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Vogtmann R, Riedel A, Sassmannshausen I, Langer S, Kühnel-Terjung E, Kimmig R, Schorle H, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Overexpression of Human sFLT1 in the Spongiotrophoblast Is Sufficient to Induce Placental Dysfunction and Fetal Growth Restriction in Transgenic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2040. [PMID: 38396719 PMCID: PMC10888837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042040] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by maternal hypertension and placental dysfunction, often leading to fetal growth restriction (FGR). It is associated with an overexpression of the anti-angiogenic sFLT1 protein, which originates from the placenta and serves as a clinical biomarker to predict PE. To analyze the impact of sFLT1 on placental function and fetal growth, we generated transgenic mice with placenta-specific human sFLT1 (hsFLT1) overexpression. Immunohistochemical, morphometrical, and molecular analyses of the placentas on 14.5 dpc and 18.5 dpc were performed with a focus on angiogenesis, nutrient transport, and inflammation. Additionally, fetal development upon placental hsFLT1 overexpression was investigated. Dams exhibited a mild increase in serum hsFLT1 levels upon placental hsFLT1 expression and revealed growth restriction of the fetuses in a sex-specific manner. Male FGR fetuses expressed higher amounts of placental hsFLT1 mRNA compared to females. FGR placentas displayed an altered morphology, hallmarked by an increase in the spongiotrophoblast layer and changes in labyrinthine vascularization. Further, FGR placentas showed a significant reduction in placental glycogen storage and nutrient transporter expression. Moreover, signs of hypoxia and inflammation were observed in FGR placentas. The transgenic spongiotrophoblast-specific hsFLT1 mouse line demonstrates that low hsFLT1 serum levels are sufficient to induce significant alterations in fetal and placental development in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Vogtmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Alina Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Ivanka Sassmannshausen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Sarah Langer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Elisabeth Kühnel-Terjung
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Elke Winterhager
- EM Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
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Duan L, Reisch B, Iannaccone A, Hadrovic E, Wu Y, Vogtmann R, Winterhager E, Kimmig R, Köninge A, Mach P, Gellhaus A. The immunological factor B7-H4 is deregulated in placenta chorionic villous and decidual basalis tissues of patients with preeclampsia and HELLP. Placenta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Vogtmann R, Heupel J, Herse F, Matin M, Hagmann H, Kräker K, Bendix I, Dechend R, Winterhager E, Kimmig R, Köninger A, Gellhaus A. Maternal sFLT1 is sufficient to impair spiral arterial remodeling in mice: the link from placental dysfunction to maternal preeclampsia? Placenta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Vogtmann R, Heupel J, Herse F, Matin M, Hagmann H, Bendix I, Kräker K, Dechend R, Winterhager E, Kimmig R, Köninger A, Gellhaus A. Circulating Maternal sFLT1 (Soluble fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1) Is Sufficient to Impair Spiral Arterial Remodeling in a Preeclampsia Mouse Model. Hypertension 2021; 78:1067-1079. [PMID: 34397280 PMCID: PMC8415521 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.17567] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. One driving factor for developing preeclampsia—a pregnancy disorder, often associated with poor spiral artery (SpA)-remodeling and fetal growth restriction—is the anti-angiogenic sFLT1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1), which is found to be highly upregulated in preeclampsia patients. The sFLT1-mediated endothelial dysfunction is a common theory for the manifestation of maternal preeclampsia symptoms. However, the influence of sFLT1 on SpA-remodeling and the link between placental and maternal preeclampsia symptoms is less understood. To dissect the hsFLT1 (human sFLT1) effects on maternal and/or fetoplacental physiology in preeclampsia, sFLT1-transgenic mice with systemic hsFLT1 overexpression from midgestation onwards were used. SpA-remodeling was analyzed on histological and molecular level in placental/mesometrial triangle tissues. Maternal kidney and aorta morphology was investigated, combined with blood pressure measurements via telemetry. hsFLT1 overexpression resulted in maternal hypertension, aortic wall thickening, and elastin breakdown. Furthermore, maternal kidneys showed glomerular endotheliosis, podocyte damage, and proteinuria. preeclampsia symptoms were combined with fetal growth restriction already at the end of the second trimester and SpA-remodeling was strongly impaired as shown by persisted vascular smooth muscle cells. This phenotype was associated with shallow trophoblast invasion, delayed presence of uterine natural killer cells, and altered lymphatic angiogenesis. Overall, this study showed that circulating maternal hsFLT1 is sufficient to induce typical maternal preeclampsia-like symptoms in mice and impair the SpA-remodeling independent from the fetoplacental compartment, revealing new insights into the interaction between the placental and maternal contribution of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Vogtmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Germany (R.V., J.H., R.K., A.K., A.G.)
| | - Jacqueline Heupel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Germany (R.V., J.H., R.K., A.K., A.G.)
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a cooperation of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany (F.H., K.K., R.D.).,Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (F.H., K.K.)
| | - Mahsa Matin
- Department II of Internal Medicine-Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine-University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Cologne Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, Germany (M.M., H.H.)
| | - Henning Hagmann
- Department II of Internal Medicine-Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine-University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Cologne Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, Germany (M.M., H.H.)
| | - Ivo Bendix
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology & Experimental Perinatal Neurosciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany (I.B.)
| | - Kristin Kräker
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a cooperation of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany (F.H., K.K., R.D.).,Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany (F.H., K.K.).,Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany (K.K.)
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a cooperation of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany (F.H., K.K., R.D.).,HELIOS Klinikum, Berlin, Germany (R.D.)
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Imaging Center Essen, EM Unit, University Hospital Essen, Germany (E.W.)
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Germany (R.V., J.H., R.K., A.K., A.G.)
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Germany (R.V., J.H., R.K., A.K., A.G.).,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinic of the Order of St. John, St. Hedwigs Clinic, Regensburg, Germany (A.K.)
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Germany (R.V., J.H., R.K., A.K., A.G.)
