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Flesken-Nikitin A, Pirtz MG, Ashe CS, Ellenson LH, Cosgrove BD, Nikitin AY. Dysregulation of cell state dynamics during early stages of serous endometrial carcinogenesis. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.15.585274. [PMID: 38562813 PMCID: PMC10983873 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Serous endometrial carcinoma (SEC) constitutes about 10% of endometrial carcinomas and is one of the most aggressive and lethal types of uterine cancer. Due to the rapid progression of SEC, early detection of this disease is of utmost importance. However, molecular and cellular dynamics during the pre-dysplastic stage of this disease remain largely unknown. Here, we provide a comprehensive census of cell types and their states for normal, pre-dysplastic, and dysplastic endometrium in a mouse model of SEC. This model is associated with inactivation of tumor suppressor genes Trp53 and Rb1 , whose pathways are altered frequently in SEC. We report that pre-dysplastic changes are characterized by an expanded and increasingly diverse immature luminal epithelial cell populations. Consistent with transcriptome changes, cells expressing the luminal epithelial marker TROP2 begin to substitute FOXA2+ cells in the glandular epithelium. These changes are associated with a reduction in number and strength of predicted interactions between epithelial and stromal endometrial cells. By using a multi-level approach combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics paired with screening for clinically relevant genes in human endometrial carcinoma, we identified a panel of 44 genes suitable for further testing of their validity as early diagnostic and prognostic markers. Among these genes are known markers of human SEC, such as C DKN2A, and novel markers, such as OAS2 and OASL, members of 2-5A synthetase family that is essential for the innate immune response. In summary, our results suggest an important role of the luminal epithelium in SEC pathogenesis, highlight aberrant cell-cell interactions in pre-dysplastic stages, and provide a new platform for comparative identification and characterization of novel, clinically relevant prognostic and diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic modalities.
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Paul CL, Verrills NM, Ackland S, Scott R, Goode S, Thomas A, Lukeman S, Nielsen S, Weidenhofer J, Lynam J, Fradgley EA, Martin J, Greer P, Smith S, Griffin C, Avery-Kiejda KA, Zdenkowski N, Searles A, Ramanathan S. The impact of a regionally based translational cancer research collaborative in Australia using the FAIT methodology. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:320. [PMID: 38462610 PMCID: PMC10926601 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10680-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Translating research, achieving impact, and assessing impact are important aspirations for all research collaboratives but can prove challenging. The Hunter Cancer Research Alliance (HCRA) was funded from 2014 to 2021 to enhance capacity and productivity in cancer research in a regional centre in Australia. This study aimed to assess the impact and benefit of the HCRA to help inform future research investments of this type. METHOD The Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research (FAIT) was selected as the preferred methodology. FAIT incorporates three validated methodologies for assessing impact: 1) Modified Payback; 2) Economic Analysis; and 3) Narrative overview and case studies. All three FAIT methods are underpinned by a Program Logic Model. Data were collected from HCRA and the University of Newcastle administrative records, directly from HCRA members, and website searches. RESULTS In addition to advancing knowledge and providing capacity building support to members via grants, fellowships, scholarships, training, events and targeted translation support, key impacts of HCRA-member research teams included: (i) the establishment of a regional biobank that has distributed over 13,600 samples and became largely self-sustaining; (ii) conservatively leveraging $43.8 M (s.a.$20.5 M - $160.5 M) in funding and support from the initial $9.7 M investment; (iii) contributing to clinical practice guidelines and securing a patent for identification of stem cells for endometrial cell regeneration; (iv) shifting the treatment paradigm for all tumour types that rely on nerve cell innervation, (v) development and implementation of the world's first real-time patient treatment verification system (Watchdog); (vi) inventing the effective 'EAT' psychological intervention to improve nutrition and outcomes in people experiencing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer; (vi) developing effective interventions to reduce smoking rates among priority groups, currently being rolled out to disadvantaged populations in NSW; and (vii) establishing a Consumer Advisory Panel and Consumer Engagement Committee to increase consumer involvement in research. CONCLUSION Using FAIT methodology, we have demonstrated the significant impact and downstream benefits that can be achieved by the provision of infrastructure-type funding to regional and rural research collaboratives to help address inequities in research activity and health outcomes and demonstrates a positive return on investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Nicole M Verrills
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Ackland
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Rodney Scott
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Goode
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ann Thomas
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Lukeman
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Nielsen
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Judith Weidenhofer
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - James Lynam
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Fradgley
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jarad Martin
- Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Greer
- Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Smith
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Cassandra Griffin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly A Avery-Kiejda
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Nick Zdenkowski
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Searles
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Shanthi Ramanathan
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Zhang D, Lu C, Zhou Y, Luo X, Guo H, Zhang J, Gao Q, Liu H, Shang C, Cui S. CK1α deficiency impairs mouse uterine adenogenesis by inducing epithelial cell apoptosis through GSK3β pathway and inhibiting Foxa2 expression through p53 pathway†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:246-260. [PMID: 37944068 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine glands and their secretions are crucial for conceptus survival and implantation in rodents and humans. In mice, the development of uterine gland known as adenogenesis occurs after birth, whereas the adenogenesis in humans initiates from fetal life and completed at puberty. Uterine adenogenesis involves dynamic epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, it is largely unexplored about the mechanisms governing adenogenesis. CK1α plays important roles in regulating cell division, differentiation, and death, but it is unknown whether CK1α affects adenogenesis. In the current study, uterus-specific CK1α knockout female mice (Csnk1a1d/d) were infertile resulted from lack of uterine glands. Subsequent analysis revealed that CK1α deletion induced massive apoptosis in uterine epithelium by activating GSK3β, which was confirmed by injections of GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 to Csnk1a1d/d females, and the co-treatment of SB216763 and CK1 inhibitor d4476 on cultured epithelial cells. Another important finding was that our results revealed CK1α deficiency activated p53, which then blocked the expression of Foxa2, an important factor for glandular epithelium development and function. This was confirmed by that Foxa2 expression level was elevated in p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α injected Csnk1a1d/d mouse uterus and in vitro dual-luciferase reporter assay between p53 and Foxa2. Collectively, these studies reveal that CK1α is a novel factor regulating uterine adenogenesis by inhibiting epithelial cell apoptosis through GSK3β pathway and regulating Foxa2 expression through p53 pathway. Uncovering the mechanisms of uterine adenogenesis is expected to improve pregnancy success in humans and other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyang Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yewen Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongzhou Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinglin Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongxing Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Reproduction and Metabolism, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Singh P, Metkari SM, Tripathi A, Bhartiya D. Reversing Uteropathies Including Cancer-Like Changes in Mice by Transplanting Mesenchymal Stromal Cells or XAR Treatment. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:258-282. [PMID: 37779174 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10632-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and tissue-committed 'progenitors' termed endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) are reported in mouse uterus. They express gonadal and gonadotropin hormone receptors and thus are vulnerable to early-life endocrine insults. Neonatal exposure of mouse pups to endocrine disruption cause stem/progenitor cells to undergo epigenetic changes, excessive self-renewal, and blocked differentiation that results in various uteropathies including non-receptive endometrium, hyperplasia, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and cancer-like changes in adult life. Present study investigated reversal of these uteropathies, by normalizing functions of VSELs and EnSCs. Two strategies were evaluated including (i) transplanting mesenchymal stromal cells (provide paracrine support) on D60 or (ii) oral administration of XAR (epigenetic regulator) daily from days 60-100 and effects were studied later in 100 days old mice. Results show normalization of stem/progenitor cells (Oct-4, Oct-4A, Sox-2, Nanog) and Wnt signalling (Wnt-4, β-catenin, Axin-2) specific transcripts. Flow cytometry results showed reduced numbers of 2-6 µm, LIN-CD45-SCA-1 + VSELs. Hyperplasia (Ki67) of epithelial (Pax-8, Foxa-2) and myometrial (α-Sma, Tgf-β) cells was reduced, adenogenesis (differentiation of glands) was restored, endometrial receptivity and differentiation (LIF, c-KIT, SOX-9, NUMB) and stromal cells niche (CD90, VIMENTIN, Pdgfra, Vimentin) were improved, cancer stem cells markers (OCT-4, CD166) were reduced while tumor suppressor genes (PTEN, P53) and epigenetic regulators (Ezh-2, Sirt-1) were increased. To conclude, normalizing VSELs/EnSCs to manage uteropathies provides a novel basis for initiating clinical studies. The study falls under the umbrella of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all of all ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - S M Metkari
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Anish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400 013, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400 013, India.
