1
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Parameshwar PK, Li C, Arnauts K, Jiang J, Rostami S, Campbell BE, Lu H, Rosenzweig DH, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Directed biomechanical compressive forces enhance fusion efficiency in model placental trophoblast cultures. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11312. [PMID: 38760496 PMCID: PMC11101427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61747-3] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The syncytiotrophoblast is a multinucleated structure that arises from fusion of mononucleated cytotrophoblasts, to sheath the placental villi and regulate transport across the maternal-fetal interface. Here, we ask whether the dynamic mechanical forces that must arise during villous development might influence fusion, and explore this question using in vitro choriocarcinoma trophoblast models. We demonstrate that mechanical stress patterns arise around sites of localized fusion in cell monolayers, in patterns that match computational predictions of villous morphogenesis. We then externally apply these mechanical stress patterns to cell monolayers and demonstrate that equibiaxial compressive stresses (but not uniaxial or equibiaxial tensile stresses) enhance expression of the syndecan-1 and loss of E-cadherin as markers of fusion. These findings suggest that the mechanical stresses that contribute towards sculpting the placental villi may also impact fusion in the developing tissue. We then extend this concept towards 3D cultures and demonstrate that fusion can be enhanced by applying low isometric compressive stresses to spheroid models, even in the absence of an inducing agent. These results indicate that mechanical stimulation is a potent activator of cellular fusion, suggesting novel avenues to improve experimental reproductive modelling, placental tissue engineering, and understanding disorders of pregnancy development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kaline Arnauts
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Junqing Jiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sabra Rostami
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Campbell
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hongyan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Derek Hadar Rosenzweig
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Injury, Repair and Recovery Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, and Research Center Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-L'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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2
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Parameshwar PK, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineering placental trophoblast fusion: A potential role for biomechanics in syncytialization. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00054-7. [PMID: 38448351 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The process by which placental trophoblasts fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast around the chorionic villi is not fully understood. Mechanical features of the in vivo and in vitro culture environments have recently emerged as having the potential to influence fusion efficiency, and considering these mechanical cues may ultimately allow predictive control of trophoblast syncytialization. Here, we review recent studies that suggest that biomechanical factors such as shear stress, tissue stiffness, and dimensionally-related stresses affect villous trophoblast fusion efficiency. We then discuss how these stimuli might arise in vivo and how they can be incorporated in cultures to study and enhance villous trophoblast fusion. We believe that this mechanical paradigm will provide novel insight into manipulating the syncytialization process to better engineer improved models, understand disease progression, and ultimately develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, H7B 1B7, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, and Research Center Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3L 1K5, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C5, Canada; Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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3
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Podinić T, MacAndrew A, Raha S. Trophoblast Syncytialization: A Metabolic Crossroads. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:101-125. [PMID: 37996675 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_6] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
During placentation, villous cytotrophoblast (CTB) stem cells proliferate and fuse, giving rise to the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB), which represents the terminally differentiated villous layer as well as the maternal-fetal interface. The syncytiotrophoblast is at the forefront of nutrient, gas, and waste exchange while also harboring essential endocrine functions to support pregnancy and fetal development. Considering that mitochondrial dynamics and respiration have been implicated in stem cell fate decisions of several cell types and that the placenta is a mitochondria-rich organ, we will highlight the role of mitochondria in facilitating trophoblast differentiation and maintaining trophoblast function. We discuss both the process of syncytialization and the distinct metabolic characteristics associated with CTB and STB sub-lineages prior to and during syncytialization. As mitochondrial respiration is tightly coupled to redox homeostasis, we emphasize the adaptations of mitochondrial respiration to the hypoxic placental environment. Furthermore, we highlight the critical role of mitochondria in conferring the steroidogenic potential of the STB following differentiation. Ultimately, mitochondrial function and morphological changes centrally regulate respiration and influence trophoblast fate decisions through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whose levels modulate the transcriptional activation or suppression of pluripotency or commitment genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Podinić
- Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andie MacAndrew
- Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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4
