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Layman CE, Ward S, Davis BA, Nevonen KA, Okhovat M, Rincon M, Valent A, Carbone L, Thornburg KL. High-throughput methylome analysis reveals differential methylation for early and late onset preeclampsia for mothers and their children. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:276-282. [PMID: 38189116 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00058.2023] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that affects ∼2%-5% of all pregnancies, contributes to 4 of the top 10 causes of pregnancy-related deaths, and remains a long-term risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases. Yet, little is still known about the molecular mechanisms that lead to this disease. There is evidence that some cases have a genetic cause. However, it is well appreciated that harmful factors in the environment, such as poor nutrition, stress, and toxins, may lead to epigenetics changes that can contribute to this disease. DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic modifications known to be fairly stable and impact gene expression. Using DNA from buccal swabs, we analyzed global DNA methylation among three groups of individuals: mothers who experienced 1) early-stage preeclampsia (<32 wk), 2) late-stage preeclampsia (>37 wk), or 3) no complications during their pregnancies, as well as the children from these three groups. We found significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between mothers who experienced preeclampsia compared with those with no complications adjacent or within genes that are important for placentation, embryonic development, cell adhesion, and inflammation (e.g., the cadherin pathway). A significant portion of DMR genes showed expression in tissues relevant to preeclampsia (i.e., the brain, heart, kidney, uterus, ovaries, and placenta). As this study was performed on DNA extracted from cheek swabs, this opens the way to future studies in different tissues, aimed at identifying possible biomarkers of risk and early detection, developing targeted interventions, and reducing the progression of this life-threatening disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Preeclampsia is a life-threatening hypertensive disorder, affecting 2%-5% of pregnancies, that remains poorly understood. This study analyzed DNA methylation from buccal swabs from mothers who experienced early and late-stage preeclampsia and those with uncomplicated pregnancies, along with their children. Differentially methylated regions were found near and within genes crucial for placental function, embryonic development, and inflammation. Many of these genes are expressed in preeclampsia-related tissues, offering hope for future biomarker development for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora E Layman
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Samantha Ward
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Brett A Davis
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Kimberly A Nevonen
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Mariam Okhovat
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Monica Rincon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Amy Valent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Lucia Carbone
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon, United States
| | - Kent L Thornburg
- Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
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Lan X, Guo L, Hu C, Zhang Q, Deng J, Wang Y, Chen ZJ, Yan J, Li Y. Fibronectin mediates activin A-promoted human trophoblast migration and acquisition of endothelial-like phenotype. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:61. [PMID: 38263146 PMCID: PMC10807102 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01463-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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During human early placentation, a proportion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) migrate to the maternal decidua, differentiating into endovascular EVTs to remodel spiral arteries and ensure the establishment of blood circulation at the maternal-fetal interface. Inadequate EVT migration and endovascular differentiation are closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage. Activin A and fibronectin are both secretory molecules abundantly expressed at the maternal-fetal interface. Activin A has been reported to regulate EVT biological functions. However, whether fibronectin mediates activin A-promoted EVT migration and acquisition of endothelial-like phenotype as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Additionally, the role of fibronectin in pregnancy establishment and maintenance warrants further investigation. METHODS Primary and immortalized (HTR8/SVneo) human EVTs were used as in vitro study models. Cultured human first-trimester chorionic villous explants were utilized for ex vivo validation. A local fibronectin knockdown model in ICR mouse uteri, achieved by nonviral in vivo transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting fibronectin 1 (si-Fn1), was employed to explore the roles of fibronectin in the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy. RESULTS Our results showed that activin A treatment significantly induced fibronectin 1 (FN1) mRNA expression and fibronectin protein production, which is essential for human trophoblast migration and endothelial-like tube formation. Both basal and activin A-upregulated fibronectin expression were abolished by the TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 or siRNA-mediated knockdown of activin receptor-like kinase (ALK4) or SMAD4. Moreover, activin A-increased trophoblast migration and endothelial-like tube formation were attenuated following the depletion of fibronectin. Fibronectin knockdown via intrauterine siRNA administration reduced CD31 and cytokeratin 8 (CK8) expression at the maternal-fetal interface, resulting in a decrease in the number of implantation sites and embryos. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that activin A promotes trophoblast cell migration and acquisition of endothelial-like phenotype via ALK4-SMAD2/3-SMAD4-mediated fibronectin upregulation. Furthermore, through a local fibronectin knockdown model in mouse uteri, we found that the absence of fibronectin at the maternal-fetal interface impedes endovascular migration of trophoblasts and decidual vascularization, thereby interfering with early embryo implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. These findings provide novel insights into placental development during early pregnancy establishment and contribute to the advancement of therapeutic approaches for managing pregnancy complications related to trophoblast dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxin Lan
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ling Guo
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Cuiping Hu
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jianye Deng