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Lee JW, Lee HY. Exploring distinct properties of endometrial stem cells through advanced single-cell analysis platforms. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:379. [PMID: 38124100 PMCID: PMC10734114 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03616-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes cyclic changes in response to ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle. These changes are crucial for pregnancy establishment and maintenance. Endometrial stem cells play a pivotal role in endometrial regeneration and repair by differentiating into various cell types within the endometrium. However, their involvement in endometrial disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, and endometrial cancer is still not fully understood yet. Traditional bulk sequencing methods have limitations in capturing heterogeneity and complexity of endometrial stem cell populations. To overcome these limitations, recent single-cell analysis techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq), single-cell ATAC sequencing (scATAC-Seq), and spatial transcriptomics, have emerged as valuable tools for studying endometrial stem cells. In this review, although there are still many technical limitations that require improvement, we will summarize the current state-of-the-art single-cell analysis techniques for endometrial stem cells and explore their relevance to related diseases. We will discuss studies utilizing various single-cell analysis platforms to identify and characterize distinct endometrial stem cell populations and investigate their dynamic changes in gene expression and epigenetic patterns during menstrual cycle and differentiation processes. These techniques enable the identification of rare cell populations, capture heterogeneity of cell populations within the endometrium, and provide potential targets for more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Woo Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Yong Lee
- Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Spencer TE, Lowke MT, Davenport KM, Dhakal P, Kelleher AM. Single-cell insights into epithelial morphogenesis in the neonatal mouse uterus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2316410120. [PMID: 38019863 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316410120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterus is vital for successful reproduction in mammals, and two different types of epithelia (luminal and glandular) are essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment. However, the essential cellular and molecular factors and pathways governing postnatal epithelium maturation, determination, and differentiation in developing uterus are yet to be elucidated. Here, the epithelium of the neonatal mouse uterus was isolated and subjected to single-cell transcriptome (scRNA-seq) analysis. Both the undifferentiated epithelium and determined luminal epithelium were heterogeneous and contained several different cell clusters based on single-cell transcription profiles. Substantial gene expression differences were evident as the epithelium matured and differentiated between postnatal days 1 to 15. Two new glandular epithelium-expressed genes (Gas6 and Cited4) were identified and validated by in situ hybridization. Trajectory analyses provided a framework for understanding epithelium maturation, lineage bifurcation, and differentiation. A candidate set of transcription factors and gene regulatory networks were identified that potentially direct epithelium lineage specification and morphogenesis. This atlas provides a foundation important to discover intrinsic cellular and molecular mechanisms directing uterine epithelium morphogenesis during a critical window of postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Makenzie T Lowke
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | | | - Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Andrew M Kelleher
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
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7
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Wu YC, Yu N, Rivas C, Mehrnia N, Kantarci A, Van Dyke T. RvE1 Promotes Axin2+ Cell Regeneration and Reduces Bacterial Invasion. J Dent Res 2023; 102:1478-1487. [PMID: 37837227 PMCID: PMC10767698 DOI: 10.1177/00220345231197156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vital pulp therapy and root canal therapy (RCT) are the dominant treatment for irreversible pulpitis. While the success rate of these procedures is favorable, they have some limitations. For instance, RCT leads to removing significant dentin in the coronal third of the tooth that increases root-fracture risk, which forces tooth removal. The ideal therapeutic goal is dental pulp regeneration, which is not achievable with RCT. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are well known for inflammatory resolution. The resolution of inflammation and tissue restoration or regeneration is a dynamic and continuous process. SPMs not only have potent immune-modulating functions but also effectively promote tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Resolvins have been shown to promote dental pulp regeneration. The purpose of this study was to explore further the cellular target of Resolvin E1 (RvE1) therapy in dental pulp regeneration and the impact of RvE1 in infected pulps. We investigated the actions of RvE1 on experimentally exposed pulps with or without microbial infection in an Axin2Cre-Dox;Ai14 genetically defined mouse model. Our results showed RvE1 promoted Axin2-tdTomato+ cell expansion and odontoblastic differentiation after direct pulp capping in the mouse, which we used to mimic reversible pulpitis cases in the clinic. In cultured mouse dental pulp stem cells (mDPSCs), RvE1 facilitated Axin2-tdTomato+ cell proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation and also rescued impaired functions after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. In infected pulps exposed to the oral environment for 24 h, RvE1 suppressed inflammatory infiltration, reduced bacterial invasion in root canals, and prevented the development of apical periodontitis, while its proregenerative impact was limited. Collectively, topical treatment with RvE1 facilitated dental pulp regenerative properties by promoting Axin2-expressing cell proliferation and differentiation. It also modulated the resolution of inflammation, reduced infection severity, and prevented apical periodontitis, presenting RvE1 as a novel therapeutic for treating endodontic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-C. Wu
- The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei
| | - N. Yu
- The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C.A. Rivas
- The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N. Mehrnia
- The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - A. Kantarci
- The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - T.E. Van Dyke
- The Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Alsaadi A, Artibani M, Hu Z, Wietek N, Morotti M, Gonzalez LS, Alazzam M, Jiang J, Abdul B, Soleymani Majd H, Blazer LL, Adams J, Silvestri F, Sidhu SS, Brugge JS, Ahmed AA. Single-cell transcriptomics identifies a WNT7A-FZD5 signaling axis that maintains fallopian tube stem cells in patient-derived organoids. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113354. [PMID: 37917586 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of fallopian tube (FT) function in health and disease has been hampered by limited knowledge of FT stem cells and lack of in vitro models of stem cell renewal and differentiation. Using optimized organoid culture conditions to address these limitations, we find that FT stem cell renewal is highly dependent on WNT/β-catenin signaling and engineer endogenous WNT/β-catenin signaling reporter organoids to biomark, isolate, and characterize these cells. Using functional approaches, as well as bulk and single-cell transcriptomics analyses, we show that an endogenous hormonally regulated WNT7A-FZD5 signaling axis is critical for stem cell renewal and that WNT/β-catenin pathway-activated cells form a distinct transcriptomic cluster of FT cells enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and integrin signaling pathways. Overall, we provide a deep characterization of FT stem cells and their molecular requirements for self-renewal, paving the way for mechanistic work investigating the role of stem cells in FT health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkhaliq Alsaadi
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Mara Artibani
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Nina Wietek
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Matteo Morotti
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Laura Santana Gonzalez
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Moiad Alazzam
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Jason Jiang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Beena Abdul
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Hooman Soleymani Majd
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Levi L Blazer
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Jarret Adams
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Joan S Brugge
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmed Ashour Ahmed
- Ovarian Cancer Cell Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Department of Gynecological Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK.
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9
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Zhao LM, Da LC, Wang R, Wang L, Jiang YL, Zhang XZ, Li YX, Lei XX, Song YT, Zou CY, Huang LP, Zhang WQ, Zhang QY, Li QJ, Nie R, Zhang Y, Liang Y, Li-Ling J, Xie HQ. Promotion of uterine reconstruction by a tissue-engineered uterus with biomimetic structure and extracellular matrix microenvironment. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadi6488. [PMID: 37967178 PMCID: PMC10651121 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi6488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The recurrence rate for severe intrauterine adhesions is as high as 60%, and there is still lack of effective prevention and treatment. Inspired by the nature of uterus, we have developed a bilayer scaffold (ECM-SPS) with biomimetic heterogeneous features and extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment of the uterus. As proved by subtotal uterine reconstruction experiments, the mechanical and antiadhesion properties of the bilayer scaffold could meet the requirement for uterine repair. With the modification with tissue-specific cell-derived ECM, the ECM-SPS had the ECM microenvironment signatures of both the endometrium and myometrium and exhibited the property of inducing stem cell-directed differentiation. Furthermore, the ECM-SPS has recruited more endogenous stem cells to promote endometrial regeneration at the initial stage of repair, which was accompanied by more smooth muscle regeneration and a higher pregnancy rate. The reconstructed uterus could also sustain normal pregnancy and live birth. The ECM-SPS may thereby provide a potential treatment for women with severe intrauterine adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-mei Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan 610212, China
| | - Lin-cui Da
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Reproductive Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yan-lin Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiu-zhen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ya-xing Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiong-xin Lei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yu-ting Song
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chen-yu Zou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Li-ping Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Wen-qian Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qing-yi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qian-jin Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Rong Nie
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Research Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Research Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jesse Li-Ling
- Center of Medical Genetics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hui-qi Xie
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan 610212, China
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10
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Zhao H, Wang Y, Xu H, Liu M, Xu X, Zhu S, Liu Z, Cai H, Wang Y, Lu J, Yang X, Kong S, Bao H, Wang H, Deng W. Stromal cells-specific retinoic acid determines parturition timing at single-cell and spatial-temporal resolution. iScience 2023; 26:107796. [PMID: 37720083 PMCID: PMC10502414 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms governing parturition remain largely elusive due to limited knowledge of parturition preparation and initiation. Accumulated evidences indicate that maternal decidua plays a critical role in parturition initiation. To comprehensively decrypt the cell heterogeneity in decidua approaching parturition, we investigate the roles of various cell types in mouse decidua process and reveal previously unappreciated insights in parturition initiation utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We enumerate the cell types in decidua and identity five different stromal cells populations and one decidualized stromal cells. Furthermore, our study unravels that stromal cells prepare for parturition by regulating local retinol acid (RA) synthesis. RA supplement decreases expression of extracellular matrix-related genes in vitro and accelerates the timing of parturition in vivo. Collectively, the discovery of contribution of stromal cells in parturition expands current knowledge about parturition and opens up avenues for the intervention of preterm birth (PTB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xinmei Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sijing Zhu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Han Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yinan Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haili Bao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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11
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Ang CJ, Skokan TD, McKinley KL. Mechanisms of Regeneration and Fibrosis in the Endometrium. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2023; 39:197-221. [PMID: 37843929 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-011723-021442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The uterine lining (endometrium) regenerates repeatedly over the life span as part of its normal physiology. Substantial portions of the endometrium are shed during childbirth (parturition) and, in some species, menstruation, but the tissue is rapidly rebuilt without scarring, rendering it a powerful model of regeneration in mammals. Nonetheless, following some assaults, including medical procedures and infections, the endometrium fails to regenerate and instead forms scars that may interfere with normal endometrial function and contribute to infertility. Thus, the endometrium provides an exceptional platform to answer a central question of regenerative medicine: Why do some systems regenerate while others scar? Here, we review our current understanding of diverse endometrial disruption events in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents, and the associated mechanisms of regenerative success and failure. Elucidating the determinants of these disparate repair processes promises insights into fundamental mechanisms of mammalian regeneration with substantial implications for reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Ang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taylor D Skokan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Kara L McKinley