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Heinen-Weiler J, Hasenberg M, Heisler M, Settelmeier S, Beerlage AL, Doepper H, Walkenfort B, Odersky A, Luedike P, Winterhager E, Rassaf T, Hendgen-Cotta UB. Superiority of focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope tomography of cardiomyocytes over standard 2D analyses highlighted by unmasking mitochondrial heterogeneity. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2021; 12:933-954. [PMID: 34120411 PMCID: PMC8350221 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12742] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardioprotection by preventing or repairing mitochondrial damage is an unmet therapeutic need. To understand the role of cardiomyocyte mitochondria in physiopathology, the reliable characterization of the mitochondrial morphology and compartment is pivotal. Previous studies mostly relied on two-dimensional (2D) routine transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thereby neglecting the real three-dimensional (3D) mitochondrial organization. This study aimed to determine whether classical 2D TEM analysis of the cardiomyocyte ultrastructure is sufficient to comprehensively describe the mitochondrial compartment and to reflect mitochondrial number, size, dispersion, distribution, and morphology. METHODS Spatial distribution of the complex mitochondrial network and morphology, number, and size heterogeneity of cardiac mitochondria in isolated adult mouse cardiomyocytes and adult wild-type left ventricular tissues (C57BL/6) were assessed using a comparative 3D imaging system based on focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) nanotomography. For comparison of 2D vs. 3D data sets, analytical strategies and mathematical comparative approaches were performed. To confirm the value of 3D data for mitochondrial changes, we compared the obtained values for number, coverage area, size heterogeneity, and complexity of wild-type cardiomyocyte mitochondria with data sets from mice lacking the cytosolic and mitochondrial protein BNIP3 (BCL-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa interacting protein 3; Bnip3-/- ) using FIB-SEM. Mitochondrial respiration was assessed on isolated mitochondria using the Seahorse XF analyser. A cardiac biopsy was obtained from a male patient (48 years) suffering from myocarditis. RESULTS The FIB-SEM nanotomographic analysis revealed that no linear relationship exists for mitochondrial number (r = 0.02; P = 0.9511), dispersion (r = -0.03; P = 0.9188), and shape (roundness: r = 0.15, P = 0.6397; elongation: r = -0.09, P = 0.7804) between 3D and 2D results. Cumulative frequency distribution analysis showed a diverse abundance of mitochondria with different sizes in 3D and 2D. Qualitatively, 2D data could not reflect mitochondrial distribution and dynamics existing in 3D tissue. 3D analyses enabled the discovery that BNIP3 deletion resulted in more smaller, less complex cardiomyocyte mitochondria (number: P < 0.01; heterogeneity: C.V. wild-type 89% vs. Bnip3-/- 68%; complexity: P < 0.001) forming large myofibril-distorting clusters, as seen in human myocarditis with disturbed mitochondrial dynamics. Bnip3-/- mice also show a higher respiration rate (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Here, we demonstrate the need of 3D analyses for the characterization of mitochondrial features in cardiac tissue samples. Hence, we observed that BNIP3 deletion physiologically acts as a molecular brake on mitochondrial number, suggesting a role in mitochondrial fusion/fission processes and thereby regulating the homeostasis of cardiac bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Heinen-Weiler
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Imaging Center Essen (IMCES), Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU), Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mike Hasenberg
- Imaging Center Essen (IMCES), Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU), Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Heisler
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stephan Settelmeier
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Beerlage
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hannah Doepper
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernd Walkenfort
- Imaging Center Essen (IMCES), Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU), Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andrea Odersky
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter Luedike
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Imaging Center Essen (IMCES), Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU), Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike B Hendgen-Cotta
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Duan L, Reisch B, Iannaccone A, Hadrovic E, Wu Y, Vogtmann R, Winterhager E, Kimmig R, Köninger A, Mach P, Gellhaus A. Abnormal expression of the costimulatory molecule B7-H4 in placental chorionic villous and decidual basalis tissues of patients with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13430. [PMID: 33864713 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13430] [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: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND B7-H4, a checkpoint molecule of the B7 family, regulates a broad spectrum such as T-cell activation, cytokine secretion, tumour progression, and invasion capacities. Our previous data revealed that soluble B7-H4 (sB7-H4) blood serum levels are elevated in women at high risk for the hypertensive pregnancy disorder preeclampsia (PE) in the first trimester, as well as in patients with confirmed early/late-onset PE. AIM We here aim to investigate the expression pattern of B7-H4 in placental tissues of PE and HELLP Syndrome versus control group. METHODS B7-H4 protein expression and localization were investigated by immunoblotting and co-immunohistochemistry in placental chorionic villous and decidual basalis tissues. RESULTS B7-H4 protein was prominently expressed at the cell membrane, in the cytoplasm of the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) and interstitial extravillous trophoblast (EVT). B7-H4 protein levels in placental chorionic villous tissue were significantly higher in women with early-onset/late-onset PE and HELLP, while it was decreased in decidual basalis tissues of early-onset PE and HELLP compared with controls. CONCLUSION B7-H4 was inversely expressed in placental chorionic villous and decidual basalis tissues of PE and HELLP patients. The increase in B7-H4 in the STB in PE and HELLP may lead to excessive apical expression and release of soluble B7-H4 in the maternal circulation. In contrast, the decrease in B7-H4 in decidual basalis tissues could be related to the decrease in invasion ability of the EVT in PE. Thus, the current results strongly suggest that B7-H4 is involved in the pathogenesis of PE and HELLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Duan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Beatrix Reisch
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Antonella Iannaccone
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elina Hadrovic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Vogtmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinic of the Order of St. John, St. Hedwigs Clinic, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Pawel Mach
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Duan L, Schimmelmann M, Wu Y, Reisch B, Faas M, Kimmig R, Winterhager E, Köninger A, Gellhaus A. CCN3 Signaling Is Differently Regulated in Placental Diseases Preeclampsia and Abnormally Invasive Placenta. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:597549. [PMID: 33304321 PMCID: PMC7701218 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.597549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An adequate development of the placenta includes trophoblast differentiation with the processes of trophoblast migration, invasion, cellular senescence and apoptosis which are all crucial to establishing a successful pregnancy. Altered placental development and function lead to placental diseases such as preeclampsia (PE) which is mainly characterized by insufficient trophoblast invasion and abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) disorders (Placenta accreta, increta, or percreta) which are characterized by excessive trophoblast invasion. Both of them will cause maternal and fetal morbidity/mortality. However, the etiology of these diseases is still unclear. Our previous study has shown that the matricellular protein nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV, CCN3) induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, drives trophoblast cells into senescence and activates FAK and Akt kinases resulting in reduced cell proliferation and enhanced migration capability of the human trophoblast cell line SGHPL-5. The present study focuses on whether CCN3 can alter cell cycle-regulated pathways associated with trophoblast senescence and invasion activity in pathological versus gestational age-matched control placentas. METHODS Cell cycle regulator proteins were investigated by immunoblotting and qPCR. For localization of CCN3, p16, p21, and Cyclin D1 proteins, co-immunohistochemistry was performed. RESULTS In early-onset PE placentas, CCN3 was expressed at a significantly lower level compared to gestational age-matched controls. The decrease of CCN3 level is associated with an increase in p53, Cyclin E1 and pRb protein expression, whereas the level of cleaved Notch-1, p21, Cyclin D1, pFAK, pAKT, and pmTOR protein decreased. In term AIP placentas, the expression of CCN3 was significantly increased compared to matched term controls. This increase was correlated to an increase in p53, p16, p21, Cyclin D1, cleaved Notch-1, pFAK, pAkt, and pmTOR whereas pRb was significantly decreased. However, in late PE and early AIP placentas, no significant differences in CCN3, p16, p21, Cyclin D1, p53, and cleaved Notch-1 expression were found when matched to appropriate controls. CONCLUSIONS CCN3 expression levels are correlated to markers of cell cycle arrest oppositely in PE and AIP by activating the FAK/AKT pathway in AIP or down-regulating in PE. This may be one mechanism to explain the different pathological features of placental diseases, PE and AIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Duan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manuela Schimmelmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Beatrix Reisch