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Natale BV, Kotadia R, Gustin K, Harihara A, Min S, Kreisman MJ, Breen KM, Natale DR. Extracellular Matrix Influences Gene Expression and Differentiation of Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2023; 32:622-637. [PMID: 37463089 PMCID: PMC10561768 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast stem (TS) cells were first isolated from the mouse placenta; however, little is known about their maintenance and niche in vivo. TS cells, like other stem cells, have a unique microenvironment in which the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a component. Placental pathology is associated with ECM change. However, how these changes and the individual ECM components impact the maintenance or differentiation of TS cells has not been established. This study identified which ECM component(s) maintain the greatest expression of markers associated with undifferentiated mouse trophoblast stem (mTS) cells and which alter the profile of markers of differentiation based on mRNA analysis. mTS cells cultured on individual ECM components and subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that laminin promoted the expression of markers associated with undifferentiated TS cells, fibronectin promoted gene expression associated with syncytiotrophoblast (SynT) layer II cells, and collagen IV promoted the expression of genes associated with differentiated trophoblast. To investigate whether pathological placental ECM influenced the expression of genes associated with different trophoblast subtypes, the mouse model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced pancreatic β cell ablation and diabetes was used. Female mice administered STZ (blood glucose ≥300 mg/dL) or control (blood glucose ≤150 mg/dL) were mated. Placental pathology at embryonic day (E)14.5 was confirmed with reduced fetal blood space area, reduced expression of the pericyte marker αSMA, and decreased expression of ECM proteins. mTS cells cultured on ECM isolated from STZ placenta were associated with reduced expression of undifferentiated mTS markers and increased expression of genes associated with terminally differentiated trophoblast [Gcm-1 and SynA (SynT) and junctional zone Tpbpa and Prl2c2]. Altogether, these results support the value of using ECM isolated from the placenta as a tool for understanding trophoblast contribution to placental pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony V. Natale
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ramie Kotadia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Katarina Gustin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anirudha Harihara
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sarah Min
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Michael J. Kreisman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kellie M. Breen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - David R.C. Natale
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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5
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Cao J, Li H, Tang H, Gu X, Wang Y, Guan D, Du J, Fan Y. Stiff Extracellular Matrix Promotes Invasive Behaviors of Trophoblast Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10030384. [PMID: 36978775 PMCID: PMC10045595 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10030384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness on embryonic trophoblast cells invasion during mammalian embryo implantation remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of ECM stiffness on various aspects of human trophoblast cell behaviors during cell-ECM interactions. The mechanical microenvironment of the uterus was simulated by fabricating polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels with different levels of stiffness. The human choriocarcinoma (JAR) cell lineage was used as the trophoblast model. We found that the spreading area of JAR cells, the formation of focal adhesions, and the polymerization of the F-actin cytoskeleton were all facilitated with increased ECM stiffness. Significantly, JAR cells also exhibited durotactic behavior on ECM with a gradient stiffness. Meanwhile, stiffness of the ECM affects the invasion of multicellular JAR spheroids. These results demonstrated that human trophoblast cells are mechanically sensitive, while the mechanical properties of the uterine microenvironment could play an important role in the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Cao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
- Sino-French Engineer School, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongyan Tang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuenan Gu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dongshi Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Du
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
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6
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Chen T, Zhang Z, Lu Q, Ma J. Screening and functional analysis of the differential peptides from the placenta of patients with healthy pregnancy and preeclampsia using placental peptidome. Front Genet 2022; 13:1014836. [DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1014836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular peptides play an extensive range of functions in the human body. However, no previous study has performed placental peptidome profiling. In the present study, 3,941 peptides from human placental tissues were identified using peptidomics. Compared to healthy pregnant women, there were 87 and 129 differentially expressed peptides (DEPs) in the mild and severe preeclampsia groups, respectively. In the mild PE group, 55 and 34 DEPs had high and low expressions, respectively. In comparison, in the severe PE group, 82 and 47 DEPs had high and low expressions, respectively. Functional analysis of the precursor proteins of DEPs by gene ontology suggested that they are primarily involved in focal adhesion, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, tight junction, and extracellular matrix. Network analysis using ingenuity pathway analysis software showed that the precursor proteins of DEPs were primarily related to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway. Further molecular docking experiments showed that the AASAKKKNKKGKTISL peptide (placenta-derived peptide, PDP) derived from the precursor protein IF4B could bind to TGF-β1. Therefore, our preliminary results suggest that the actions of PDP may be mediated through the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Our results demonstrate that the placental bioactive peptides may regulate the placental function during PE progression.