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA;
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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12
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Brown M, Leon A, Kedzierska K, Moore C, Belnoue‐Davis HL, Flach S, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ, Lewis A, Bosse T, Tomlinson I, Church DN. Functional analysis reveals driver cooperativity and novel mechanisms in endometrial carcinogenesis. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17094. [PMID: 37589076 PMCID: PMC10565641 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202217094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk endometrial cancer has poor prognosis and is increasing in incidence. However, understanding of the molecular mechanisms which drive this disease is limited. We used genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) to determine the functional consequences of missense and loss of function mutations in Fbxw7, Pten and Tp53, which collectively occur in nearly 90% of high-risk endometrial cancers. We show that Trp53 deletion and missense mutation cause different phenotypes, with the latter a substantially stronger driver of endometrial carcinogenesis. We also show that Fbxw7 missense mutation does not cause endometrial neoplasia on its own, but potently accelerates carcinogenesis caused by Pten loss or Trp53 missense mutation. By transcriptomic analysis, we identify LEF1 signalling as upregulated in Fbxw7/FBXW7-mutant mouse and human endometrial cancers, and in human isogenic cell lines carrying FBXW7 mutation, and validate LEF1 and the additional Wnt pathway effector TCF7L2 as novel FBXW7 substrates. Our study provides new insights into the biology of high-risk endometrial cancer and suggests that targeting LEF1 may be worthy of investigation in this treatment-resistant cancer subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Brown
- Cancer Genomics and Immunology Group, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Oxford NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUK
| | - Alicia Leon
- Department of PathologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Kedzierska
- Cancer Genomics and Immunology Group, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Charlotte Moore
- Cancer Genomics and Immunology Group, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Hayley L Belnoue‐Davis
- Gastrointestinal Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Susanne Flach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryLMU KlinikumMunichGermany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner SiteMunichGermany
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - Annabelle Lewis
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life SciencesBrunel University LondonUxbridgeUK
| | - Tjalling Bosse
- Department of PathologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Ian Tomlinson
- Institute of Genetics and CancerThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - David N Church
- Cancer Genomics and Immunology Group, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Oxford NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUK
- Oxford Cancer Centre, Churchill HospitalOxford University Hospitals Foundation NHS TrustOxfordUK
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13
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Padilla-Banks E, Jefferson WN, Papas BN, Suen AA, Xu X, Carreon DV, Willson CJ, Quist EM, Williams CJ. Developmental estrogen exposure in mice disrupts uterine epithelial cell differentiation and causes adenocarcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002334. [PMID: 37856394 PMCID: PMC10586657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue development entails genetically programmed differentiation of immature cell types to mature, fully differentiated cells. Exposure during development to non-mutagenic environmental factors can contribute to cancer risk, but the underlying mechanisms are not understood. We used a mouse model of endometrial adenocarcinoma that results from brief developmental exposure to an estrogenic chemical, diethylstilbestrol (DES), to determine causative factors. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and spatial transcriptomics of adult control uteri revealed novel markers of uterine epithelial stem cells (EpSCs), identified distinct luminal and glandular progenitor cell (PC) populations, and defined glandular and luminal epithelium (LE) cell differentiation trajectories. Neonatal DES exposure disrupted uterine epithelial cell differentiation, resulting in a failure to generate an EpSC population or distinguishable glandular and luminal progenitors or mature cells. Instead, the DES-exposed epithelial cells were characterized by a single proliferating PC population and widespread activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The underlying endometrial stromal cells had dramatic increases in inflammatory signaling pathways and oxidative stress. Together, these changes activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT serine-threonine kinase signaling and malignant transformation of cells that were marked by phospho-AKT and the cancer-associated protein olfactomedin 4. Here, we defined a mechanistic pathway from developmental exposure to an endocrine disrupting chemical to the development of adult-onset cancer. These findings provide an explanation for how human cancers, which are often associated with abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT signaling, could result from exposure to environmental insults during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Padilla-Banks
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Wendy N. Jefferson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian N. Papas
- Integrative Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alisa A. Suen
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Diana V. Carreon
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cynthia J. Willson
- Inotiv-RTP, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Erin M. Quist
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carmen J. Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
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14
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Furuminato K, Minatoya S, Senoo E, Goto T, Yamazaki S, Sakaguchi M, Toyota K, Iguchi T, Miyagawa S. The role of mesenchymal estrogen receptor 1 in mouse uterus in response to estrogen. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12293. [PMID: 37516793 PMCID: PMC10387046 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens play important roles in uterine growth and homeostasis through estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2). To address the role of ESR1-mediated tissue events in the murine uterus, we analyzed mice with a mesenchymal tissue-specific knockout of Esr1. Isl1-driven Cre expression generated Esr1 deletion in the uterine stroma and endometrium (Isl-Esr1KO). We showed that overall structure of the Isl1-Esr1KO mouse uterus developed normally, but estrogen responsiveness and subsequent growth were defective, suggesting that mesenchymal ESR1 is necessary for both epithelial and mesenchymal cell proliferation. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the majority of estrogen-induced genes were regulated by stromal ESR1. In control mice, E2 administration induced 9476 up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), whereas only 1801 up-regulated DEGs were induced by E2 in Isl1-Esr1KO mice. We further showed that stromal ESR1-regulated genes in the mouse uterus included several growth factors and cytokines, which are potential factors that regulate epithelial and stromal tissue interaction, and also genes involved in lipid homeostasis. Therefore, we infer that stromal ESR1 expression is indispensable for most estrogen actions in the mouse uterus and the current results provide new insights into estrogen-mediated homeostasis in female reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Furuminato
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Saki Minatoya
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Eriko Senoo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Goto
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Sho Yamazaki
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Moeka Sakaguchi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Toyota
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Noto, Ishikawa, 927-0552, Japan
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0027, Japan
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan.
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15
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Sun XL, Chen ZH, Guo X, Wang J, Ge M, Wong SZH, Wang T, Li S, Yao M, Johnston LA, Wu QF. Stem cell competition driven by the Axin2-p53 axis controls brain size during murine development. Dev Cell 2023; 58:744-759.e11. [PMID: 37054704 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell competition acts as a quality-control mechanism that eliminates cells less fit than their neighbors to optimize organ development. Whether and how competitive interactions occur between neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the developing brain remains unknown. Here, we show that endogenous cell competition occurs and intrinsically correlates with the Axin2 expression level during normal brain development. Induction of genetic mosaicism predisposes Axin2-deficient NPCs to behave as "losers" in mice and undergo apoptotic elimination, but homogeneous ablation of Axin2 does not promote cell death. Mechanistically, Axin2 suppresses the p53 signaling pathway at the post-transcriptional level to maintain cell fitness, and Axin2-deficient cell elimination requires p53-dependent signaling. Furthermore, mosaic Trp53 deletion confers a "winner" status to p53-deficient cells that outcompete their neighbors. Conditional loss of both Axin2 and Trp53 increases cortical area and thickness, suggesting that the Axin2-p53 axis may coordinate to survey cell fitness, regulate natural cell competition, and optimize brain size during neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Lian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xize Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Mengmeng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Samuel Zheng Hao Wong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Si Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Mingze Yao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Laura A Johnston
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Qing-Feng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100045, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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16
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Kriseman ML, Tang S, Liao Z, Jiang P, Parks SE, Cope DI, Yuan F, Chen F, Masand RP, Castro PD, Ittmann MM, Creighton CJ, Tan Z, Monsivais D. SMAD2/3 signaling in the uterine epithelium controls endometrial cell homeostasis and regeneration. Commun Biol 2023; 6:261. [PMID: 36906706 PMCID: PMC10008566 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04619-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The regenerative potential of the endometrium is attributed to endometrial stem cells; however, the signaling pathways controlling its regenerative potential remain obscure. In this study, genetic mouse models and endometrial organoids are used to demonstrate that SMAD2/3 signaling controls endometrial regeneration and differentiation. Mice with conditional deletion of SMAD2/3 in the uterine epithelium using Lactoferrin-iCre develop endometrial hyperplasia at 12-weeks and metastatic uterine tumors by 9-months of age. Mechanistic studies in endometrial organoids determine that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling disrupts organoid morphology, increases the glandular and secretory cell markers, FOXA2 and MUC1, and alters the genome-wide distribution of SMAD4. Transcriptomic profiling of the organoids reveals elevated pathways involved in stem cell regeneration and differentiation such as the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and retinoic acid signaling (RA) pathways. Therefore, TGFβ family signaling via SMAD2/3 controls signaling networks which are integral for endometrial cell regeneration and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya L Kriseman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peixin Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fengju Chen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ramya P Masand
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Patricia D Castro
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michael M Ittmann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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17
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Altyar AE, El-Sayed A, Abdeen A, Piscopo M, Mousa SA, Najda A, Abdel-Daim MM. Future regenerative medicine developments and their therapeutic applications. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114131. [PMID: 36538861 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the currently available pharmacological assays can cure most pathological disorders, they have limited therapeutic value in relieving certain disorders like myocardial infarct, peripheral vascular disease, amputated limbs, or organ failure (e.g. renal failure). Pilot studies to overcome such problems using regenerative medicine (RM) delivered promising data. Comprehensive investigations of RM in zebrafish or reptilians are necessary for better understanding. However, the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood despite the tremendous amount of data obtained using the zebrafish model investigating the exact mechanisms behind their regenerative capability. Indeed, understanding such mechanisms and their application to humans can save millions of lives from dying due to potentially life-threatening events. Recent studies have launched a revolution in replacing damaged human organs via different approaches in the last few decades. The newly established branch of medicine (known as Regenerative Medicine aims to enhance natural repair mechanisms. This can be done through the application of several advanced broad-spectrum technologies such as organ transplantation, tissue engineering, and application of Scaffolds technology (support vascularization using an extracellular matrix), stem cell therapy, miRNA treatment, development of 3D mini-organs (organoids), and the construction of artificial tissues using nanomedicine and 3D bio-printers. Moreover, in the next few decades, revolutionary approaches in regenerative medicine will be applied based on artificial intelligence and wireless data exchange, soft intelligence biomaterials, nanorobotics, and even living robotics capable of self-repair. The present work presents a comprehensive overview that summarizes the new and future advances in the field of RM.
