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University Rostock Medical Center, Rostock, Germany .,Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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21
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Lin PH, Tung YT, Chen HY, Chiang YF, Hong HC, Huang KC, Hsu SP, Huang TC, Hsia SM. Melatonin activates cell death programs for the suppression of uterine leiomyoma cell proliferation. J Pineal Res 2020; 68:e12620. [PMID: 31710386 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The circadian nature of melatonin has a protective effect on the progression of female reproductive cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers. However, the effect of melatonin on the growth of uterine leiomyoma is still unclear. In this study, we found that the growth of uterine leiomyoma ELT3 cells was reduced by treatment with melatonin. Treatment with melatonin increased the distribution of sub-G1 phase and increased DNA condensation in ELT3 cells. Melatonin-induced apoptosis and autophagy cell death progression were observed in ELT3 cells. Melatonin exerts a highly selective effect on primary normal human uterine smooth muscle (UtSMC) cells. The UtSMC cell cycle was arrested by melatonin treatment through up-regulation of p21, p27, and PTEN protein expression, but melatonin did not further promote apoptosis program activation. Melatonin reduced cell proliferation in ELT3 cells underlying the activation of melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors, which in turn down-regulated the Akt-ERK1/2-NFκB signaling pathway. Melatonin reduced ELT3 tumor growth in both xenograft and orthotopic uterine tumor mice models. The extracellular matrix of the tumor was also reduced by melatonin treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that melatonin potentially plays a role in suppression of uterine leiomyoma growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Han Lin
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ting Tung
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yuan Chen
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fen Chiang
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chih Hong
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Chieh Huang
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Po Hsu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Chin Huang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Min Hsia
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Food and Safety, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Exploring the extracellular matrix in health and disease using proteomics. Essays Biochem 2019; 63:417-432. [DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex assembly of hundreds of proteins that constitutes the scaffold of multicellular organisms. In addition to providing architectural and mechanical support to the surrounding cells, it conveys biochemical signals that regulate cellular processes including proliferation and survival, fate determination, and cell migration. Defects in ECM protein assembly, decreased ECM protein production or, on the contrary, excessive ECM accumulation, have been linked to many pathologies including cardiovascular and skeletal diseases, cancers, and fibrosis. The ECM thus represents a potential reservoir of prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, our understanding of the global protein composition of the ECM and how it changes during pathological processes has remained limited until recently.
In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the latest methodological advances in sample preparation and mass spectrometry-based proteomics that have permitted the profiling of the ECM of now dozens of normal and diseased tissues, including tumors and fibrotic lesions.
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23
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Phosphoproteins Involved in the Inhibition of Apoptosis and in Cell Survival in the Leiomyoma. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050691. [PMID: 31100862 PMCID: PMC6572112 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle cell tumors originating from the myometrium. In this study we focus on leiomyoma and normal myometrium phosphoproteome, to identify differentially phosphorylated proteins involved in tumorigenic signaling pathways, and in anti-apoptotic processes and cell survival. We obtained paired tissue samples of seven leiomyomas and adjacent myometria and analyzed the phosphoproteome by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) and Pro-Q Diamond phosphoprotein gel stain. We used mass spectrometry for protein identification and Western blotting for 2-DE data validation. Quantities of 33 proteins enriched by the IMAC approach were significantly different in the leiomyoma if compared to the myometrium. Bioinformatic analysis revealed ten tumorigenic signaling pathways and four phosphoproteins involved in both the inhibition of apoptosis and cell survival. Our study highlights the involvement of the phosphoproteome in leiomyoma growth. Further studies are needed to understand the role of phosphorylation in leiomyoma. Our data shed light on mechanisms that still need to be ascertained, but could open the path to a new class of drugs that not only can block the growth, but could also lead to a significant reduction in tumor size.