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7
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Parameshwar PK, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Azevedo Portilho N, Pastor WA, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineered models for placental toxicology: Emerging approaches based on tissue decellularization. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:148-159. [PMID: 35840119 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent increases in prescriptions and illegal drug use as well as exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy have highlighted the critical importance of placental toxicology in understanding and identifying risks to both mother and fetus. Although advantageous for basic science, current in vitro models often fail to capture the complexity of placental response, likely due to their inability to recreate and monitor aspects of the microenvironment including physical properties, mechanical forces and stiffness, protein composition, cell-cell interactions, soluble and physicochemical factors, and other exogenous cues. Tissue engineering holds great promise in addressing these challenges and provides an avenue to better understand basic biology, effects of toxic compounds and potential therapeutics. The key to success lies in effectively recreating the microenvironment. One strategy to do this would be to recreate individual components and then combine them. However, this becomes challenging due to variables present according to conditions such as tissue location, age, health status and lifestyle. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to influence cellular fate by working as a storage of factors. Decellularized ECM (dECM) is a recent tool that allows usage of the original ECM in a refurbished form, providing a relatively reliable representation of the microenvironment. This review focuses on using dECM in modified forms such as whole organs, scaffold sheets, electrospun nanofibers, hydrogels, 3D printing, and combinations as building blocks to recreate aspects of the microenvironment to address general tissue engineering and toxicology challenges, thus illustrating their potential as tools for future placental toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nathalia Azevedo Portilho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - William A Pastor
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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8
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OUP accepted manuscript. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6583214. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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9
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Luo L, Zhang W, Wang J, Zhao M, Shen K, Jia Y, Li Y, Zhang J, Cai W, Xiao D, Bai X, Liu K, Wang K, Zhang Y, Zhu H, Zhou Q, Hu D. A Novel 3D Culture Model of Human ASCs Reduces Cell Death in Spheroid Cores and Maintains Inner Cell Proliferation Compared With a Nonadherent 3D Culture. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:737275. [PMID: 34858974 PMCID: PMC8632442 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.737275] [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: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
3D cell culture technologies have recently shown very valuable promise for applications in regenerative medicine, but the most common 3D culture methods for mesenchymal stem cells still have limitations for clinical application, mainly due to the slowdown of inner cell proliferation and increase in cell death rate. We previously developed a new 3D culture of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) based on its self-feeder layer, which solves the two issues of ASC 3D cell culture on ultra-low attachment (ULA) surface. In this study, we compared the 3D spheroids formed on the self-feeder layer (SLF-3D ASCs) with the spheroids formed by using ULA plates (ULA-3D ASCs). We discovered that the cells of SLF-3D spheroids still have a greater proliferation ability than ULA-3D ASCs, and the volume of these spheroids increases rather than shrinks, with more viable cells in 3D spheroids compared with the ULA-3D ASCs. Furthermore, it was discovered that the SLF-3D ASCs are likely to exhibit the abovementioned unique properties due to change in the expression level of ECM-related genes, like COL3A1, MMP3, HAS1, and FN1. These results indicate that the SLF-3D spheroid is a promising way forward for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Luo
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Kuo Shen
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Yanhui Jia
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Weixia Cai
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Dan Xiao
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Xiaozhi Bai
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Kaituo Liu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Kejia Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Huayu Zhu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
| | - Dahai Hu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an, China
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10
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Josan C, Kakar S, Raha S. Matrigel® enhances 3T3-L1 cell differentiation. Adipocyte 2021; 10:361-377. [PMID: 34288778 PMCID: PMC8296963 DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2021.1951985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Culturing cells on bio-gels are believed to provide a more in vivo-like extracellular matrix. 3T3-L1 cells cultured on Matrigel® significantly alteregd their proliferation and differentiation as compared to growth on tissue culture-coated polystyrene surfaces. Growth on a 250-μm thick layer of Matrigel® facilitated the formation of cellular aggregates of 3T3-L1 cells. Differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells cultured on Matrigel® demonstrated increased levels of mRNA levels for key adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP1), lipogenic markers (FAS, FABP4, LPL, PLIN1) and markers of adipocyte maturity (LEP), compared to cells cultured directly on a polystyrene tissue culture surface. The gene expression of extracellular matrix proteins (FN1, COL1A1, COL4A1, COL6, LAM) was decreased in 3T3-L1 cells cultured on Matrigel®. Furthermore, growth on Matrigel® increased lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells in the presence and absence of rosiglitazone, a thiazolidinedione routinely used to optimize differentiation in these cells. These changes in adipocyte gene expression and lipid accumulation patterns may be a result of the increased cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions occurring on the Matrigel®, a scenario that is more reflective of an in vivo model. Taken together, our data advance the understanding of the value of culturing 3T3-L1 cells on Matrigel®.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitmandeep Josan
- Department of Pediatrics and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sachin Kakar
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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11