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marijke Faas
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU)/Imaging Center Essen (IMCES), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Alexandra Gellhaus,
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Bendix
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology and Experimental Perinatal Neurosciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Suzanne L. Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Suzanne L. Miller
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Vogtmann R, Kühnel E, Dicke N, Verkaik-Schakel RN, Plösch T, Schorle H, Stojanovska V, Herse F, Köninger A, Kimmig R, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Human sFLT1 Leads to Severe Changes in Placental Differentiation and Vascularization in a Transgenic hsFLT1/rtTA FGR Mouse Model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:165. [PMID: 30949132 PMCID: PMC6437783 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1) is one of the candidates in the progression of preeclampsia, often associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Therapeutic agents against preeclampsia with/without FGR, as well as adequate transgenic sFLT1 mouse models for testing such agents, are still missing. Much is known about sFLT1-mediated endothelial dysfunction in several tissues; however, the influence of sFLT1 on placental and fetal development is currently unknown. We hypothesize that sFLT1 is involved in the progression of FGR by influencing placental differentiation and vascularization and is a prime candidate for interventional strategies. Therefore, we generated transgenic inducible human sFLT1/reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator (hsFLT1/rtTA) mice, in which hsFLT1 is ubiquitously overexpressed during pregnancy in dams and according to the genetics in hsFLT1/rtTA homozygous and heterozygous fetuses. Induction of hsFLT1 led to elevated hsFLT1 levels in the serum of dams and on mRNA level in all placentas and hetero-/homozygous fetuses, resulting in FGR in all fetuses at term. The strongest effects in respect to FGR were observed in the hsFLT1/rtTA homozygous fetuses, which exhibited the highest hsFLT1 levels. Only fetal hsFLT1 expression led to impaired placental morphology characterized by reduced placental efficiency, enlarged maternal sinusoids, reduced fetal capillaries, and impaired labyrinthine differentiation, associated with increased apoptosis. Besides impaired placental vascularization, the expression of several transporter systems, such as glucose transporter 1 and 3 (Glut-1; Glut-3); amino acid transporters, solute carrier family 38, member one and two (Slc38a1; Slc38a2); and most severely the fatty acid translocase Cd36 and fatty acid binding protein 3 (Fabp3) was reduced upon hsFLT1 expression, associated with an accumulation of phospholipids in the maternal serum. Moreover, the Vegf pathway showed alterations, resulting in reduced Vegf, Vegfb, and Plgf protein levels and increased Bad and Caspase 9 mRNA levels. We suggest that hsFLT1 exerts an inhibitory influence on placental vascularization by reducing Vegf signaling, which leads to apoptosis in fetal vessels, impairing placental differentiation, and the nutrient exchange function of the labyrinth. These effects were more pronounced when both the dam and the fetus expressed hsFLT1 and ultimately result in FGR and resemble the preeclamptic phenotype in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Vogtmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kühnel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nikolai Dicke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité Medical Faculty, and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- EM Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Alexandra Gellhaus
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Gellhaus A, Kühnel E, Stojanovska V, Herse F, Plösch T, Hagmann H, Schorle H, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. 113. sFlt-1 leads to severe changes in placental differentiation and maternal and fetal vessel formation in transgenic sFlt-1 preeclampsia/ IUGR mouse models. Pregnancy Hypertens 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2018.08.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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11
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Vallejo G, Mestre‐Citrinovitz AC, Winterhager E, Saragüeta PE. CSDC2, a cold shock domain RNA‐binding protein in decidualization. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:740-748. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Griselda Vallejo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IByME‐Conicet Buenos Aires Argentina
| | | | - Elke Winterhager
- Department of Molecular Biology Medical School Essen University of Duisburg‐Essen
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Serdar M, Herz J, Kempe K, Winterhager E, Jastrow H, Heumann R, Felderhoff-Müser U, Bendix I. Protection of Oligodendrocytes Through Neuronal Overexpression of the Small GTPase Ras in Hyperoxia-Induced Neonatal Brain Injury. Front Neurol 2018; 9:175. [PMID: 29619004 PMCID: PMC5871665 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prematurely born infants are highly susceptible to various environmental factors, such as inflammation, drug exposure, and also high environmental oxygen concentrations. Hyperoxia induces perinatal brain injury affecting white and gray matter development. It is well known that mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling is involved in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Therefore, we aim to elucidate cell-specific responses of neuronal overexpression of the small GTPase Ras on hyperoxia-mediated brain injury. Six-day-old (P6) synRas mice (neuronal Ras overexpression under the synapsin promoter) or wild-type littermates were kept under hyperoxia (80% oxygen) or room air (21% oxygen) for 24 h. Apoptosis was analyzed by Western blot of cleaved Caspase-3 and neuronal and oligodendrocyte degeneration via immunohistochemistry. Short-term differentiation capacity of oligodendrocytes was assessed by quantification of myelin basic protein expression at P11. Long-lasting changes of hyperoxia-induced alteration of myelin structures were evaluated via transmission electron microscopy in young adult animals (P42). Western blot analysis of active Caspase-3 demonstrates a significant upregulation in wild-type littermates exposed to hyperoxia whereas synRas mice did not show any marked alteration of cleaved Caspase-3 protein levels. Immunohistochemistry revealed a protective effect of neuronal Ras overexpression on neuron and oligodendrocyte survival. Hyperoxia-induced hypomyelination in wild-type littermates was restored in synRas mice. These short-term protective effects through promotion of neuronal survival translated into long-lasting improvement of ultrastructural alterations of myelin sheaths in mice with neuronal overexpression of Ras compared with hyperoxic wild-type mice. Our data suggest that transgenic increase of neuronal Ras activity in the immature brain results in secondary protection of oligodendrocytes from hyperoxia-induced white matter brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meray Serdar
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Josephine Herz
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karina Kempe
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Imaging Center Essen, EM Unit, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Holger Jastrow
- Imaging Center Essen, EM Unit, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rolf Heumann
- Biochemistry II, Molecular Neurobiochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ursula Felderhoff-Müser
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ivo Bendix