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24
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Al-Juboori AAA, Ghosh A, Jamaluddin MFB, Kumar M, Sahoo SS, Syed SM, Nahar P, Tanwar PS. Proteomic Analysis of Stromal and Epithelial Cell Communications in Human Endometrial Cancer Using a Unique 3D Co-Culture Model. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800448. [PMID: 30865368 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial and stromal communications are essential for normal uterine functions and their dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases including infertility, endometriosis, and cancer. Although many studies have highlighted the advantages of culturing cells in 3D compared to the conventional 2D culture system, one of the major limitations of these systems is the lack of incorporation of cells from non-epithelial lineages. In an effort to develop a culture system incorporating both stromal and epithelial cells, 3D endometrial cancer spheroids are developed by co-culturing endometrial stromal cells with cancerous epithelial cells. The spheroids developed by this method are phenotypically comparable to in vivo endometrial cancer tissue. Proteomic analysis of the co-culture spheroids comparable to human endometrial tissue revealed 591 common proteins and canonical pathways that are closely related to endometrium biology. To determine the feasibility of using this model for drug screening, the efficacy of tamoxifen and everolimus is tested. In summary, a unique 3D model system of human endometrial cancer is developed that will serve as the foundation for the further development of 3D culture systems incorporating different cell types of the human uterus for deciphering the contributions of non-epithelial cells present in cancer microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminah Ali Abid Al-Juboori
- Gynecology Oncology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Arnab Ghosh
- Gynecology Oncology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Muhammad Fairuz Bin Jamaluddin
- Gynecology Oncology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Manish Kumar
- Gynecology Oncology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Subhransu Sekhar Sahoo
- Gynecology Oncology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Shafiq Mukhtar Syed
- Gynecology Oncology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Pravin Nahar
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia.,Department of Maternity and Gynecology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, 2305, Australia
| | - Pradeep Singh Tanwar
- Gynecology Oncology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
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25
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Jayes FL, Liu B, Feng L, Aviles-Espinoza N, Leikin S, Leppert PC. Evidence of biomechanical and collagen heterogeneity in uterine fibroids. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215646. [PMID: 31034494 PMCID: PMC6488189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are common benign tumors of the myometrium but their molecular pathobiology remains elusive. These stiff and often large tumors contain abundant extracellular matrix (ECM), including large amounts of collagen, and can lead to significant morbidities. After observing structural multiformities of uterine fibroids, we aimed to explore this heterogeneity by focusing on collagen and tissue stiffness. Methods For 19 fibroids, ranging in size from 3 to 11 centimeters, from eight women we documented gross appearance and evaluated collagen content by Masson trichrome staining. Collagen types were determined in additional samples by serial extraction and gel electrophoresis. Biomechanical stiffness was evaluated by rheometry. Results Fibroid slices displayed different gross morphology and some fibroids had characteristics of two or more patterns: classical whorled (n = 8); nodular (n = 9); interweaving trabecular (n = 9); other (n = 1). All examined fibroids contained at least 37% collagen. Tested samples included type I, III, and V collagen of different proportions. Fibroid stiffness was not correlated with the overall collagen content (correlation coefficient 0.22). Neither stiffness nor collagen content was correlated with fibroid size. Stiffness among fibroids ranged from 3028 to 14180 Pa (CV 36.7%; p<0.001, one-way ANOVA). Stiffness within individual fibroids was also not uniform and variability ranged from CV 1.6 to 42.9%. Conclusions The observed heterogeneity in structure, collagen content, and stiffness highlights that fibroid regions differ in architectural status. These differences might be associated with variations in local pressure, biomechanical signaling, and altered growth. We conclude the design of all fibroid studies should account for such heterogeneity because samples from different regions have different characteristics. Our understanding of fibroid pathophysiology will greatly increase through the investigation of the complexity of the chemical and biochemical signaling in fibroid development, the correlation of collagen content and mechanical properties in uterine fibroids, and the mechanical forces involved in fibroid development as affected by the various components of the ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike L. Jayes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Betty Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Duke University School of Medicine and Duke University School of Engineering, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nydea Aviles-Espinoza
- Bone and Matrix Biology in Development and Disease, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sergey Leikin
- Bone and Matrix Biology in Development and Disease, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Phyllis C. Leppert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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