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Parameshwar PK, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Fournier C, Girard S, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Disease-specific extracellular matrix composition regulates placental trophoblast fusion efficiency. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:7247-7256. [PMID: 34608901 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00799h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The placental syncytiotrophoblast is a multinucleated layer that regulates transport between the mother and fetus. Fusion of trophoblasts is essential to form this layer, but this process can be disrupted in pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia. Disease progression is also associated with changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM), but whether disease-specific ECM compositions play any causal role in establishing syncytiotrophoblast disease phenotypes remains unknown. Here, we develop a decellularization-based platform to isolate and characterize the role of human placental ECM composition on cell function, while controlling for the confounding effects of matrix structure and mechanics that can arise in conventional tissue decellularization/recellularization experiments. Using this approach, we demonstrate that ECM compositional changes that occur in preeclampsia have a statistically significant effect on adhesion, spreading, and fusion of placental trophoblasts. Proteomic analysis of ECM content then allowed us to identify and recreate selected differences in matrix composition; indicating that replacement of normally present Type IV Collagen by Type I Collagen in preeclampsia significantly affects fusion efficiency. These results indicate that disease-specific matrix compositions can play an important role in trophoblast fusion, suggesting novel matrix-targeting therapeutic strategies for pregnancy-related disorders. More broadly, this work demonstrates the utility of a decellularization-based approach in understanding the functional contributions of matrix composition in driving cellular disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucas Sagrillo-Fagundes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Fournier
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada. .,Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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12
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Wong MK, Li EW, Adam M, Selvaganapathy PR, Raha S. Establishment of an in vitro placental barrier model cultured under physiologically relevant oxygen levels. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:353-365. [PMID: 32159799 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placental barrier facilitates many key functions during pregnancy, most notably the exchange of all substances between the mother and fetus. However, preclinical models of the placental barrier often lacked the multiple cell layers, syncytialization of the trophoblast cells and the low oxygen levels that are present within the body. Therefore, we aimed to design and develop an in vitro model of the placental barrier that would reinstate these factors and enable improved investigations of barrier function. BeWo placental trophoblastic cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were co-cultured on contralateral sides of an extracellular matrix-coated transwell insert to establish a multilayered barrier. Epidermal growth factor and forskolin led to significantly increased multi-nucleation of the BeWo cell layer and increased biochemical markers of syncytial fusion, for example syncytin-1 and hCGβ. Our in vitro placental barrier possessed size-specific permeability, with 4000-Da molecules experiencing greater transport and a lower apparent permeability coefficient than 70 000-Da molecules. We further demonstrated that the BeWo layer had greater resistance to smaller molecules compared to the endothelial layer. Chronic, physiologically low oxygen exposure (3-8%) increased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and syncytin-1, further increased multi-nucleation of the BeWo cell layer and decreased barrier permeability only against smaller molecules (457 Da/4000 Da). In conclusion, we built a novel in vitro co-culture model of the placental barrier that possessed size-specific permeability and could function under physiologically low oxygen levels. Importantly, this will enable future researchers to better study the maternal-fetal transport of nutrients and drugs during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Wong
- Graduate Program of Medical Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward W Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohamed Adam
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sandeep Raha
- Graduate Program of Medical Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5
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13
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Baddam P, Young D, Dunsmore G, Nie C, Eaton F, Elahi S, Jovel J, Adesida AB, Dufour A, Graf D. Nasal Septum Deviation as the Consequence of BMP-Controlled Changes to Cartilage Properties. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:696545. [PMID: 34249945 PMCID: PMC8265824 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.696545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The nasal septum cartilage is a specialized hyaline cartilage important for normal midfacial growth. Abnormal midfacial growth is associated with midfacial hypoplasia and nasal septum deviation (NSD). However, the underlying genetics and associated functional consequences of these two anomalies are poorly understood. We have previously shown that loss of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7) from neural crest (BMP7 ncko ) leads to midfacial hypoplasia and subsequent septum deviation. In this study we elucidate the cellular and molecular abnormalities underlying NSD using comparative gene expression, quantitative proteomics, and immunofluorescence analysis. We show that reduced cartilage growth and septum deviation are associated with acquisition of elastic cartilage markers and share similarities with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The genetic reduction of BMP2 in BMP7 ncko mice was sufficient to rescue NSD and suppress elastic cartilage markers. To our knowledge this investigation provides the first genetic example of an in vivo cartilage fate switch showing that this is controlled by the relative balance of BMP2 and BMP7. Cellular and molecular changes similar between NSD and knee OA suggest a related etiology underlying these cartilage abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranidhi Baddam
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Young
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Garett Dunsmore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Chunpeng Nie
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Farah Eaton
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Juan Jovel
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Antoine Dufour
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Graf
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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14
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Winter M, Jankovic-Karasoulos T, Roberts CT, Bianco-Miotto T, Thierry B. Bioengineered Microphysiological Placental Models: Towards Improving Understanding of Pregnancy Health and Disease. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1221-1235. [PMID: 33965246 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.03.009] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Driven by a lack of appropriate human placenta models, recent years have seen the introduction of bioengineered in vitro models to better understand placental health and disease. Thus far, the focus has been on the maternal-foetal barrier. However, there are many other physiologically and pathologically significant aspects of the placenta that would benefit from state-of-the-art bioengineered models, in particular, integrating advanced culture systems with contemporary biological concepts such as organoids. This critical review defines and discusses the key parameters required for the development of physiologically relevant in vitro models of the placenta. Specifically, it highlights the importance of cell type, mechanical forces, and culture microenvironment towards the use of physiologically relevant models to improve the understanding of human placental function and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie Winter
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent BioNano Science and Technology and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia.
| | - Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Benjamin Thierry
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent BioNano Science and Technology and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia
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15
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Tutar R, Çelebi-Saltik B. Modeling of Artificial 3D Human Placenta. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:527-536. [PMID: 33691312 DOI: 10.1159/000511571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the main organ that allows the fertilized oocyte to develop and mature. It allows the fetus to grow in the prenatal period by transferring oxygen and nutrients between the mother and the fetus. It acts as a basic endocrine organ which creates the physiological changes related to pregnancy and birth in the mother. Removal of wastes and carbon dioxide from the fetus is also achieved by the placenta. It prevents the rejection of the fetus and protects the fetus from harmful effects. Research on the human placenta focuses on understanding the placental structure and function to illuminate the complex structure of this important organ with technological advances. The structure and function of the placental barrier have been investigated with in vitro studies in 2D/3D, and various results have been published comparatively. In this review, we introduce the nature of the placenta with its 3D composition which has been called niche. Different cell types and placental structures are presented. We describe the systems and approaches used in the creation of current 3D placenta, placental transfer models as 3D placental barriers, and micro-engineered 3D placenta on-a-chip to explore complicated placental responses to nanoparticle exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumeysa Tutar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betül Çelebi-Saltik
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, .,Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey,
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16
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Walker OS, Gurm H, Sharma R, Verma N, May LL, Raha S. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits invasion of HTR8/SVneo human extravillous trophoblast cells and negatively impacts mitochondrial function. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4029. [PMID: 33597628 PMCID: PMC7889882 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83563-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal cannabis use is a significant problem and poses important health risks for the developing fetus. The molecular mechanisms underlying these changes are not fully elucidated but are thought to be attributed to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main bioactive constituent of cannabis. It has been reported that THC may target the mitochondria in several tissue types, including placental tissue and trophoblast cell lines, and alter their function. In the present study, in response to 48-h THC treatment of the human extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo, we demonstrate that cell proliferation and invasion are significantly reduced. We further demonstrate THC-treatment elevated levels of cellular reactive oxygen species and markers of lipid damage. This was accompanied by evidence of increased mitochondrial fission. We also observed increased expression of cellular stress markers, HSP70 and HSP60, following exposure to THC. These effects were coincident with reduced mitochondrial respiratory function and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. Taken together, our results suggest that THC can induce mitochondrial dysfunction and reduce trophoblast invasion; outcomes that have been previously linked to poor placentation. We also demonstrate that these changes in HTR8/SVneo biology may be variably mediated by cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
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Affiliation(s)
- O’Llenecia S. Walker
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 4H7, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Harmeet Gurm
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 4H7, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Reeti Sharma
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227 Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 4H7, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Navkiran Verma
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227 Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 4H7, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Linda L. May
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227 Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 4H7, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, HSC 4H7, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
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17
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Abbas Y, Carnicer-Lombarte A, Gardner L, Thomas J, Brosens JJ, Moffett A, Sharkey AM, Franze K, Burton GJ, Oyen ML. Tissue stiffness at the human maternal-fetal interface. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1999-2008. [PMID: 31579915 PMCID: PMC6809602 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the stiffness (elastic modulus) of human nonpregnant secretory phase endometrium, first trimester decidua, and placenta? SUMMARY ANSWER The stiffness of decidua basalis, the site of placental invasion, was an order of magnitude higher at 103 Pa compared to 102 Pa for decidua parietalis, nonpregnant endometrium and placenta. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mechanical forces have profound effects on cell behavior, regulating both cell differentiation and migration. Despite their importance, very little is known about their effects on blastocyst implantation and trophoblast migration during placental development because of the lack of mechanical characterization at the human maternal–fetal interface. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An observational study was conducted to measure the stiffness of ex vivo samples of human nonpregnant secretory endometrium (N = 5) and first trimester decidua basalis (N = 6), decidua parietalis (N = 5), and placenta (N = 5). The stiffness of the artificial extracellular matrix (ECM), Matrigel®, commonly used to study migration of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) in three dimensions and to culture endometrial and placental organoids, was also determined (N = 5). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Atomic force microscopy was used to perform ex vivo direct measurements to determine the stiffness of fresh tissue samples. Decidua was stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HLA-G+ EVT to confirm whether samples were decidua basalis or decidua parietalis. Endometrium was stained with hematoxylin and eosin to confirm the presence of luminal epithelium. Single-cell RNA sequencing data were analyzed to determine expression of ECM transcripts by decidual and placental cells. Fibrillin 1, a protein identified by these data, was stained by IHC in decidua basalis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed that decidua basalis was significantly stiffer than decidua parietalis, at 1250 and 171 Pa, respectively (P < 0.05). The stiffness of decidua parietalis was similar to nonpregnant endometrium and placental tissue (250 and 232 Pa, respectively). These findings suggest that it is the presence of invading EVT that is driving the increase in stiffness in decidua basalis. The stiffness of Matrigel® was found to be 331 Pa, significantly lower than decidua basalis (P < 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Tissue stiffness was derived by ex vivo measurements on blocks of fresh tissue in the absence of blood flow. The nonpregnant endometrium samples were obtained from women undergoing treatment for infertility. These may not reflect the stiffness of endometrium from normal fertile women. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These results provide direct measurements of tissue stiffness during the window of implantation and first trimester of human pregnancy. They serve as a basis of future studies exploring the impact of mechanics on embryo implantation and development of the placenta. The findings provide important baseline data to inform matrix stiffness requirements when developing in vitro models of trophoblast stem cell development and migration that more closely resemble the decidua in vivo. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Centre for Trophoblast Research, the Wellcome Trust (090108/Z/09/Z, 085992/Z/08/Z), the Medical Research Council (MR/P001092/1), the European Research Council (772426), an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Doctoral Training Award (1354760), a UK Medical Research Council and Sackler Foundation Doctoral Training Grant (RG70550) and a Wellcome Trust Doctoral Studentship (215226/Z/19/Z).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassen Abbas
- The Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FF, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Jake Thomas
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Andrew M Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Kristian Franze
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Graham J Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- The Nanoscience Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FF, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA
- Correspondence address: Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. Tel: +1 (252) 737-7753. E-mail:
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18
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Arumugasaamy N, Rock KD, Kuo CY, Bale TL, Fisher JP. Microphysiological systems of the placental barrier. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 161-162:161-175. [PMID: 32858104 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Methods to evaluate maternal-fetal transport across the placental barrier have generally involved clinical observations after-the-fact, ex vivo perfused placenta studies, or in vitro Transwell assays. Given the ethical and technical limitations in these approaches, and the drive to understand fetal development through the lens of transport-induced injury, such as with the examples of thalidomide and Zika Virus, efforts to develop novel approaches to study these phenomena have expanded in recent years. Notably, within the past 10 years, placental barrier models have been developed using hydrogel, bioreactor, organ-on-a-chip, and bioprinting approaches. In this review, we discuss the biology of the placental barrier and endeavors to recapitulate this barrier in vitro using these approaches. We also provide analysis of current limitations to drug discovery in this context, and end with a future outlook.
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19
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O’Connor BB, Pope BD, Peters MM, Ris-Stalpers C, Parker KK. The role of extracellular matrix in normal and pathological pregnancy: Future applications of microphysiological systems in reproductive medicine. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1163-1174. [PMID: 32640894 PMCID: PMC7400725 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220938741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Extracellular matrix in the womb regulates the initiation, progression, and completion of a healthy pregnancy. The composition and physical properties of extracellular matrix in the uterus and at the maternal-fetal interface are remodeled at each gestational stage, while maladaptive matrix remodeling results in obstetric disease. As in vitro models of uterine and placental tissues, including micro-and milli-scale versions of these organs on chips, are developed to overcome the inherent limitations of studying human development in vivo, we can isolate the influence of cellular and extracellular components in healthy and pathological pregnancies. By understanding and recreating key aspects of the extracellular microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, we can engineer microphysiological systems to improve assisted reproduction, obstetric disease treatment, and prenatal drug safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blakely B O’Connor
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Benjamin D Pope
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Michael M Peters
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Carrie Ris-Stalpers
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Academic Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin K Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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20
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Ban Z, Knöspel F, Schneider MR. Shedding light into the black box: Advances in in vitro systems for studying implantation. Dev Biol 2020; 463:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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21