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Transplacental Nutrient Transport Mechanisms of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Rodent Models and Humans. Front Physiol 2017; 8:951. [PMID: 29230179 PMCID: PMC5711821 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have been intensively investigated, important information is still lacking about the role of the placenta as a link from adverse maternal environment to adverse pregnancy outcomes of IUGR and preterm birth. IUGR is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological diseases later in life. Determination of the most important pathways that regulate transplacental transport systems is necessary for identifying marker genes as diagnostic tools and for developing drugs that target the molecular pathways. Besides oxygen, the main nutrients required for appropriate fetal development and growth are glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. Dysfunction in transplacental transport is caused by impairments in both placental morphology and blood flow, as well as by factors such as alterations in the expression of insulin-like growth factors and changes in the mTOR signaling pathway leading to a change in nutrient transport. Animal models are important tools for systematically studying such complex events. Debate centers on whether the rodent placenta is an appropriate tool for investigating the alterations in the human placenta that result in IUGR. This review provides an overview of the alterations in expression and activity of nutrient transporters and alterations in signaling associated with IUGR and compares these findings in rodents and humans. In general, the data obtained by studies of the various types of rodent and human nutrient transporters are similar. However, direct comparison is complicated by the fact that the results of such studies are controversial even within the same species, making the interpretation of the results challenging. This difficulty could be due to the absence of guidelines of the experimental design and, especially in humans, the use of trophoblast cell culture studies instead of clinical trials. Nonetheless, developing new therapy concepts for IUGR will require the use of animal models for gathering robust data about mechanisms leading to IUGR and for testing the effectiveness and safety of the intervention among pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Gellhaus A, Kühnel E, Kleff V, Stojanovska V, Kaiser S, Waldschütz R, Herse F, Plösch T, Winterhager E. OP 25 Placental differentiation and nutrient transporter expression is changed in sFlt-1 preeclampsia/IUGR mouse models. Pregnancy Hypertens 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2017.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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15
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Gellhaus A, Kühnel E, Kleff V, Stojanovska V, Kaiser S, Waldschütz R, Herse F, Plösch T, Kimmig R, Köninger A, Winterhager E. Überexpression von humanem sFlt-1 verändert die Trophoblast-Differenzierung und die Expression von Nährstoff-Transportern in Präeklampsie/IUGR-Mausmodellen. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2017. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1600054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Gellhaus
- Universitätsklinikum Essen, Frauenklinik, Essen, Deutschland
| | - E Kühnel
- Universitätsklinikum Essen, Frauenklinik, Essen, Deutschland
| | - V Kleff
- Universität Duisburg-Essen, Molekularbiologie, Essen, Deutschland
| | - V Stojanovska
- Universität Groningen, Gynäkologie, Groningen, Niederlande
| | - S Kaiser
- Universität Duisburg-Essen, Molekularbiologie, Essen, Deutschland
| | - R Waldschütz
- Universität Duisburg-Essen, Zentrales Tierlaboratorium, Essen, Deutschland
| | - F Herse
- Universität Charite, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - T Plösch
- Universität Groningen, Gynäkologie, Groningen, Niederlande
| | - R Kimmig
- Universitätsklinikum Essen, Frauenklinik, Essen, Deutschland
| | - A Köninger
- Universitätsklinikum Essen, Frauenklinik, Essen, Deutschland
| | - E Winterhager
- Universität Duisburg-Essen, Molekularbiologie, Essen, Deutschland
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Kühnel E, Kleff V, Stojanovska V, Kaiser S, Waldschütz R, Herse F, Plösch T, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Placental-Specific Overexpression of sFlt-1 Alters Trophoblast Differentiation and Nutrient Transporter Expression in an IUGR Mouse Model. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:1316-1329. [PMID: 27859593 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Since it is known that placental overexpression of the human anti-angiogenic molecule sFlt-1, the main candidate in the progression of preeclampsia, lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in mice by lentiviral transduction of mouse blastocysts, we hypothesize that sFlt-1 influence placental morphology and physiology resulting in fetal IUGR. We therefore examined the effect of sFlt-1 on placental morphology and physiology at embryonic day 18.5 with histologic and morphometric analyses, transcript analyses, immunoblotting, and methylation studies. Interestingly, placental overexpression of sFlt-1 leads to IUGR in the fetus and results in lower placental weights. Moreover, we observed altered trophoblast differentiation with reduced expression of IGF2, resulting in a smaller placenta, a smaller labyrinth, and the loss of glycogen cells in the junctional zone. Changes in IGF2 are accompanied by small changes in its DNA methylation, whereas overall DNA methylation is unaffected. In addition, the expression of placental nutrient transporters, such as the glucose diffusion channel Cx26, is decreased. In contrast, the expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36 and the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 is significantly increased. In conclusion, placental sFlt-1 overexpression resulted in a reduction in the differentiation of the spongiotrophoblast into glycogen cells. These findings of a reduced exchange area of the labyrinth and glycogen stores, as well as decreased expression of glucose transporter, could contribute to the intrauterine growth restriction phenotype. All of these factors change the intrauterine availability of nutrients. Thus, we speculate that the alterations triggered by increased anti-angiogenesis strongly affect fetal outcome and programming. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1316-1329, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kühnel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Veronika Kleff
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Kaiser
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ralph Waldschütz
- Central Animal Laboratory, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Winterhager E. Direct conversion of fibroblasts traces the way back to our first organ-the placenta. Stem Cell Investig 2016; 3:45. [PMID: 27777934 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2016.08.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, Germany
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18
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Männ L, Kochupurakkal N, Martin C, Verjans E, Klingberg A, Sody S, Kraus A, Dalimot J, Bergmüller E, Jung S, Voortman S, Winterhager E, Brandau S, Garbi N, Kurrer M, Eriksson U, Gunzer M, Hasenberg M. CD11c.DTR mice develop a fatal fulminant myocarditis after local or systemic treatment with diphtheria toxin. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:2028-42. [PMID: 27184067 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201546245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To assess the role of alveolar macrophages (AMs) during a pulmonary Aspergillus fumigatus infection AMs were depleted by intratracheal application of diphtheria toxin (DTX) to transgenic CD11c.DTR mice prior to fungal infection. Unexpectedly, all CD11c.DTR mice treated with DTX died within 4-5 days, whether being infected with A. fumigatus or not. Despite measurable impact of DTX on lung functional parameters, these constrictions could not explain the high mortality rate. Instead, DTX-treated CD11c.DTR animals developed fulminant myocarditis (FM) characterized by massive leukocyte infiltration and myocardial cell destruction, including central parts of the heart's stimulus transmission system. In fact, standard limb lead ECG recordings of diseased but not healthy mice showed a "Brugada"-like pattern with an abnormally high ST segment pointing to enhanced susceptibility for potential lethal arrhythmias. While CD11c.DTR mice are extensively used for the characterization of CD11c(+) cells, including dendritic cells, several studies have already mentioned adverse side effects following DTX treatment. Our results demonstrate that this limitation is based on severe myocarditis but not on the expected lung constrictions, and has to be taken into consideration if this animal model is used. Based on these properties, however, the CD11c.DTR mouse might serve as useful animal model for FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Männ
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nora Kochupurakkal
- Department of Research, Experimental Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Martin
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Eva Verjans
- Institute of Pediatrics, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anika Klingberg
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simon Sody
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kraus
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jill Dalimot
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eileen Bergmüller
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Steffen Jung
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sylvia Voortman
- Imaging Center Essen, Electron Microscopy Unit, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Imaging Center Essen, Electron Microscopy Unit, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven Brandau
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Natalio Garbi
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms University, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Urs Eriksson
- Division of Cardioimmunology, Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Medicine, GZO-Zurich Regional Health Center, Wetzikon, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Gunzer
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mike Hasenberg
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Kirsch M, Kipkeew F, Klein D, Wülling M, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. CCN3 signaling is dysregulated in the pregnancy disorder preeclampsia. J Reprod Immunol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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20