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2021RU001), Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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Kozlosky D, Doherty C, Buckley B, Goedken MJ, Miller RK, Huh DD, Barrett ES, Aleksunes LM. Fetoplacental Disposition and Toxicity of Cadmium in Mice Lacking the Bcrp Transporter. Toxicol Sci 2023; 197:kfad115. [PMID: 37941438 PMCID: PMC10823776 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad115] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental toxicant cadmium (Cd) impairs the growth of rodents and humans in utero which in turn heightens susceptibility to diseases later in life. We previously demonstrated that the maternal-facing efflux transporter, breast cancer resistance protein (human BCRP/ABCG2, mouse Bcrp/Abcg2) confers resistance against Cd toxicity in human trophoblasts. In the current study, we sought to determine whether the absence of Bcrp alters the fetoplacental disposition and toxicity of Cd in mice. Pregnant female wild-type (WT) and Bcrp-null mice (n = 9-10/group) were administered a single injection of saline (5 ml/kg) or CdCl2 (5 mg/kg) on gestational day (GD) 9. Following Cd treatment, Bcrp-null offspring were shorter and accumulated more Cd in their placentas on GD 17 compared to WT mice. Because Cd can adversely impact placentation and transplacental nutrient delivery in mice, multiple pathways were assessed using morphometrics and immunohistochemistry including placenta zonation, vasculature development, and nutrient transporter expression. Most notably, the placentas of Bcrp-null mice had reduced immunostaining of the cell adhesion marker, β-catenin, and the trophoblast marker, cytokeratin, as well as decreased expression of divalent metal nutrient transporters (Dmt1, Zip14, and ZnT1) following Cd treatment. In summary, the absence of Bcrp expression increased placental concentrations of Cd which was associated with shorter fetal size that may be related to differential changes in molecular patterns of placental development and nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kozlosky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Cathleen Doherty
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Michael J Goedken
- Research Pathology Services, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | - Dan Dongeun Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Lauren M Aleksunes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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Vrzić Petronijević S, Vilotić A, Bojić-Trbojević Ž, Kostić S, Petronijević M, Vićovac L, Jovanović Krivokuća M. Trophoblast Cell Function in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2681. [PMID: 37893055 PMCID: PMC10604227 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102681] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a complex thrombo-inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Women with APS are at high risk of recurrent early pregnancy loss as well as late obstetrical complications-premature birth due to placental insufficiency or severe preeclampsia. Accumulating evidence implies that vascular thrombosis is not the only pathogenic mechanism in obstetric APS, and that the direct negative effect of aPL on the placental cells, trophoblast, plays a major role. In this review, we summarize the current findings regarding the potential mechanisms involved in aPL-induced trophoblast dysfunction. Introduction on the APS and aPL is followed by an overview of the effects of aPL on trophoblast-survival, cell function and aPL internalization. Finally, the implication of several non-coding RNAs in pathogenesis of obstetric APS is discussed, with special emphasis of their possible role in trophoblast dysfunction and the associated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Vrzić Petronijević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center of Serbia Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koste Todorovića 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Vilotić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Department for Biology of Reproduction, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Žanka Bojić-Trbojević
- University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Department for Biology of Reproduction, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Kostić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center of Serbia Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koste Todorovića 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Petronijević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center of Serbia Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koste Todorovića 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Vićovac
- University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Department for Biology of Reproduction, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Jovanović Krivokuća
- University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Department for Biology of Reproduction, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
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Mao J, Feng Y, Zheng Y, Gao Y, Zhang L, Sun X, Wu Y, Zhu X, Ma F. GPR65 inhibits human trophoblast cell adhesion through upregulation of MYLK and downregulation of fibronectin via cAMP-ERK signaling in a low pH environment. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:238. [PMID: 37723567 PMCID: PMC10506227 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01249-3] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) are essential cells during the formation of the placenta, with the major function of invading the maternal decidua, anchoring the developing placenta to the uterus, remodeling uterine arteries, and regulating immune responses to prevent rejection. During early pregnancy, the decidua undergoes a hypoxic and acidic microenvironment, which has been shown to participate in tumor cell migration, invasion, growth, and angiogenesis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which EVTs sense and respond to the acidic microenvironment, thereby executing their functions, remain poorly understood. METHODS The effects of G protein-coupled receptor 65 (GPR65) on cell adhesion and other cellular functions were tested using JAR spheroids, mouse blastocysts, and HTR-8/SVneo cells. Specifically, we employed HTR-8/SVneo cells for gene overexpression and silencing to investigate the underlying mechanism of GPR65's impact on trophoblast cell function under acidic conditions. Additionally, villus tissue samples obtained from early pregnancy loss patients were utilized to explore the potential association between GPR65 and its related signaling pathway molecules with the disease. RESULTS This study identified GPR65 expression widely in trophoblasts, with the highest level in EVTs. Importantly, optimal GPR65 levels are required for maintaining normal adhesion, migration, and invasion, whereas overexpression of GPR65 inhibits these functions by activating the cAMP-ERK signaling pathway, upregulating myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) and MYLK3 expression, and subsequently downregulating fibronectin. Consistently, elevated expression of GPR65, MYLK, and MYLK3 is observed in patients suffering from early pregnancy loss. CONCLUSIONS This work offers insights into the suppressive effects of GPR65 on EVT function under acidic conditions and highlights a putative target for therapeutic intervention in early pregnancy complications. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yayun Zheng
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Neurobiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yaqiu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Linyu Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinrui Sun
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yilun Wu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China.