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18
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Zhang T, Hu R, Wang Y, Guo S, Wu Z, Liu J, Han C, Qiu C, Deng G. Extracellular matrix stiffness mediates uterine repair via the Rap1a/ARHGAP35/RhoA/F-actin/YAP axis. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:22. [PMID: 36691027 PMCID: PMC9869517 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The integrity of the structure and function of the endometrium is essential for the maintenance of fertility. However, the repair mechanisms of uterine injury remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that the disturbance of mechanical cue homeostasis occurs after uterine injury. Applying a multimodal approach, we identified YAP as a sensor of biophysical forces that drives endometrial regeneration. Through protein activation level analysis of the combinatorial space of mechanical force strength and of the presence of particular kinase inhibitors and gene silencing reagents, we demonstrated that mechanical cues related to extracellular matrix rigidity can turn off the Rap1a switch, leading to the inactivation of ARHGAP35and then induced activation of RhoA, which in turn depends on the polymerization of the agonist protein F-actin to activate YAP. Further study confirmed that mechanotransduction significantly accelerates remodeling of the uterus by promoting the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells in vitro and in vivo. These studies provide new insights into the dynamic regulatory mechanisms behind uterine remodeling and the function of mechanotransduction. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ruiting Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Wu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyang Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Changwei Qiu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ganzhen Deng
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Abstract
WNT/CTNNB1 signaling plays a critical role in the development of all multicellular animals. Here, we include both the embryonic stages, during which tissue morphogenesis takes place, and the postnatal stages of development, during which tissue homeostasis occurs. Thus, embryonic development concerns lineage development and cell fate specification, while postnatal development involves tissue maintenance and regeneration. Multiple tools are available to researchers who want to investigate, and ideally visualize, the dynamic and pleiotropic involvement of WNT/CTNNB1 signaling in these processes. Here, we discuss and evaluate the decisions that researchers need to make in identifying the experimental system and appropriate tools for the specific question they want to address, covering different types of WNT/CTNNB1 reporters in cells and mice. At a molecular level, advanced quantitative imaging techniques can provide spatio-temporal information that cannot be provided by traditional biochemical assays. We therefore also highlight some recent studies to show their potential in deciphering the complex and dynamic mechanisms that drive WNT/CTNNB1 signaling.
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20
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Chen K, Zheng S, Fang F. Endometrial Stem Cells and Their Applications in Intrauterine Adhesion. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897231159561. [PMID: 36891869 PMCID: PMC9998408 DOI: 10.1177/09636897231159561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), resulting from pregnancy or nonpregnant uterine trauma, is one of the major causes of abnormal menstruation, infertility, or repeated pregnancy loss. Although a few methods, including hysteroscopy and hormone therapy, are routinely used for its diagnosis and treatment, they cannot restore tissue regeneration. Stem cells, which have self-renewal and tissue regeneration abilities, have been proposed as a promising therapy for patients with severe IUAs. In this review, we summarize the origin and features of endometrium-associated stem cells and their applications in the treatment of IUAs based on animal models and human clinical trials. We expect that this information will help to elucidate the underlying mechanism for tissue regeneration and to improve the design of stem cell-based therapies for IUAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Shengxia Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Fang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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21
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Xu QX, Zhang WQ, Lu L, Wang KZ, Su RW. Distinguish Characters of Luminal and Glandular Epithelium from Mouse Uterus Using a Novel Enzyme-Based Separation Method. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1867-1877. [PMID: 36581776 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The uterine luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, and stromal cells are vital for the establishment of pregnancy. Previously studies have shown various methods to isolate mouse uterine epithelium and stromal cells, including laser capture microdissection (LCM), enzyme digestion, and immunomagnetic beads. Despite the importance of the endometrial epithelium as the site of implantation and nutritional support for the conceptus, there is no isolated method to separate the luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium. Here, we establish a novel enzyme-based way to separate two types of epithelium and keep their viability. In this article, we analyzed their purity by mRNA level, immunostaining, and transcriptome analysis. Our isolation method revealed several unstudied luminal and glandular epithelial markers in transcriptome analysis. We further demonstrated the viability of the isolated epithelium by 2D and 3D cultures. The results showed that we successfully separated the endometrial luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium. We also provided an experimental model for the following study of the physiological function of the different parts of the uterus and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Xin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Wang-Qing Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Lei Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Ke-Zhi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Ren-Wei Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China.
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22
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Jamaluddin MFB, Ghosh A, Ingle A, Mohammed R, Ali A, Bahrami M, Kaiko G, Gibb Z, Filipe EC, Cox TR, Boulton A, O’sullivan R, Ius Y, Karakoti A, Vinu A, Nahar P, Jaaback K, Bansal V, Tanwar PS. Bovine and human endometrium-derived hydrogels support organoid culture from healthy and cancerous tissues. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119. [PMID: 36279452 PMCID: PMC9636948 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208040119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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23
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Ren X, Liang J, Zhang Y, Jiang N, Xu Y, Qiu M, Wang Y, Zhao B, Chen X. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis highlights origin and pathological process of human endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6300. [PMID: 36273006 PMCID: PMC9588071 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancers are complex ecosystems composed of cells with distinct phenotypes, genotypes, and epigenetic states. Current models do not adequately reflect oncogenic origin and pathological progression in patients. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing to profile cells from normal endometrium, atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC), which altogether represent the step-by-step development of endometrial cancer. We find that EEC originates from endometrial epithelial cells but not stromal cells, and unciliated glandular epithelium is the source of EEC. We also identify LCN2 + /SAA1/2 + cells as a featured subpopulation of endometrial tumorigenesis. Finally, the stromal niche and immune environment changes during EEC progression are described. This study elucidates the evolution of cell populations in EEC development at single-cell resolution, which would provide a direction to facilitate EEC research and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Ren
- grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianqing Liang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhui Xu
- grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengdi Qiu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqin Wang
- grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.412312.70000 0004 1755 1415Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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24
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Jia X, Shen G, Jia J, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Li W, Zhang J, Huang X, Tian J. Lineage Tracing and Molecular Real-Time Imaging of Cancer Stem Cells. Biosensors 2022; 12:703. [PMID: 36140088 PMCID: PMC9496355 DOI: 10.3390/bios12090703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cancer stem cells (CSC) are the roots of cancer. The CSC hypothesis may provide a model to explain the tumor cell heterogeneity. Understand the biological mechanism of CSC will help the early detection and cure of cancer. The discovery of the dynamic changes in CSC will be possible by the using of bio-engineering techniques-lineage tracing. However, it is difficult to obtain real-time, continuous, and dynamic live-imaging information using the traditional approaches that take snapshots of time points from different animals. The goal of molecular imaging is to monitor the in situ, continuous molecular changes of cells in vivo. Therefore, the most advanced bioengineering lineage tracing approach, while using a variety of molecular detection methods, will maximize the presentation of CSC. In this review, we first introduce the method of lineage tracing, and then introduce the various components of molecular images to dynamic detect the CSC. Finally, we analyze the current situation and look forward the future of CSC detection.
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25
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Jamaluddin MFB, Ko Y, Ghosh A, Syed SM, Ius Y, O’sullivan R, Netherton JK, Baker MA, Nahar P, Jaaback K, Tanwar PS. 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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26
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Venkata VD, Jamaluddin MFB, Goad J, Drury HR, Tadros MA, Lim R, Karakoti A, O'Sullivan R, Ius Y, Jaaback K, Nahar P, Tanwar PS. Development and characterization of human fetal female reproductive tract organoids to understand Müllerian duct anomalies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2118054119. [PMID: 35858415 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2118054119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Müllerian ducts are paired tubular structures that give rise to most of the female reproductive organs. Any abnormalities in the development and differentiation of these ducts lead to anatomical defects in the female reproductive tract organs categorized as Müllerian duct anomalies. Due to the limited access to fetal tissues, little is understood of human reproductive tract development and the associated anomalies. Although organoids represent a powerful model to decipher human development and disease, such organoids from fetal reproductive organs are not available. Here, we developed organoids from human fetal fallopian tubes and uteri and compared them with their adult counterparts. Our results demonstrate that human fetal reproductive tract epithelia do not express some of the typical markers of adult reproductive tract epithelia. Furthermore, fetal organoids are grossly, histologically, and proteomically different from adult organoids. While external supplementation of WNT ligands or activators in culture medium is an absolute requirement for the adult reproductive tract organoids, fetal organoids are able to grow in WNT-deficient conditions. We also developed decellularized tissue scaffolds from adult human fallopian tubes and uteri. Transplantation of fetal organoids onto these scaffolds led to the regeneration of the adult fallopian tube and uterine epithelia. Importantly, suppression of Wnt signaling, which is altered in patients with Müllerian duct anomalies, inhibits the regenerative ability of human fetal organoids and causes severe anatomical defects in the mouse reproductive tract. Thus, our fetal organoids represent an important platform to study the underlying basis of human female reproductive tract development and diseases.