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Kirsch M, Kipkeew F, Klein D, Wülling M, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. CCN3 signaling is dysregulated in the pregnancy disorder preeclampsia. J Reprod Immunol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.04.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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21
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Kipkeew F, Kirsch M, Klein D, Wuelling M, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. CCN1 (CYR61) and CCN3 (NOV) signaling drives human trophoblast cells into senescence and stimulates migration properties. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:163-78. [PMID: 26744771 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1139265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During placental development, continuous invasion of trophoblasts into the maternal compartment depends on the support of proliferating extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Unlike tumor cells, EVTs escape from the cell cycle before invasion into the decidua and spiral arteries. This study focused on the regulation properties of glycosylated and non-glycosylated matricellular CCN1 and CCN3, primarily for proliferation control in the benign SGHPL-5 trophoblast cell line, which originates from the first-trimester placenta. Treating SGHPL-5 trophoblast cells with the glycosylated forms of recombinant CCN1 and CCN3 decreased cell proliferation by bringing about G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, which was accompanied by the upregulation of activated Notch-1 and its target gene p21. Interestingly, both CCN proteins increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and the expression of the senescence marker p16. The migration capability of SGHPL-5 cells was mostly enhanced in response to CCN1 and CCN3, by the activation of FAK and Akt kinase but not by the activation of ERK1/2. In summary, both CCN proteins play a key role in regulating trophoblast cell differentiation by inducing senescence and enhancing migration properties. Reduced levels of CCN1 and CCN3, as found in early-onset preeclampsia, could contribute to a shift from invasive to proliferative EVTs and may explain their shallow invasion properties in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Kipkeew
- a Department of Molecular Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - Manuela Kirsch
- b Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - Diana Klein
- c Institute of Cell Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - Manuela Wuelling
- d Department of Developmental Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- a Department of Molecular Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- a Department of Molecular Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany.,b Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen , Germany
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Sharma N, Kubaczka C, Kaiser S, Nettersheim D, Mughal SS, Riesenberg S, Hölzel M, Winterhager E, Schorle H. Tpbpa mediated deletion of Tfap2c leads to deregulation of MAPK, P21, AKT and subsequent placental growth arrest. Development 2016; 143:787-98. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.128553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Loss of Tfap2c leads to developmental defects in the extra-embryonic compartment with embryonic lethality at E7.5. To investigate requirement of Tfap2c in later placental development, deletion of Tfap2c was induced throughout extra-embryonic ectoderm at E6.5 leading to severe placental abnormalities caused by reduced trophoblast population resulting in embryonic retardation by E8.5. Deletion of Tfap2c in Tpbpa+ progenitors at E8.5 results in growth arrest of junctional zone. TFAP2C regulates its target genes p21/Cdkn1a and Dusp6, involved in repression of MAPK signaling. Loss of TFAP2C reduces activation of ERK1/2 in the placenta. Downregulation of Akt and reduced activation of pAKT in the mutant placenta are accompanied by impaired glycogen synthesis. Loss of Tfap2c led to upregulation of imprinted gene H19 and downregulation of Tex19.1 and Ascl2. The placental insufficiency post E16.5 causes fetal growth restriction with 19% lighter mutant pups. TFAP2C knockdown in human trophoblast choriocarcinoma JAr cells inhibited MAPK and AKT signaling. Thus, we present a model where Tfap2c in trophoblasts controls proliferation by repressing P21 and activating MAPK pathway and further supporting differentiation of glycogen cells via activating Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sharma
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Caroline Kubaczka
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kaiser
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel Nettersheim
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Sadaf S. Mughal
- Div. Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Riesenberg
- Unit of RNA Biology, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Unit of RNA Biology, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany
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Otto T, Gellhaus A, Lüschen N, Scheidler J, Bendix I, Dunk C, Wolf N, Lennartz K, Köninger A, Schmidt M, Kimmig R, Fandrey J, Winterhager E. Oxygen Sensitivity of Placental Trophoblast Connexins 43 and 46: A Role in Preeclampsia? J Cell Biochem 2015; 116:2924-37. [PMID: 26018820 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Several gap junction connexins have been shown to be essential for appropriate placental development and function. It is known that the expression and distribution of connexins change in response to environmental oxygen levels. The placenta develops under various oxygen levels, beginning at a low oxygen tension of approximately 2% and increasing to a tension of 8% after the onset of the uteroplacental circulation. Moreover, it has been shown that during preeclampsia (PE) placentas are subjected to chronic hypoxia. Therefore, we investigated oxygen sensitivity of placental connexins 43 and 46. Using the trophoblast cell line Jar, we demonstrated that the expression of connexin43 increased during acute hypoxia but decreased during chronic hypoxia. Chronic hypoxia resulted in the translocation of connexin43 from the membrane to the cytoplasm and in a reduction in its communication properties. In contrast, the expression of connexin46 was down-regulated during chronic hypoxia and was translocated from perinuclear areas to the cell membrane. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) knockdown showed that the translocation of connexin43 but not that of connexin46 was HIF-2α dependent and was mediated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase. The up-regulation of connexin43 in combination with the down-regulation of connexin46 was confirmed in placental explants cultivated under low oxygen and in placentas with early-onset PE. Taken together, in Jar cells, placental connexins 43 and 46 are regulated during periods of low oxygen in opposite manners. The oxygen sensing of connexins in the trophoblast may play a role in physiological and pathophysiological oxygen conditions and thus may contribute to PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Otto
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Navina Lüschen
- Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Scheidler
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ivo Bendix
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Caroline Dunk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadine Wolf
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Klaus Lennartz
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Markus Schmidt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Joachim Fandrey
- Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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M Kidder G, Winterhager E. Physiological roles of connexins in labour and lactation. Reproduction 2015; 150:R129-36. [PMID: 26150552 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The connexin family of proteins are best known as oligomerizing to form intercellular membrane channels (gap junctions) that metabolically and ionically couple cells to allow for coordinated cellular function. Nowhere in the body is this role better illustrated than in the uterine smooth muscle during parturition, where gap junctions conduct the contraction wave throughout the tissue to deliver the baby. Parturition is followed by the onset of lactation with connexins contributing to both the dramatic reorganization of mammary gland tissue leading up to lactation and the smooth muscle contraction of the myoepithelial cells which extrudes the milk. This review summarizes what is known about the expression and roles of individual connexin family members in the uterus during labour and in the mammary glands during development and lactation. Connexin loss or malfunction in mammary glands and the uterus can have serious implications for the health of both the mother and the newborn baby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, CanadaInstitute of Molecular BiologyUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinics, 45211 Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologySchulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, CanadaInstitute of Molecular BiologyUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinics, 45211 Essen, Germany