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Walker OS, Ragos R, Gurm H, Lapierre M, May LL, Raha S. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol disrupts mitochondrial function and attenuates syncytialization in human placental BeWo cells. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14476. [PMID: 32628362 PMCID: PMC7336740 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The psychoactive component in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, can restrict fetal growth and development. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol has been shown to negatively impact cellular proliferation and target organelles like the mitochondria resulting in reduced cellular respiration. In the placenta, mitochondrial dysfunction leading to oxidative stress prevents proper placental development and function. A key element of placental development is the proliferation and fusion of cytotrophoblasts to form the syncytium that comprises the materno-fetal interface. The impact of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on this process is not well understood. To elucidate the nature of the mitochondrial dysfunction and its consequences on trophoblast fusion, we treated undifferentiated and differentiated BeWo human trophoblast cells, with 20 µM delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for 48 hr. At this concentration, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on BeWo cells reduced the expression of markers involved in syncytialization and mitochondrial dynamics, but had no effect on cell viability. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol significantly attenuated the process of syncytialization and induced oxidative stress responses in BeWo cells. Importantly, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol also caused a reduction in the secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin and the production of human placental lactogen and insulin growth factor 2, three hormones known to be important in facilitating fetal growth. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol attenuated mitochondrial respiration, depleted adenosine triphosphate, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. These changes were also associated with an increase in cellular reactive oxygen species, and the expression of stress responsive chaperones, HSP60 and HSP70. These findings have important implications for understanding the role of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced mitochondrial injury and the role this might play in compromising human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- O’Llenecia S. Walker
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
- The Graduate Program in Medical SciencesMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | | | - Harmeet Gurm
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | | | - Linda L. May
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
- The Graduate Program in Medical SciencesMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
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22
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Ma Z, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Mok S, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Mechanobiological regulation of placental trophoblast fusion and function through extracellular matrix rigidity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5837. [PMID: 32246004 PMCID: PMC7125233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62659-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The syncytiotrophoblast is a multinucleated layer that plays a critical role in regulating functions of the human placenta during pregnancy. Maintaining the syncytiotrophoblast layer relies on ongoing fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts throughout pregnancy, and errors in this fusion process are associated with complications such as preeclampsia. While biochemical factors are known to drive fusion, the role of disease-specific extracellular biophysical cues remains undefined. Since substrate mechanics play a crucial role in several diseases, and preeclampsia is associated with placental stiffening, we hypothesize that trophoblast fusion is mechanically regulated by substrate stiffness. We developed stiffness-tunable polyacrylamide substrate formulations that match the linear elasticity of placental tissue in normal and disease conditions, and evaluated trophoblast morphology, fusion, and function on these surfaces. Our results demonstrate that morphology, fusion, and hormone release is mechanically-regulated via myosin-II; optimal on substrates that match healthy placental tissue stiffness; and dysregulated on disease-like and supraphysiologically-stiff substrates. We further demonstrate that stiff regions in heterogeneous substrates provide dominant physical cues that inhibit fusion, suggesting that even focal tissue stiffening limits widespread trophoblast fusion and tissue function. These results confirm that mechanical microenvironmental cues influence fusion in the placenta, provide critical information needed to engineer better in vitro models for placental disease, and may ultimately be used to develop novel mechanically-mediated therapeutic strategies to resolve fusion-related disorders during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Ma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lucas Sagrillo-Fagundes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Réseau Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l'Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Mok
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie and Réseau Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l'Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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23
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Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Alexdottir MS, Valdimarsdottir G. The TGFβ Family in Human Placental Development at the Fetal-Maternal Interface. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030453. [PMID: 32183218 PMCID: PMC7175362 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest that a trophoblast stem cell (TSC) population exists in the early human placenta. However, in vitro stem cell culture models are still in development and it remains under debate how well they reflect primary trophoblast (TB) cells. The absence of robust protocols to generate TSCs from humans has resulted in limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human placental development and TB lineage specification when compared to other human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). As placentation in mouse and human differ considerably, it is only with the development of human-based disease models using TSCs that we will be able to understand the various diseases caused by abnormal placentation in humans, such as preeclampsia. In this review, we summarize the knowledge on normal human placental development, the placental disease preeclampsia, and current stem cell model systems used to mimic TB differentiation. A special focus is given to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) family as it has been shown that the TGFβ family has an important role in human placental development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Dept. Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Dept. Reproductive Medicine Anatomy and Embryology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marta S. Alexdottir