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Anamthathmakula P, Shallie PD, Nayak N, Dhal S, Vivian JL, Mor G, Soares MJ, Nayak NR. Variable Cre Recombination Efficiency in Placentas of Cyp19-Cre ROSA mT/mG Transgenic Mice. Cells 2023; 12:2096. [PMID: 37626906 PMCID: PMC10453067 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162096] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aromatase-Cre recombinase (Cyp19-Cre) transgenic mouse model has been extensively used for placenta-specific gene inactivation. In a pilot study, we observed unexpected phenotypes using this mouse strain, which prompted an extensive characterization of Cyp19-Cre placental phenotypes using ROSAmT/mG transgenic reporter mice. The two strains were mated to generate bi-transgenic Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG mice following a standard transgenic breeding scheme, and placental and fetal tissues were analyzed on embryonic day 17.5. Both maternal and paternal Cre inheritance were analyzed by mating the respective Cyp19-Cre and ROSAmT/mG males and females. The genotype results showed the expected percentage of Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG fetuses (73%) and Cre mRNA was expressed in all of the Cyp19-Cre placentas. However, surprisingly, only about 50% of the Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG placentas showed Cre-mediated recombinase activity as demonstrated by placental enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression. Further genetic excision analysis of the placentas revealed consistent results showing the absence of excision of the tdTomato in all of the Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG placentas lacking EGFP expression. Moreover, among the EGFP-expressing placentas, there was wide variability in recombination efficiency, even in placentas from the same litter, leading to a mosaic pattern of EGFP expression in different zones and cell types of the placentas. In addition, we observed a significantly higher percentage of Cre recombination activity in placentas with maternal Cre inheritance. Our results show frequent mosaicism, inconsistent recombination activity, and parent-of-origin effects in placentas from Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG mice, suggesting that tail-biopsy genotype results may not necessarily indicate the excision of floxed genes in Cyp19-Cre positive placentas. Thus, placenta-specific mutagenesis studies using the Cyp19-Cre model require extensive characterization and careful interpretation of the placental phenotypes for each floxed allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Anamthathmakula
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Philemon D. Shallie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Neha Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Sabita Dhal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Jay L. Vivian
- Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Nihar R. Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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Nan W, He Y, Wang S, Zhang Y. Molecular mechanism of VE-cadherin in regulating endothelial cell behaviour during angiogenesis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1234104. [PMID: 37601629 PMCID: PMC10433914 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1234104] [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: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, an endothelium-specific adhesion protein, is found in the junctions between endothelial cells (ECs). It's crucial to maintain the homogeneity of ECs. Keeping and controlling the contact between ECs is essential. In addition to its adhesive function, VE-cadherin plays important roles in vascular development, permeability, and tumour angiogenesis. Signal transfer, cytoskeletal reconstruction, and contractile integrating, which are crucial for constructing and maintaining monolayer integrity as well as for repair and regeneration, are the foundation of endothelial cell (EC) junctional dynamics. The molecular basis of adhesion junctions (AJs), which are closely related and work with actin filaments, is provided by the VE-cadherin-catenin complex. They can activate intracellular signals that drive ECs to react or communicate structural changes to junctions. An increasing number of molecules, including the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP), have been connected to VE-cadherin in addition to the conventional VE-cadherin-catenin complex. This review demonstrates significant progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that affect VE-cadherin's function in the regulation of EC behaviour during angiogenesis. The knowledge of the molecular processes that control VE-cadherin's role in the regulation of EC behaviour during angiogenesis has recently advanced, as shown in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijin Nan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxi He
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Geisler HC, Safford HC, Mitchell MJ. Rational Design of Nanomedicine for Placental Disorders: Birthing a New Era in Women's Reproductive Health. Small 2023:e2300852. [PMID: 37191231 PMCID: PMC10651803 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300852] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a transient organ that forms during pregnancy and acts as a biological barrier, mediating exchange between maternal and fetal circulation. Placental disorders, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta spectrum, and gestational trophoblastic disease, originate in dysfunctional placental development during pregnancy and can lead to severe complications for both the mother and fetus. Unfortunately, treatment options for these disorders are severely lacking. Challenges in designing therapeutics for use during pregnancy involve selectively delivering payloads to the placenta while protecting the fetus from potential toxic side effects. Nanomedicine holds great promise in overcoming these barriers; the versatile and modular nature of nanocarriers, including prolonged circulation times, intracellular delivery, and organ-specific targeting, can control how therapeutics interact with the placenta. In this review, nanomedicine strategies are discussed to treat and diagnose placental disorders with an emphasis on understanding the unique pathophysiology behind each of these diseases. Finally, prior study of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these placental disorders has revealed novel disease targets. These targets are highlighted here to motivate the rational design of precision nanocarriers to improve therapeutic options for placental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Geisler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Hannah C. Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19014, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