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Kaiser S, Koch Y, Kühnel E, Sharma N, Gellhaus A, Kuckenberg P, Schorle H, Winterhager E. Reduced Gene Dosage of Tfap2c Impairs Trophoblast Lineage Differentiation and Alters Maternal Blood Spaces in the Mouse Placenta. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:31. [PMID: 26063869 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.126474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tfap2c is required for placental development and trophoblast stem cell maintenance. Deletion of Tfap2c results in early embryonic loss because of failure in placental development. We evaluated the effect of reduced Tfap2c expression on fetal outcome and placental development. Sixty percent of the heterozygous mice were lost directly after birth. Labyrinthine differentiation was impaired, as indicated by enhanced proliferation and inclusions of cobblestone-shaped cell clusters characterized by expression of Tfap2c and glycogen stores. Moreover, expression of marker genes such as Cdx2, Eomes, Gata3, and Ascl2 are decreased in the spongiotrophoblast and indicate a lowered stem cell potential. On Day 18.5 postcoitum, the labyrinth layer of Tfap2c(+/-) placentas exhibited massive hemorrhages in the maternal blood spaces; these hemorrhages might have contributed to the significantly reduced number of live-born pups. These morphological alterations were accompanied by a shift toward sinusoidal trophoblast giant cells as the cell subpopulation lining the maternal sinusoids and toward reduction in expression of the prolactin gene family member Prl2c2, a finding characteristic of the spiral arteries lining trophoblast cells. The trophoblast stem cells heterozygous for Tfap2c exhibited a reduction in the expression level of stem cell markers and in their proliferation and differentiation capacity but did not exhibit changes in marker genes of the trophoblast giant cell lineage. Taken together, these findings indicate that a reduction in the gene dosage of placental Tfap2c leads to morphological changes in the labyrinth at midgestation and in the maternal blood spaces during late pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kaiser
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Koch
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kühnel
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Neha Sharma
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter Kuckenberg
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Bosen F, Celli A, Crumrine D, vom Dorp K, Ebel P, Jastrow H, Dörmann P, Winterhager E, Mauro T, Willecke K. Altered epidermal lipid processing and calcium distribution in the KID syndrome mouse model Cx26S17F. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:1904-10. [PMID: 26070424 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome is caused by mutations in the gap junctional channel protein connexin 26 (Cx26), among them the mutation Cx26S17F. Heterozygous Cx26S17F mice resemble the human KID syndrome, i.e. exhibiting epidermal hyperplasia and hearing impairments. Newborn Cx26S17F mice show a defective epidermal water barrier as well as altered epidermal lipid secretion and location. Linoleoyl ω-esterified ceramides are strongly decreased on the skin surface of Cx26S17F mice. Moreover, the epidermal calcium gradient is altered in the mutant mice. These alterations may be caused by an abnormal Cx26S17F channel function that leads to a defective epidermal water barrier, which in turn may trigger the hyperproliferation seen in the KID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Bosen
- LIMES (Life and Medical Science Institute), Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Celli
- Department of Dermatology, SF-VAMC and UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Debra Crumrine
- Department of Dermatology, SF-VAMC and UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katharina vom Dorp
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Ebel
- LIMES (Life and Medical Science Institute), Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Holger Jastrow
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Clinic Essen, Germany
| | - Peter Dörmann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Clinic Essen, Germany
| | - Theodora Mauro
- Department of Dermatology, SF-VAMC and UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Klaus Willecke
- LIMES (Life and Medical Science Institute), Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
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Mestre-Citrinovitz AC, Kleff V, Vallejo G, Winterhager E, Saragüeta P. A Suppressive Antagonism Evidences Progesterone and Estrogen Receptor Pathway Interaction with Concomitant Regulation of Hand2, Bmp2 and ERK during Early Decidualization. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124756. [PMID: 25897495 PMCID: PMC4405574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor participate in growth and differentiation of the different rat decidual regions. Steroid hormone receptor antagonists were used to study steroid regulation of decidualization. Here we describe a suppressive interaction between progesterone receptor (onapristone) and estrogen receptor (ICI182780) antagonists and their relation to a rescue phenomenon with concomitant regulation of Hand2, Bmp2 and p-ERK1/2 during the early decidualization steps. Phenotypes of decidua development produced by antagonist treatments were characterized by morphology, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis and expression of signaling molecules. We found that suppression of progesterone receptor activity by onapristone treatment resulted in resorption of the implantation sites with concomitant decrease in progesterone and estrogen receptors, PCNA, KI67 antigen, DESMIN, CCND3, CX43, Prl8a2, and signaling players such as transcription factor Hand2, Bmp2 mRNAs and p-ERK1/2. Moreover, FGF-2 and Vegfa increased as a consequence of onapristone treatment. Implantation sites from antagonist of estrogen receptor treated rats developed all decidual regions, but showed an anomalous blood vessel formation at the mesometrial part of the decidua. The deleterious effect of onapristone was partially counteracted by the impairment of estrogen receptor activity with rescue of expression levels of hormone steroid receptors, proliferation and differentiation markers, and the induction of a probably compensatory increase in signaling molecules Hand2, Bmp2 and ERK1/2 activation compared to oil treated controls. This novel drug interaction during decidualization could be applied to pathological endometrial cell proliferation processes to improve therapies using steroid hormone receptor targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronika Kleff
- Institut für Anatomie, Universaetsklinikum Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Griselda Vallejo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IByME-Conicet, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institut für Molekulare Biologie, Universaetsklinikum Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Patricia Saragüeta
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IByME-Conicet, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Winterhager E, Kidder GM. Gap junction connexins in female reproductive organs: implications for women's reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:340-52. [PMID: 25667189 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [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: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexins comprise a family of ~20 proteins that form intercellular membrane channels (gap junction channels) providing a direct route for metabolites and signalling molecules to pass between cells. This review provides a critical analysis of the evidence for essential roles of individual connexins in female reproductive function, highlighting implications for women's reproductive health. METHODS No systematic review has been carried out. Published literature from the past 35 years was surveyed for research related to connexin involvement in development and function of the female reproductive system. Because of the demonstrated utility of genetic manipulation for elucidating connexin functions in various organs, much of the cited information comes from research with genetically modified mice. In some cases, a distinction is drawn between connexin functions clearly related to the formation of gap junction channels and those possibly linked to non-channel roles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Based on work with mice, several connexins are known to be required for female reproductive functions. Loss of connexin43 (CX43) causes an oocyte deficiency, and follicles lacking or expressing less CX43 in granulosa cells exhibit reduced growth, impairing fertility. CX43 is also expressed in human cumulus cells and, in the context of IVF, has been correlated with pregnancy outcome, suggesting that this connexin may be a determinant of oocyte and embryo quality in women. Loss of CX37, which exclusively connects oocytes with granulosa cells in the mouse, caused oocytes to cease growing without acquiring meiotic competence. Blocking of CX26 channels in the uterine epithelium disrupted implantation whereas loss or reduction of CX43 expression in the uterine stroma impaired decidualization and vascularization in mouse and human. Several connexins are important in placentation and, in the human, CX43 is a key regulator of the fusogenic pathway from the cytotrophoblast to the syncytiotrophoblast, ensuring placental growth. CX40, which characterizes the extravillous trophoblast (EVT), supports proliferation of the proximal EVTs while preventing them from differentiating into the invasive pathway. Furthermore, women with recurrent early pregnancy loss as well as those with endometriosis exhibit reduced levels of CX43 in their decidua. The antimalaria drug mefloquine, which blocks gap junction function, is responsible for increased risk of early pregnancy loss and stillbirth, probably due to inhibition of intercellular communication in the decidua or between trophoblast layers followed by an impairment of placental growth. Gap junctions also play a critical role in regulating uterine blood flow, contributing to the adaptive response to pregnancy. Given that reproductive impairment can result from connexin mutations in mice, it is advised that women suffering from somatic disease symptoms associated with connexin gene mutations be additionally tested for impacts on reproductive function. Better knowledge of these essential connexin functions in human female reproductive organs is important for safeguarding women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinics, 45211 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario and Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