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27
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Ludke A, Hatta K, Yao A, Li RK. Uterus: A Unique Stem Cell Reservoir Able to Support Cardiac Repair via Crosstalk among Uterus, Heart, and Bone Marrow. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142182. [PMID: 35883625 PMCID: PMC9324611 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests that the prevalence of cardiac disease is lower in premenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women and men. Although multiple factors contribute to this difference, uterine stem cells may be a major factor, as a high abundance of these cells are present in the uterus. Uterine-derived stem cells have been reported in several studies as being able to contribute to cardiac neovascularization after injury. However, our studies uniquely show the presence of an “utero-cardiac axis”, in which uterine stem cells are able to home to cardiac tissue to promote tissue repair. Additionally, we raise the possibility of a triangular relationship among the bone marrow, uterus, and heart. In this review, we discuss the exchange of stem cells across different organs, focusing on the relationship that exists between the heart, uterus, and bone marrow. We present increasing evidence for the existence of an utero-cardiac axis, in which the uterus serves as a reservoir for cardiac reparative stem cells, similar to the bone marrow. These cells, in turn, are able to migrate to the heart in response to injury to promote healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ludke
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
| | - Kota Hatta
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
| | - Alina Yao
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
| | - Ren-Ke Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (A.L.); (K.H.); (A.Y.)
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-581-7492
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28
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Yoshimatsu S, Kisu I, Qian E, Noce T. A New Horizon in Reproductive Research with Pluripotent Stem Cells: Successful In Vitro Gametogenesis in Rodents, Its Application to Large Animals, and Future In Vitro Reconstitution of Reproductive Organs Such as “Uteroid” and “Oviductoid”. Biology 2022; 11:biology11070987. [PMID: 36101367 PMCID: PMC9312112 DOI: 10.3390/biology11070987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Functional gametes, such as oocytes and spermatozoa, have been derived from rodent pluripotent stem cells, which can be applied to large animals and ultimately, to humans. In addition to summarizing these topics, we also review additional approaches for in vitro reconstitution of reproductive organs. This review illustrates intensive past efforts and future challenges on stem cell research for in vitro biogenesis in various mammalian models. Abstract Recent success in derivation of functional gametes (oocytes and spermatozoa) from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) of rodents has made it feasible for future application to large animals including endangered species and to ultimately humans. Here, we summarize backgrounds and recent studies on in vitro gametogenesis from rodent PSCs, and similar approaches using PSCs from large animals, including livestock, nonhuman primates (NHPs), and humans. We also describe additional developing approaches for in vitro reconstitution of reproductive organs, such as the ovary (ovarioid), testis (testisoid), and future challenges in the uterus (uteroid) and oviduct (oviductoid), all of which may be derived from PSCs. Once established, these in vitro systems may serve as a robust platform for elucidating the pathology of infertility-related disorders and ectopic pregnancy, principle of reproduction, and artificial biogenesis. Therefore, these possibilities, especially when using human cells, require consideration of ethical issues, and international agreements and guidelines need to be raised before opening “Pandora’s Box”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Yoshimatsu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako-City 351-0198, Japan;
- Correspondence:
| | - Iori Kisu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
| | - Emi Qian
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
| | - Toshiaki Noce
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako-City 351-0198, Japan;
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Maenhoudt N, De Moor A, Vankelecom H. Modeling Endometrium Biology and Disease. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1048. [PMID: 35887546 PMCID: PMC9316888 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endometrium, lining the uterine lumen, is highly essential for human reproduction. Its exceptional remodeling plasticity, including the transformation process to welcome and nest the embryo, is not well understood. Lack of representative and reliable study models allowing the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying endometrium development and biology to be deciphered is an important hurdle to progress in the field. Recently, powerful organoid models have been developed that not only recapitulate endometrial biology such as the menstrual cycle, but also faithfully reproduce diseases of the endometrium such as endometriosis. Moreover, single-cell profiling endeavors of the endometrium in health and disease, and of derived organoids, start to provide deeper insight into cellular complexity and expression specificities, and in resulting tissue processes. This granular portrayal will not only help in understanding endometrium biology and disease, but also in pinning down the tissue’s stem cells, at present not yet conclusively defined. Here, we provide a general overview of endometrium development and biology, and the efforts of modeling both the healthy tissue, as well as its key diseased form of endometriosis. The future of modeling and deciphering this key tissue, hidden inside the womb, looks bright.
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Chen L, Li L, Mo Q, Zhang X, Chen C, Wu Y, Zeng X, Deng K, Liu N, Zhu P, Liu M, Xiao Y. An injectable gelatin/sericin hydrogel loaded with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of uterine injury. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 8:e10328. [PMID: 36684066 PMCID: PMC9842051 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal endometrial receptivity is a major cause of the failure of embryo transplantation, which may lead to infertility, adverse pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes. While hormonal treatment has dramatically improved the fertility outcomes in women with endometriosis, a substantial unmet need persists in the treatment. In this study, methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) and methacrylate sericin (SerMA) hydrogel with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSC) encapsulation was designed for facilitating endometrial regeneration and fertility restoration through in situ injection. The presented GelMA/10%SerMA hydrogel showed appropriate swelling ratio, good mechanical properties, and degradation stability. In vitro cell experiments showed that the prepared hydrogels had excellent biocompatibility and cell encapsulation ability of HUMSC. Further in vivo experiments demonstrated that GelMA/SerMA@HUMSC hydrogel could increase the thickness of endometrium and improve the endometrial interstitial fibrosis. Moreover, regenerated endometrial tissue was more receptive to transfer embryos. Summary, we believed that GelMA/SerMA@HUMSC hydrogel will hold tremendous promise to repair or regenerate damaged endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixuan Chen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina,Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Ling Li
- Jiangmen Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalJiangmenGuangdongChina
| | - Qinglin Mo
- Translational Medicine CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina,Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Chaolin Chen
- Translational Medicine CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yingnan Wu
- Translational Medicine CenterThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Xiaoli Zeng
- National Seed Cell Bank of South China for Tissue EngineeringGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Kaixian Deng
- Department of Gynecology, Shunde HospitalSouthern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde)FoshanGuangdongChina
| | - Nanbo Liu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Mingxing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong ProvinceThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yang Xiao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina,Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Pilot Free Trade Zone Hospital, ShekouShenzhenGuangdongChina
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Al-lamee H, Hill CJ, Turner F, Phan T, Drakeley AJ, Hapangama DK, Tempest N. The Role of Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells in Recurrent Reproductive Failure. J Pers Med 2022; 12:775. [PMID: 35629197 PMCID: PMC9143189 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), collectively referred to as recurrent reproductive failure (RRF), are both challenging conditions with many unanswered questions relating to causes and management options. Both conditions are proposed to be related to an aberrant endometrial microenvironment, with different proposed aetiologies related to a restrictive or permissive endometrium for an invading embryo. The impressive regenerative capacity of the human endometrium has been well-established and has led to the isolation and characterisation of several subtypes of endometrial stem/progenitor cells (eSPCs). eSPCs are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of endometrium-related disorders (such as endometriosis) and have been proposed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of RRF. This review appraises the current knowledge of eSPCs, and their involvement in RRF, highlighting the considerable unknown aspects in this field, and providing avenues for future research to facilitate much-needed advances in the diagnosis and management of millions of women suffering with RRF.
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Singh P, Bhartiya D. Molecular Insights into Endometrial Cancer in Mice. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022. [PMID: 35389139 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and the 'progenitors' endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) along with associated molecular changes in endometrial cancer, that developed seven months after neonatal exposure to estradiol in one of the sixty mice, were studied in the present study. Endocrine disruption affected both endometrium and myometrium, there was accumulation of endometrial fluid and significant hyperplasia. Disrupted endometrial-myometrial junction resulted in mobilization of myometrial cells into endometrium and epithelial and stromal cells into myometrium suggestive of adenomyosis. Markers specific for VSELs/ EnSCs (OCT-4, NANOG, SSEA-1, SCA-1, c-KIT) showed increased expression in uterine sections and marked upregulation of corresponding transcripts (Oct-4A, Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog, Sca-1, c-Kit) was noted in RNA extracted from both uterine tissue and stem cells enriched from endometrial fluid. Hormonal receptors (ER-α, ER-β, PR, FSHR) were upregulated in both tumor sections and in endometrial fluid. ER-β and FSHR (Fshr3) expression was prominent suggesting a major role in endometrial cancer. Cancer cells showed global hypomethylation (reduced expression of 5-methyl cytosine), reduced expression of tumor suppressor gene (PTEN) and increased expression of cancer stem cells marker (CD166) which suggested dysregulation and aberrant oncogenic events. Increased expression of PCNA, Ki67, SOX-9 suggested excessive proliferation and hyperplasia which are predominant signs of endometrial cancer. Results suggest that VSELs increase in numbers and possibly transform into cancer stem cells (co-express CD166 and OCT-4) in endometrial cancer. Expression of OCT-4, CD133, ALDHA1 and CD166 in side-population cells from human endometrial cancer samples suggests a possible role of VSELs in human endometrial cancer as well.