- Department of Anatomy, BioMedical Center, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Gudrun Valdimarsdottir
- Department of Anatomy, BioMedical Center, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 8, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +354-5254797
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Paiva KBS, Maas CS, dos Santos PM, Granjeiro JM, Letra A. Extracellular Matrix Composition and Remodeling: Current Perspectives on Secondary Palate Formation, Cleft Lip/Palate, and Palatal Reconstruction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:340. [PMID: 31921852 PMCID: PMC6923686 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Craniofacial development comprises a complex process in humans in which failures or disturbances frequently lead to congenital anomalies. Cleft lip with/without palate (CL/P) is a common congenital anomaly that occurs due to variations in craniofacial development genes, and may occur as part of a syndrome, or more commonly in isolated forms (non-syndromic). The etiology of CL/P is multifactorial with genes, environmental factors, and their potential interactions contributing to the condition. Rehabilitation of CL/P patients requires a multidisciplinary team to perform the multiple surgical, dental, and psychological interventions required throughout the patient's life. Despite progress, lip/palatal reconstruction is still a major treatment challenge. Genetic mutations and polymorphisms in several genes, including extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, soluble factors, and enzymes responsible for ECM remodeling (e.g., metalloproteinases), have been suggested to play a role in the etiology of CL/P; hence, these may be considered likely targets for the development of new preventive and/or therapeutic strategies. In this context, investigations are being conducted on new therapeutic approaches based on tissue bioengineering, associating stem cells with biomaterials, signaling molecules, and innovative technologies. In this review, we discuss the role of genes involved in ECM composition and remodeling during secondary palate formation and pathogenesis and genetic etiology of CL/P. We also discuss potential therapeutic approaches using bioactive molecules and principles of tissue bioengineering for state-of-the-art CL/P repair and palatal reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katiúcia Batista Silva Paiva
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Biology and Cellular Interaction, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clara Soeiro Maas
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Biology and Cellular Interaction, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pâmella Monique dos Santos
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Biology and Cellular Interaction, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Mauro Granjeiro
- Clinical Research Laboratory in Dentistry, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
- Directory of Life Sciences Applied Metrology, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Ariadne Letra
- Center for Craniofacial Research, UTHealth School of Dentistry at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, UTHealth School of Dentistry at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Transcriptomic and functional analyses of 3D placental extravillous trophoblast spheroids. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12607. [PMID: 31471547 PMCID: PMC6717201 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48816-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion is essential in establishing proper blood supply to the fetus during pregnancy. However, traditional 2D in vitro systems do not model the in vivo invasion process in an anatomically-relevant manner. Our objectives were to develop a 3D spheroid model that would allow better emulation of placental invasion in vitro and to characterize the transcriptomic and functional outcomes. HTR8/SVneo EVT cells were self-assembled into 3D spheroids using ultra-low attachment plates. Transcriptomic profiling followed by gene set enrichment and gene ontology analyses revealed major global transcriptomic differences, with significant up-regulations in EVTs cultured as 3D spheroids in canonical pathways and biological processes such as immune response, angiogenesis, response to stimulus, wound healing, and others. These findings were further validated by RT-qPCR, showing significant up-regulations in genes and/or proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell-cell contact, angiogenesis, and invasion/migration. A high-throughput, spheroid invasion assay was applied to reveal the dynamic invasion of EVTs away from the spheroid core into extracellular matrix. Lastly, lipopolysaccharide, dexamethasone, or Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure was found to impact the invasion of EVT spheroids. Altogether, we present a well-characterized, 3D spheroid model of EVT invasion and demonstrate its potential use in drug and toxin screening during pregnancy.
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Lee BEJ, Shahin‐Shamsabadi A, Wong MK, Raha S, Selvaganapathy PR, Grandfield K. A Bioprinted In Vitro Model for Osteoblast to Osteocyte Transformation by Changing Mechanical Properties of the ECM. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1900126. [PMID: 32648722 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan E. J. Lee
- School of Biomedical EngineeringMcMaster University 1280 Main Street West L8S 4L7 Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Alireza Shahin‐Shamsabadi
- School of Biomedical EngineeringMcMaster University 1280 Main Street West L8S 4L7 Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Michael K. Wong
- Graduate Program of Medical ScienceMcMaster University 1280 Main Street West L8S 4K1 Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Graduate Program of Medical ScienceMcMaster University 1280 Main Street West L8S 4K1 Hamilton Ontario Canada
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster University 1280 Main Street West L8S 4K1 Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Ponnambalam Ravi Selvaganapathy
- School of Biomedical EngineeringMcMaster University 1280 Main Street West L8S 4L7 Hamilton Ontario Canada
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringMcMaster University 1280 Main Street West L8S 4L7 Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Kathryn Grandfield
- School of Biomedical EngineeringMcMaster University 1280 Main Street West L8S 4L7 Hamilton Ontario Canada
- Department of Material Science and EngineeringMcMaster University 1280 Main Street West L8S 4L7 Hamilton Ontario Canada
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