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Bickert A, Ginkel C, Kol M, vom Dorp K, Jastrow H, Degen J, Jacobs RL, Vance DE, Winterhager E, Jiang XC, Dörmann P, Somerharju P, Holthuis JCM, Willecke K. Functional characterization of enzymes catalyzing ceramide phosphoethanolamine biosynthesis in mice. J Lipid Res 2015; 56:821-35. [PMID: 25667419 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m055269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides bulk amounts of SM, mammalian cells produce small quantities of the SM analog ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE). Little is known about the biological role of CPE or enzymes responsible for CPE production. Heterologous expression studies revealed that SM synthase (SMS)2 is a bifunctional enzyme producing both SM and CPE, whereas SMS-related protein (SMSr) serves as monofunctional CPE synthase. Acute disruption of SMSr catalytic activity in cultured cells causes a rise in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) ceramides, fragmentation of ER exit sites, and induction of mitochondrial apoptosis. To address the relevance of CPE biosynthesis in vivo, we analyzed the tissue-specific distribution of CPE in mice and generated mouse lines lacking SMSr and SMS2 catalytic activity. We found that CPE levels were >300-fold lower than SM in all tissues examined. Unexpectedly, combined inactivation of SMSr and SMS2 significantly reduced, but did not eliminate, tissue-specific CPE pools and had no obvious impact on mouse development or fertility. While SMSr is widely expressed and serves as the principal CPE synthase in the brain, blocking its catalytic activity did not affect ceramide levels or secretory pathway integrity in the brain or any other tissue. Our data provide a first inventory of CPE species and CPE-biosynthetic enzymes in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Bickert
- Molecular Genetics, Life, and Medical Sciences Institute University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Ginkel
- Molecular Genetics, Life, and Medical Sciences Institute University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthijs Kol
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Katharina vom Dorp
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Holger Jastrow
- Imaging Center Essen, Electron Microscopy Unit, University Hospital University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Joachim Degen
- Molecular Genetics, Life, and Medical Sciences Institute University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - René L Jacobs
- Departments of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, University of Alberta, T6G 2S2 Edmonton, Canada
| | - Dennis E Vance
- Biochemistry, University of Alberta, T6G 2S2 Edmonton, Canada
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Xian-Cheng Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203
| | - Peter Dörmann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Pentti Somerharju
- Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joost C M Holthuis
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Molecular Genetics, Life, and Medical Sciences Institute University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Kipkeew F, Klein D, Wülling M, Whitley G, Köninger A, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. CCN3 (NOV): A key player in trophoblast differentiation promoting cell cycle exit and migration of extravillous trophoblast cells and its role in preeclampsia. Placenta 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.06.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kibschull M, Colaco K, Matysiak-Zablocki E, Winterhager E, Lye SJ. Connexin31.1 (Gjb5) deficiency blocks trophoblast stem cell differentiation and delays placental development. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:2649-60. [PMID: 24866916 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The gap junction channel forming connexins (Cx) Cx31 (Gjb3) and Cx31.1 (Gjb5) are co-expressed in the mouse trophoblast lineage. Inactivation of either gene results in partial embryonic loss at mid gestation (60% and 30%, respectively, between embryonic days E10.5and E13.5) caused by placental phenotypes. Cx31 deficiency results in loss of stem cell potential and enhanced trophoblast giant cell (TGC) differentiation, whereas the molecular role of the co-expressed Cx31.1 remained unclear. It was assumed that both isoforms have overlapping functions and can compete for each loss in placentation as both knockout mice show similar survival rates, reduced placental weights, and growth restricted embryos. Instead, here we show that Cx31.1 has opposed functions in regulating trophoblast differentiation. Cx31.1 deficiency causes a shift in placental subpopulations, reduced area of fetal blood spaces, and a reduced number of secondary TGC in the junctional zone, as shown by stereology at E10.5. Cx31.1 is critical for terminal differentiation of trophoblast cells during placentation resulting in a delayed induction of marker genes Tpbpa, Prl3b1/Pl-2, and Ctsq in Cx31.1-deficient placentas. Derivation and analysis of Cx31.1-deficient trophoblast stem lines clearly indicates a delayed trophoblast differentiation manifested by repression of marker genes for placental subpopulations and continued expression of stem cell marker genes Id2 and Ascl2, which is correlated to enhanced proliferation capacity of differentiating stem cells These findings clarify the disparate actions of Cx31.1 and Cx31 that act in opposition to balance the fate of trophoblast cells during differentiation, with Cx31.1 promoting, and Cx31 delaying terminal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Kibschull
- 1 Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute , Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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Plaks V, Gershon E, Zeisel A, Jacob-Hirsch J, Neeman M, Winterhager E, Rechavi G, Domany E, Dekel N. Blastocyst implantation failure relates to impaired translational machinery gene expression. Reproduction 2014; 148:87-98. [PMID: 24700326 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte quality is a well-established determinant of embryonic fate. However, the molecular participants and biological markers that affect and may predict adequate embryonic development are largely elusive. Our aim was to identify the components of the oocyte molecular machinery that part take in the production of a healthy embryo. For this purpose, we used an animal model, generated by us previously, the oocytes of which do not express Cx43 (Cx43(del/del)). In these mice, oogenesis appears normal, fertilisation does occur, early embryonic development is successful but implantation fails. We used magnetic resonance imaging analysis combined with histological examination to characterise the embryonic developmental incompetence. Reciprocal embryo transfer confirmed that the blastocyst evolved from the Cx43(del/del) oocyte is responsible for the implantation disorder. In order to unveil the genes, the impaired expression of which brings about the development of defective embryos, we carried out a genomic screening of both the oocytes and the resulting blastocysts. This microarray analysis revealed a low expression of Egr1, Rpl21 and Eif4a1 in Cx43(del/del) oocytes and downregulation of Rpl15 and Eif4g2 in the resulting blastocysts. We propose that global deficiencies in genes related to the expression of ribosomal proteins and translation initiation factors in apparently normal oocytes bring about accumulation of defects, which significantly compromise their developmental capacity. The blastocysts resulting from such oocytes, which grow within a confined space until implantation, may be unable to generate enough biological mass to allow their expansion. This information could be implicated to diagnosis and treatment of infertility, particularly to IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Plaks
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eran Gershon
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Amit Zeisel
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Jasmine Jacob-Hirsch
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Michal Neeman
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Gideon Rechavi
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eytan Domany