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Lou L, Kong S, Sun Y, Zhang Z, Wang H. Human Endometrial Organoids: Recent Research Progress and Potential Applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:844623. [PMID: 35242764 PMCID: PMC8885623 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.844623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture cannot meet the demand of simulating physiological conditions in vivo, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been developed. To date, most of these systems have been applied for the culture of gastrointestinal and neural tissue. As for the female reproductive system, the culture of endometrial and oviductal tissues in Matrigel has also been performed, but there are still some problems that remain unsolved. This review highlights recent progress regarding endometrial organoids, focusing on the signal for organoid derivation and maintenance, the coculture of the epithelium and stroma, the drug screening using organoids from cancer patients, and provides a potential guideline for genome editing in endometrial organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Lou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yunyan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenbo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Lv H, Zhao G, Jiang P, Wang H, Wang Z, Yao S, Zhou Z, Wang L, Liu D, Deng W, Dai J, Hu Y. Deciphering the endometrial niche of human thin endometrium at single-cell resolution. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2115912119. [PMID: 35169075 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115912119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thin endometrium is the most common reason for uterine infertility and refractory gynecological diseases due to its complexity in pathogenesis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, we profile cells from normal and thin endometrium at single-cell resolution to investigate the sophisticated alterations in the local microenvironment that occur in thin endometrium. Increased cellular senescence, collagen overdeposition, and significant down-regulation of gene expression related to cell proliferation are observed and confirmed. Moreover, we demonstrate aberrant activation of the SEMA3 pathway accompanied by dampened EGF, PTN, and TWEAK signaling pathways in thin endometrium. These findings aid in understanding the mechanisms of thin endometrium and provide new tools to rejuvenate the atrophic endometrium for female fertility preservation and successful pregnancy. Thin endometrium has been widely recognized as a critical cause of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and placental abnormalities; however, access to effective treatment is a formidable challenge due to the rudimentary understanding of the pathogenesis of thin endometrium. Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of human endometrial cells at single-cell resolution to characterize cell types, their communications, and the underlying mechanism of endometrial growth in normal and thin endometrium during the proliferative phase. Stromal cells were the most abundant cell type in the endometrium, with a subpopulation of proliferating stromal cells whose cell cycle signaling pathways were compromised in thin endometrium. Both single-cell RNA sequencing and experimental verification revealed cellular senescence in the stroma and epithelium accompanied by collagen overdeposition around blood vessels. Moreover, decreased numbers of macrophages and natural killer cells further exacerbated endometrial thinness. In addition, our results uncovered aberrant SEMA3, EGF, PTN, and TWEAK signaling pathways as causes for the insufficient proliferation of the endometrium. Together, these data provide insight into therapeutic strategies for endometrial regeneration and growth to treat thin endometrium.
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Du C, Liu X, Li M, Zhao Y, Li J, Wen Z, Liu M, Yang M, Fu B, Wei M. Analysis of 5-Methylcytosine Regulators and DNA Methylation-Driven Genes in Colon Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:657092. [PMID: 35174154 PMCID: PMC8842075 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.657092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epigenetic-driven events are important molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The 5-methylcytosine (5mC) regulators play important roles in the methylation-driven gene expression. However, the effect of the 5mC regulators on the oncogenic pathways in colon cancer (CC) remains unclear. Also, the clinical value of such epigenetic-driven events needs further research. Methods: The transcriptome and matching epigenetic data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. The gene set variation analysis identified the oncogenic pathways adjusted by 5mC regulators. The “edgeR” and “methylmix” package identified the differential expression genes of DNA methylation-driven genes. The correlation between 5mC regulators or transcription factors and shortlisted genes was investigated by calculating the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Among them, the genes related to diagnosis were screened out based on differential gene expression in extracellular vesicles (EVs) by the “limma” package and histology by immunohistochemistry. Then, a risk signature was constructed by fitting the generalized linear model and validated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: MYC targets pathway and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase–AKT–mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway were identified as the hallmark-related pathways associated with 5mC regulators. Also, the P53 pathway was subject to the influence of regulators' expression. A five methylation-driven gene signature (FIRRE, MYBL2, TGFBI, AXIN2, and SLC35D3) was developed as the biomarker for CC diagnosis. Meanwhile, those genes positively related to 5mC regulators and interacted with their relevant or transcription factors. Conclusion: In general, 5mC regulators are positively related to each other and DNA methylation-driven genes, with the relationship of multiple active and inhibitory pathways related to cancer. Meanwhile, the signature (FIRRE, MYBL2, TGFBI, AXIN2, and SLC35D3) can prefigure prospective diagnosis in CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Du
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - XinLi Liu
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingwei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhikang Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meina Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Boshi Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Singh P, Metkari S, Bhartiya D. Additional evidence to support OCT-4 positive VSELs and EnSCs as the elusive tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells in adult mice uterus. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:60. [PMID: 35123545 PMCID: PMC8818151 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective True identity and specific set of markers to enrich endometrial stem cells still remains elusive. Present study was undertaken to further substantiate that very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are the true and elusive stem cells in adult mice endometrium. Methods This was achieved by undertaking three sets of experiments. Firstly, SSEA-1+ and Oct-4 + positive VSELs, sorted from GFP mice, were transplanted into the uterine horns of wild-type Swiss mice and GFP uptake was studied within the same estrus cycle. Secondly, uterine lumen was scratched surgically and OCT-4 expressing stem/progenitor cells were studied at the site of injury after 24–72 h. Thirdly, OCT-4 expression was studied in the endometrium and myometrium of adult mice after neonatal exposure to estradiol (20 µg/pup/day on days 5–7 after birth). Results GFP + ve VSELs expressing SSEA-1 and Oct-4 engrafted and differentiated into the epithelial cells lining the lumen as well as the glands during the estrus stage when maximum remodeling occurs. Mechanical scratching activated tissue-resident, nuclear OCT-4 positive VSELs and slightly bigger ‘progenitors’ endometrial stem cells (EnSCs, cytoplasmic OCT-4) which underwent clonal expansion and further differentiated into luminal and glandular epithelial cells. Neonatal exposure to endocrine disruption resulted in increased numbers of OCT-4 positive VSELs/EnSCs in adult endometrium. Discussion Results support the presence of functionally active VSELs in adult endometrium. VSELs self-renew and give rise to EnSCs that further differentiate into epithelial cells under normal physiological conditions. Also, VSELs are vulnerable to endocrine insults. To conclude VSELs are true and elusive uterine stem cells that maintain life-long uterine homeostasis and their dysregulation may result in various pathologies. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02703-8.
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Cousins FL, Filby CE, Gargett CE. Endometrial Stem/Progenitor Cells–Their Role in Endometrial Repair and Regeneration. Front Reprod Health 2022; 3:811537. [PMID: 36304009 PMCID: PMC9580754 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.811537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is a remarkable tissue, undergoing ~450 cycles of proliferation, differentiation, shedding (menstruation), repair, and regeneration over a woman's reproductive lifespan. Post-menstrual repair is an extremely rapid and scar-free process, with re-epithelialization of the luminal epithelium completed within 48 h of initiation of shedding. Following menstruation, the functionalis grows from the residual basalis layer during the proliferative phase under the influence of rising circulating estrogen levels. The regenerative capacity of the endometrium is attributed to stem/progenitor cells which reside in both the epithelial and stromal cell compartments of the basalis layer. Finding a definitive marker for endometrial epithelial progenitors (eEPCs) has proven difficult. A number of different markers have been suggested as putative progenitor markers including, N-cadherin, SSEA-1, AXIN2, SOX-9 and ALDH1A1, some of which show functional stem cell activity in in vitro assays. Each marker has a unique location(s) in the glandular epithelium, which has led to the suggestion that a differentiation hierarchy exists, from the base of epithelial glands in the basalis to the luminal epithelium lining the functionalis, where epithelial cells express different combinations of markers as they differentiate and move up the gland into the functionalis away from the basalis niche. Perivascular endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) can be identified by co-expression of PDGFRβ and CD146 or by a single marker, SUSD2. This review will detail the known endometrial stem/progenitor markers; their identity, location and known interactions and hierarchy across the menstrual cycle, in particular post-menstrual repair and estrogen-driven regeneration, as well as their possible contributions to menstruation-related disorders such as endometriosis and regeneration-related disorder Asherman's syndrome. We will also highlight new techniques that allow for a greater understanding of stem/progenitor cells' role in repair and regeneration, including 3D organoids, 3D slice cultures and gene sequencing at the single cell level. Since mouse models are commonly used to study menstruation, repair and regeneration we will also detail the mouse stem/progenitor markers that have been investigated in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L. Cousins
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Fiona L. Cousins
| | - Caitlin E. Filby
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Caroline E. Gargett
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Singh P, Metkari SM, Bhartiya D. Mice Uterine Stem Cells are Affected by Neonatal Endocrine Disruption & Initiate Uteropathies in Adult Life Independent of Circulatory Ovarian Hormones. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:1686-1701. [PMID: 34750780 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
It is generally believed that ovarian hormones regulate uterine functions and their altered levels result in various uteropathies like non-receptive uterus, endometrial hyperplasia, adenomyosis, endometriosis, leiomyomas and cancer. Uterus harbors two populations of stem cells including pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and tissue-specific progenitors (endometrial stem cells, EnSCs). Unlike endometrial mesenchymal stem/ stromal cells, VSELs/EnSCs express ERα, ERβ and PR which makes them directly vulnerable to perinatal endocrine insults. Present study was undertaken to evaluate whether uteropathies occur due to altered hormones and/or intrinsic changes in stem/progenitor cells. Mice pups, exposed to estradiol (20 µg/pup/day) on postnatal days 3-7 or vehicle, were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy on day 30 and later exposed sequentially to estradiol and progesterone resulting in receptive uterus in control mice. Despite similar hormonal exposure, endocrine disruption resulted in non-receptive uterus with noticeable endometrial and myometrial hyperplasia and up-regulation of stem cell markers (Oct-4A, Oct-4, Sox2, Nanog). Glands were poorly formed and 'defective' epithelial progenitors were found disseminated into myometrium and blood vessels revealing how adenomyosis and endometriosis possibly initiate. Progesterone resistance and estradiol dominance due to downregulation of Erα & Pr and upregulation of Erβ transcripts was observed in both intact uterus and stem cells enriched from uterus. Transcripts specific for DNA mismatch repair axis (Pcna, NP95 and Dnmt1), repair enzymes (Brca-1, Rad51 and Mlh1) were dysregulated whereas Ki67 was ten-folds increased suggestive of genomic instability. Study reveals role of stem cells in initiating uteropathies during adult life independent of circulatory ovarian hormones. Endocrine disruption affects tissue resident stem/progenitor cells (VSELs/EnSCs) in both endometrium and myometrium, result in epithelial cells hyperplasia, non-receptive endometrium, adenomyosis and defective stem cells and epithelial progenitors were detected in the perimetrium from where they can mobilize to ectopic sites to initiate endometriosis. Study shows stem cell basis for various uteropathies. VSEL: Very small embryonic like stem cell; EnSC: Endometrial stem cell; E + P: Estradiol + Progesterone; E: Endometrium; P: Perimetrium; M: Myometrium; ACD: Asymmetrical cell division; SCD: Symmetrical cell division; CE: Clonal expansion; G: Gland; S: Stromal cell; US: Undifferentiated stromal cell; LE: Luminal epithelium; GE: Glandular epithelium; EP: Epithelial progenitors; SMC: Spindle-shaped myometrial cell; OMC: Oval-shaped myometrial cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Siddhanath M Metkari
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
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Zhang X, Zhao G, Hu Y. Advancements in endometrial epithelial stem cell research. Sci China Life Sci 2021. [PMID: 34586574 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-1988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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40