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9
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Paul M, Chakraborty S, Islam S, Ain R. Trans-differentiation of trophoblast stem cells: implications in placental biology. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:6/3/e202201583. [PMID: 36574992 PMCID: PMC9797987 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast invasion is a hallmark of hemochorial placentation. Invasive trophoblast cells replace the endothelial cells of uterine spiral arteries. The mechanism by which the invasive trophoblast cells acquire this phenotype is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that, during differentiation, a small population of trophoblast stem (TS) cells trans-differentiate into a hybrid cell type expressing markers of both trophoblast (TC) and endothelial (EC) cells. In addition, a compendium of EC-specific genes was found to be associated with TS cell differentiation. Using functional annotation, these genes were categorized into angiogenesis, cell adhesion molecules, and apoptosis-related genes. HES1 repressed transcription of EC genes in TS cells. Interestingly, differentiated TCs secrete TRAIL, but its receptor DR4 is expressed only in ECs and not in TCs. TRAIL induced apoptosis in EC but not in TC. Co-culture of ECs with TC induced apoptosis in ECs via extrinsic apoptotic pathway. These results highlight that (a) TS cells possess the potential to trans-differentiate into "trophendothelial" phenotype, regulated by HES1 and (b) trophoblast differentiation-induced TRAIL secretion directs preferential demise of ECs located in their vicinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhurima Paul
- Division of Cell Biology and Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Shreeta Chakraborty
- Division of Cell Biology and Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India.,National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Safirul Islam
- Division of Cell Biology and Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India.,School of Biotechnology, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - Rupasri Ain
- Division of Cell Biology and Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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10
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Fatmous M, Rai A, Poh QH, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Endometrial small extracellular vesicles regulate human trophectodermal cell invasion by reprogramming the phosphoproteome landscape. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1078096. [PMID: 36619864 PMCID: PMC9813391 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1078096] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of cyclical events within the uterus are crucial for pregnancy establishment. These include endometrial regeneration following menses, under the influence of estrogen (proliferative phase), then endometrial differentiation driven by estrogen/progesterone (secretory phase), to provide a microenvironment enabling attachment of embryo (as a hatched blastocyst) to the endometrial epithelium. This is followed by invasion of trophectodermal cells (the outer layer of the blastocyst) into the endometrium tissue to facilitate intrauterine development. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released by endometrial epithelial cells during the secretory phase have been shown to facilitate trophoblast invasion; however, the molecular mechanisms that underline this process remain poorly understood. Here, we show that density gradient purified sEVs (1.06-1.11 g/ml, Alix+ and TSG101+, ∼180 nm) from human endometrial epithelial cells (hormonally primed with estrogen and progesterone vs. estrogen alone) are readily internalized by a human trophectodermal stem cell line and promote their invasion into Matrigel matrix. Mass spectrometry-based proteome analysis revealed that sEVs reprogrammed trophectoderm cell proteome and their cell surface proteome (surfaceome) to support this invasive phenotype through upregulation of pro-invasive regulators associated with focal adhesions (NRP1, PTPRK, ROCK2, TEK), embryo implantation (FBLN1, NIBAN2, BSG), and kinase receptors (EPHB4/B2, ERBB2, STRAP). Kinase substrate prediction highlighted a central role of MAPK3 as an upstream kinase regulating target cell proteome reprogramming. Phosphoproteome analysis pinpointed upregulation of MAPK3 T204/T202 phosphosites in hTSCs following sEV delivery, and that their pharmacological inhibition significantly abrogated invasion. This study provides novel molecular insights into endometrial sEVs orchestrating trophoblast invasion, highlighting the microenvironmental regulation of hTSCs during embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Fatmous
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University (LTU), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, LTU, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, LTU, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, LTU, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lois A. Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - David W. Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, LTU, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, LTU, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: David W. Greening,
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