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Prasad M, Kumar R, Buragohain L, Kumari A, Ghosh M. Organoid Technology: A Reliable Developmental Biology Tool for Organ-Specific Nanotoxicity Evaluation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:696668. [PMID: 34631696 PMCID: PMC8495170 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.696668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials are bestowed with certain inherent physicochemical properties unlike their parent materials, rendering them suitable for the multifaceted needs of state-of-the-art biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications. The log-phase development of nano-science along with improved "bench to beside" conversion carries an enhanced probability of human exposure with numerous nanoparticles. Thus, toxicity assessment of these novel nanoscale materials holds a key to ensuring the safety aspects or else the global biome will certainly face a debacle. The toxicity may span from health hazards due to direct exposure to indirect means through food chain contamination or environmental pollution, even causing genotoxicity. Multiple ways of nanotoxicity evaluation include several in vitro and in vivo methods, with in vitro methods occupying the bulk of the "experimental space." The underlying reason may be multiple, but ethical constraints in in vivo animal experiments are a significant one. Two-dimensional (2D) monoculture is undoubtedly the most exploited in vitro method providing advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, high throughput, and reproducibility. However, it often fails to mimic a tissue or organ which possesses a defined three-dimensional structure (3D) along with intercellular communication machinery. Instead, microtissues such as spheroids or organoids having a precise 3D architecture and proximate in vivo tissue-like behavior can provide a more realistic evaluation than 2D monocultures. Recent developments in microfluidics and bioreactor-based organoid synthesis have eased the difficulties to prosper nano-toxicological analysis in organoid models surpassing the obstacle of ethical issues. The present review will enlighten applications of organoids in nanotoxicological evaluation, their advantages, and prospects toward securing commonplace nano-interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minakshi Prasad
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, India
| | - Lukumoni Buragohain
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | | | - Mayukh Ghosh
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Stejskalová A, Vankelecom H, Sourouni M, Ho MY, Götte M, Almquist BD. In vitro modelling of the physiological and diseased female reproductive system. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:288-312. [PMID: 33915315 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The maladies affecting the female reproductive tract (FRT) range from infections to endometriosis to carcinomas. In vitro models of the FRT play an increasingly important role in both basic and translational research, since the anatomy and physiology of the FRT of humans and other primates differ significantly from most of the commonly used animal models, including rodents. Using organoid culture to study the FRT has overcome the longstanding hurdle of maintaining epithelial phenotype in culture. Both ECM-derived and engineered materials have proved critical for maintaining a physiological phenotype of FRT cells in vitro by providing the requisite 3D environment, ligands, and architecture. Advanced materials have also enabled the systematic study of factors contributing to the invasive metastatic processes. Meanwhile, microphysiological devices make it possible to incorporate physical signals such as flow and cyclic exposure to hormones. Going forward, advanced materials compatible with hormones and optimised to support FRT-derived cells' long-term growth, will play a key role in addressing the diverse array of FRT pathologies and lead to impactful new treatments that support the improvement of women's health. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The female reproductive system is a crucial component of the female anatomy. In addition to enabling reproduction, it has wide ranging influence on tissues throughout the body via endocrine signalling. This intrinsic role in regulating normal female biology makes it susceptible to a variety of female-specific diseases. However, the complexity and human-specific features of the reproductive system make it challenging to study. This has spurred the development of human-relevant in vitro models for helping to decipher the complex issues that can affect the reproductive system, including endometriosis, infection, and cancer. In this Review, we cover the current state of in vitro models for studying the female reproductive system, and the key role biomaterials play in enabling their development.
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Abstract
Uniquely among adult tissues, the human endometrium undergoes cyclical shedding, scar-free repair and regeneration during a woman's reproductive life. Therefore, it presents an outstanding model for study of such processes. This Review examines what is known of endometrial repair and regeneration following menstruation and parturition, including comparisons with wound repair and the influence of menstrual fluid components. We also discuss the contribution of endometrial stem/progenitor cells to endometrial regeneration, including the importance of the stem cell niche and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles. Finally, we comment on the value of endometrial epithelial organoids to extend our understanding of endometrial development and regeneration, as well as therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Hutchison
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Caroline E Gargett
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 25-31 Wright St, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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Kong Y, Shao Y, Ren C, Yang G. Endometrial stem/progenitor cells and their roles in immunity, clinical application, and endometriosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:474. [PMID: 34425902 PMCID: PMC8383353 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02526-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial stem/progenitor cells have been proved to exist in periodically regenerated female endometrium and can be divided into three categories: endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells, CD140b+CD146+ or SUSD2+ endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs), and side population cells (SPs). Endometrial stem/progenitor cells in the menstruation blood are defined as menstrual stem cells (MenSCs). Due to their abundant sources, excellent proliferation, and autotransplantation capabilities, MenSCs are ideal candidates for cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine, inflammation, and immune-related diseases. Endometrial stem/progenitor cells also participate in the occurrence and development of endometriosis by entering the pelvic cavity from retrograde menstruation and becoming overreactive under certain conditions to form new glands and stroma through clonal expansion. Additionally, the limited bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMDSCs) in blood circulation can be recruited and infiltrated into the lesion sites, leading to the establishment of deep invasive endometriosis. On the other hand, cell derived from endometriosis may also enter the blood circulation to form circulating endometrial cells (CECs) with stem cell-like properties, and to migrate and implant into distant tissues. In this manuscript, by reviewing the available literature, we outlined the characteristics of endometrial stem/progenitor cells and summarized their roles in immunoregulation, regenerative medicine, and endometriosis, through which to provide some novel therapeutic strategies for reproductive and cancerous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Kong
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chunxia Ren
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Gong Yang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Bhartiya D, Singh P, Sharma D, Kaushik A. Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) regenerate whereas mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) rejuvenate diseased reproductive tissues. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:1718-1727. [PMID: 34410593 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10243-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Compared to embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have made their presence felt with good therapeutic promise and safety profile. Transplanting MSCs has successfully helped to reverse infertility and resulted in live births in animal models and also in humans. But the underlying mechanism for their therapeutic potential is not yet clear. MSCs are not pluripotent and hence lack plasticity to differentiate into multiple adult cell types. They rather act as 'paracrine providers' to the tissue-resident stem cells since similar beneficial effects are also observed when their secretome (microvesicles or exosomes) is transplanted. Cytokines, growth factors, signaling lipids, mRNAs, and miRNAs secreted by MSCs enables tissue-resident stem cells to undergo differentiation into specific cell types. Tissue-resident stem cells include pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and progenitors [spermatogonial (SSCs), ovarian (OSCs) and endometrial (EnSCs) stem cells in testes, ovary and uterus respectively] which function in a subtle manner to maintain life-long tissue homeostasis and regenerate damaged (non-functional) reproductive tissues by differentiating into sperm, oocytes and endometrial epithelial cells respectively. Similar to restoring spermatogenesis, primordial follicles numbers are increased upon transplanting MSCs. Published literature suggests that MSCs do not differentiate into epithelial cells in the endometrium. Nuclear OCT-4 positive VSELs and cytoplasmic OCT-4, AXIN2 and KERATIN-19 positive epithelial progenitors have a greater role during endometrial regeneration. We propose, transplantation of MSCs simply provides growth factors/cytokines essential for the tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells to undergo differentiation into sperm, eggs and endometrial epithelial cells in the reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Ankita Kaushik
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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Tang W, Ramasamy K, Pillai SMA, Santhamma B, Konda S, Pitta Venkata P, Blankenship L, Liu J, Liu Z, Altwegg KA, Ebrahimi B, Pratap UP, Li X, Valente PT, Kost E, Sareddy GR, Vadlamudi RK, Nair HB, Tekmal RR, Viswanadhapalli S. LIF/LIFR oncogenic signaling is a novel therapeutic target in endometrial cancer. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:216. [PMID: 34400617 PMCID: PMC8367961 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00603-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the fourth most common cancer in women. Advanced-stage EC has limited treatment options with a poor prognosis. There is an unmet need for the identification of actionable drivers for the development of targeted therapies in EC. Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) and its ligand LIF play a major role in cancer progression, metastasis, stemness, and therapy resistance. However, little is known about the functional significance of the LIF/LIFR axis in EC progression. In this study using endometrial tumor tissue arrays, we identified that expression of LIF, LIFR is upregulated in EC. Knockout of LIFR using CRISPR/Cas9 in two different EC cells resulted in a significant reduction of their cell viability and cell survival. In vivo studies demonstrated that LIFR-KO significantly reduced EC xenograft tumor growth. Treatment of established and primary patient-derived EC cells with a novel LIFR inhibitor, EC359 resulted in the reduction of cell viability with an IC50 in the range of 20-100 nM and induction of apoptosis. Further, treatment with EC359 reduced the spheroid formation of EC cancer stem cells and reduced the levels of cancer stem cell markers SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, and Axin2. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that EC359 treatment attenuated the activation of LIF-LIFR driven pathways, including STAT3 and AKT/mTOR signaling in EC cells. Importantly, EC359 treatment resulted in a significant reduction of the growth of EC patient-derived explants ex vivo, EC cell line-derived xenografts, and patient-derived xenografts in vivo. Collectively, our work revealed the oncogenic potential of the LIF/LIFR axis in EC and support the utility of LIFR inhibitor, EC359, as a novel targeted therapy for EC via the inhibition of LIF/LIFR oncogenic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210028, Nanjing, China
| | - Kumaraguruparan Ramasamy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Sureshkumar M A Pillai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | | | | | - Prabhakar Pitta Venkata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Logan Blankenship
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Junhao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zexuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Kristin A Altwegg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Behnam Ebrahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Uday P Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Philip T Valente
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Edward Kost
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Gangadhara R Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | | | - Rajeshwar R Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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Cunnea P, Fotopoulou C, Ploski J, Trillsch F, Mahner S, Kessler M. Changes in Stem Cell Regulation and Epithelial Organisation during Carcinogenesis and Disease Progression in Gynaecological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3349. [PMID: 34283069 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent advances in our understanding of the stem cell potential in adult tissues have far-reaching implications for cancer research, and this creates new opportunities for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Here we outline changes in stem cell biology that characterize main gynaecological malignancies, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer, and focus on specific differences between them. We highlight the importance of the local niche environment as a driver of malignant transformation in addition to mutations in key cancer-driving genes. Patient-derived organoids capture in vitro main aspects of cancer tissue architecture and stemness regulatory mechanisms, thus providing a valuable new platform for a personalized approach in the treatment of gynecological malignancies. This review summarizes the main achievement and formulates remaining open questions in this fast-evolving research field. Abstract Gynaecological malignancies represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with vastly different aetiology, risk factors, molecular drivers, and disease outcomes. From HPV-driven cervical cancer where early screening and molecular diagnostics efficiently reduced the number of advanced-stage diagnosis, prevalent and relatively well-treated endometrial cancers, to highly aggressive and mostly lethal high-grade serous ovarian cancer, malignancies of the female genital tract have unique presentations and distinct cell biology features. Recent discoveries of stem cell regulatory mechanisms, development of organoid cultures, and NGS analysis have provided valuable insights into the basic biology of these cancers that could help advance new-targeted therapeutic approaches. This review revisits new findings on stemness and differentiation, considering main challenges and open questions. We focus on the role of stem cell niche and tumour microenvironment in early and metastatic stages of the disease progression and highlight the potential of patient-derived organoid models to study key events in tumour evolution, the appearance of resistance mechanisms, and as screening tools to enable personalisation of drug treatments.
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Song Y, Pan S, Li K, Chen X, Wang ZP, Zhu X. Insight into the role of multiple signaling pathways in regulating cancer stem cells of gynecologic cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:219-233. [PMID: 34098106 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence has demonstrated that a myriad of developmental signaling pathways, such as the Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog and Hippo, are frequently deregulated and play a critical role in regulating cancer stem cell (CSC) activity in human cancers, including gynecologic malignancies. In this review article, we describe an overview of various signaling pathways in human cancers. We further discuss the developmental roles how these pathways regulate CSCs from experimental evidences in gynecologic cancers. Moreover, we mention several compounds targeting CSCs in gynecologic cancers to enhance the treatment outcomes. Therefore, these signaling pathways might be the potential targets for developing targeted therapy in gynecologic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizuo Song
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kehan Li
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Z Peter Wang
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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Lv Q, Wang L, Luo X, Chen X. Adult stem cells in endometrial regeneration: Molecular insights and clinical applications. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:379-394. [PMID: 34014590 PMCID: PMC8362170 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial damage is an important cause of female reproductive problems, manifested as menstrual abnormalities, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and other complications. These conditions are collectively termed "Asherman syndrome" (AS) and are typically associated with recurrent induced pregnancy terminations, repeated diagnostic curettage and intrauterine infections. Cancer treatment also has unexpected detrimental side effects on endometrial function in survivors independently of ovarian effects. Endometrial stem cells act in the regeneration of the endometrium and in repair through direct differentiation or paracrine effects. Nonendometrial adult stem cells, such as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, with autologous and allogenic applications, can also repair injured endometrial tissue in animal models of AS and in human studies. However, there remains a lack of research on the repair of the damaged endometrium after the reversal of tumors, especially endometrial cancers. Here, we review the biological mechanisms of endometrial regeneration, and research progress and challenges for adult stem cell therapy for damaged endometrium, and discuss the potential applications of their use for endometrial repair after cancer remission, especially in endometrial cancers. Successful application of such cells will improve reproductive parameters in patients with AS or cancer. Significance: The endometrium is the fertile ground for embryos, but damage to the endometrium will greatly impair female fertility. Adult stem cells combined with tissue engineering scaffold materials or not have made great progress in repairing the injured endometrium due to benign lesions. However, due to the lack of research on the repair of the damaged endometrium caused by malignant tumors or tumor therapies, the safety and effectiveness of such stem cell-based therapies need to be further explored. This review focuses on the molecular insights and clinical application potential of adult stem cells in endometrial regeneration and discusses the possible challenges or difficulties that need to be overcome in stem cell-based therapies for tumor survivors. The development of adult stem cell-related new programs will help repair damaged endometrium safely and effectively and meet fertility needs in tumor survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoying Lv
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuezhen Luo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Ghosh A, Syed SM, Kumar M, Carpenter TJ, Teixeira JM, Houairia N, Negi S, Tanwar PS. In Vivo Cell Fate Tracing Provides No Evidence for Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition in Adult Fallopian Tube and Uterus. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107631. [PMID: 32402291 PMCID: PMC8094408 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) is thought to be involved in the maintenance, repair, and carcinogenesis of the fallopian tube (oviduct) and uterine epithelium. However, conclusive evidence for the conversion of mesenchymal cells to epithelial cells in these organs is lacking. Using embryonal cell lineage tracing with reporters driven by mesenchymal cell marker genes of the female reproductive tract (AMHR2, CSPG4, and PDGFRβ), we show that these reporters are also expressed by some oviductal and uterine epithelial cells at birth. These mesenchymal reporter-positive epithelial cells are maintained in adult mice across multiple pregnancies, respond to ovarian hormones, and form organoids. However, no labeled epithelial cells are present in any oviductal or uterine epithelia when mesenchymal cell labeling was induced in adult mice. Organoids developed from mice labeled in adulthood were also negative for mesenchymal reporters. Collectively, our work found no definitive evidence of MET in the adult fallopian tube and uterine epithelium. Mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) is postulated to be involved in the maintenance and regeneration of the epithelium of female reproductive organs. Here, Ghosh et al. report no definitive evidence of MET in the adult epithelium of oviduct and uterus using in vivo cell lineage tracing and organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Ghosh
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shafiq M Syed
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Manish Kumar
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Tyler J Carpenter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Nathaniel Houairia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Sumedha Negi
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Pradeep S Tanwar
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
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50
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Hayata Y, Nakagawa H, Kurosaki S, Kawamura S, Matsushita Y, Hayakawa Y, Suzuki N, Hata M, Tsuboi M, Kinoshita H, Miyabayashi K, Mizutani H, Nakagomi R, Ikenoue T, Hirata Y, Arita J, Hasegawa K, Tateishi K, Koike K. Axin2 + Peribiliary Glands in the Periampullary Region Generate Biliary Epithelial Stem Cells That Give Rise to Ampullary Carcinoma. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:2133-2148.e6. [PMID: 33465373 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Peribiliary glands (PBGs), clusters of epithelial cells residing in the submucosal compartment of extrahepatic bile ducts, have been suggested as biliary epithelial stem/progenitor cell niche; however, evidence to support this claim is limited because of a lack of PBG-specific markers. We therefore sought to identify PBG-specific markers to investigate the potential role of PBGs as stem/progenitor cell niches, as well as an origin of cancer. METHODS We examined the expression pattern of the Wnt target gene Axin2 in extrahepatic bile ducts. We then applied lineage tracing to investigate whether Axin2-expressing cells from PBGs contribute to biliary regeneration and carcinogenesis using Axin2-CreERT mice. RESULTS Wnt signaling activation, marked by Axin2, was limited to PBGs located in the periampullary region. Lineage tracing showed that Axin2-expressing periampullary PBG cells are capable of self-renewal and supplying new biliary epithelial cells (BECs) to the luminal surface. Additionally, the expression pattern of Axin2 and the mature ductal cell marker CK19 were mutually exclusive in periampullary region, and fate tracing of CK19+ luminal surface BECs showed gradual replacement by CK19- cells, further supporting the continuous replenishment of new BECs from PBGs to the luminal surface. We also found that Wnt signal enhancer R-spondin3 secreted from Myh11-expressing stromal cells, corresponding to human sphincter of Oddi, maintained the periampullary Wnt signal-activating niche. Notably, introduction of PTEN deletion into Axin2+ PBG cells, but not CK19+ luminal surface BECs, induced ampullary carcinoma whose development was suppressed by Wnt inhibitor. CONCLUSION A specific cell population receiving Wnt-activating signal in periampullary PBGs functions as biliary epithelial stem/progenitor cells and also the cellular origin of ampullary carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hayata
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hayato Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | - Satoshi Kawamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Matsushita
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoku Hayakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobumi Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hata
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayo Tsuboi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Kinoshita
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Gastroenterology, Institute for Adult Diseases, Asahi Life Foundation, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Miyabayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroya Mizutani
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakagomi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Ikenoue
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hirata
- Division of Advanced Genome Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junichi Arita
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hasegawa
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tateishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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