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Departments of Biological RegulationPhysics of Complex SystemsThe Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, IsraelInstitute of AnatomyUniversity Hospital Duisburg-Essen, Essen, GermanyThe Sheba Cancer Research CenterSheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Winterhager E, Gellhaus A, Blois SM, Hill LA, Barr KJ, Kidder GM. Decidual angiogenesis and placental orientation are altered in mice heterozygous for a dominant loss-of-function Gja1 (connexin43) mutation. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:111. [PMID: 24048574 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.111690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin43 (CX43), encoded by Gja1 in the mouse, is highly expressed in decidual cells and is known to be important for the transformation of stromal cells into the compact decidua and for neoangiogenesis. Here we investigated if the dominant Gja1(Jrt) mutation encoding CX43(G60S) in mice, which results in a phenotype resembling oculodentodigital dysplasia in humans, has an impact on decidualization, angiogenesis, and implantation. We found a reduced mean weight of fetuses at Gestational Day 17.5 in dams carrying this mutation, with the growth deficiency being independent of fetal genotype. Although the mutant implantation sites exhibited a reduction in CX43 protein, with most immunoreactivity being cytoplasmic, the decidua was morphologically intact at Embryonic Days 5.5 to 7.5. However, the mutation resulted in enhanced and irregular angiogenesis and an increased level of expression of the angiogenic factor-encoding genes Vegfa, Flt1, Kdr, and Fgf2 as well as the prolactin-related gene Prl6a. Moreover, immunolocalization of VEGFA, FLT1, and KDR revealed a homogeneous distribution pattern in the mesometrial as well as antimesometrial decidua of the mutants. Most obviously, uterine NK cells are drastically diminished in the mesometrial decidua of the mutant mice. Invasion of ectoplacental cone cells was disoriented, and placentation was established more laterally in the implantation chambers. It was concluded that the CX43(G60S) mutant impairs control of decidual angiogenesis, leading to dysmorphic placentation and fetal growth restriction. This phenomenon could contribute to the reduced fetal weights and viability of pups born of Gja1(Jrt)/+ dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Clinics Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Zahedi Y, Zaun G, Maderwald S, Orzada S, Pütter C, Scherag A, Winterhager E, Ladd ME, Grümmer R. Impact of repetitive exposure to strong static magnetic fields on pregnancy and embryonic development of mice. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 39:691-9. [PMID: 24123601 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate possible risks of strong static magnetic fields for embryo implantation, gestation, organogenesis, and embryonic development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant mice were exposed for 75 minutes daily during the entire course of pregnancy at the bore entrance, representing the position of medical staff, and at the isocenter, representing the position of patients, of a 1.5 T and a 7 T human MRI scanner. RESULTS No effect of static magnetic field strength was observed with regard to pregnancy rate, duration of pregnancy, litter size, still births, malformations, sex distribution, or postpartum death of offspring. During the first 8 weeks postnatal, mice exposed in utero to a magnetic field strength of 1.5 T or stronger showed a slight delay in weight gain and in time to eye opening compared to controls. CONCLUSION Daily exposure to strong magnetic fields during pregnancy had no deleterious effect on offspring; however, a developmental retardation could be observed postnatally with regard to weight gain and eye opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Zahedi
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Germany
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35
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Zaun G, Zahedi Y, Maderwald S, Orzada S, Pütter C, Scherag A, Winterhager E, Ladd ME, Grümmer R. Repetitive exposure of mice to strong static magnetic fields in utero does not impair fertility in adulthood but may affect placental weight of offspring. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 39:683-90. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Zaun
- Institute of Molecular Biology; University Hospital; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
| | - Yasmin Zahedi
- Institute of Molecular Biology; University Hospital; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
| | - Stefan Maderwald
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
| | - Stephan Orzada
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology; University Hospital; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
| | - Carolin Pütter
- Institute for Medical Informatics; Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital; University of Duisburg-Essen; Germany
| | - André Scherag
- Institute for Medical Informatics; Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital; University of Duisburg-Essen; Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology; University Hospital; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
| | - Mark E. Ladd
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology; University Hospital; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
| | - Ruth Grümmer
- Institute of Molecular Biology; University Hospital; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
- Institute for Anatomy; University Hospital; University Duisburg-Essen; Germany
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36
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Kibschull M, Colaco K, Matysiak-Zablocki E, Winterhager E, Lye S. The Gap Junction Channel encoding Genes Connexin31 (Gjb3) and Connexin31.1 (Gjb5) have Directly Opposed Effects on Trophoblast Stem Cell Differentiation during Mouse Placental Development. Placenta 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.06.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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37
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Kipkeew F, Klein D, Wülling M, Whitley G, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Matricellular CCN1 and CCN3 proteins are key regulators at the fetal-maternal interface by promoting cell cycle exit and migration of extravillous trophoblast cells. Placenta 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.06.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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38
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Gellhaus A, Liu H, Wu Y, Horsch L, Radke S, Giebel B, Köninger A, Kimmig R, Winterhager E. Der angiogene Faktor CCN3 ist an der endothelialen Dysfunktion in der Präeklampsie beteiligt. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2013. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1347727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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39
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Wagener J, Yang W, Kazuschke K, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. CCN3 regulates proliferation and migration properties in Jeg3 trophoblast cells via ERK1/2, Akt and Notch signalling. Mol Hum Reprod 2012; 19:237-49. [PMID: 23220688 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that CCN3 is deregulated in early-onset pre-eclampsia (PE), a pregnancy disease associated with impaired trophoblast invasion, which leads to reduced fetal oxygen and nutrition support. Recently, we identified the glycosylated (g-CCN3) and the non-glycosylated (ng-CCN3) form of matricellular CCN3 as key factors in regulation of trophoblast proliferation and invasion. While Jeg3 cells revealed a decreased proliferation upon stimulation with both forms of CCN3, enhanced migration and invasion properties were only found for ng-CCN3. Here, we focused on the signalling cascades mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), PI3 kinase/Akt and Notch/p21 for mediating the dual function of CCN3 on trophoblast proliferation versus migration in Jeg3 cells upon stimulation with g- and ng-recombinant CCN3 (g/ng-rCCN3). Analysis of the CCN3-mediated signalling pathways showed that ng-rCCN3 stimulated migration properties by activating the Akt as well as the MAPK pathway. Moreover, cell migration stimulated by ng-rCCN3 was mediated via Akt and integrin α5β1 but not the antiproliferative effect of CCN3. There was evidence that the Notch pathway might contribute to the antiproliferative properties of both forms of CCN3 by an increase in Notch1 expression and its target gene, the cell cycle inhibitor p21. Our data showed that the presence of both forms of CCN3 is accompanied by a balance of trophoblast proliferation and migration/invasion properties, which are triggered by different signalling pathways. Thus, a deregulated expression of g/ng-CCN3 could lead to an imbalance in proliferation versus invasion, and might contribute to the shallow trophoblast invasion observed in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wagener
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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40
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González IT, Barrientos G, Freitag N, Otto T, Thijssen VLJL, Moschansky P, von Kwiatkowski P, Klapp BF, Winterhager E, Bauersachs S, Blois SM. Uterine NK cells are critical in shaping DC immunogenic functions compatible with pregnancy progression. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46755. [PMID: 23056436 PMCID: PMC3466312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) and natural killer (NK) cell interactions are important for the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity, but their relevance during early pregnancy remains elusive. Using two different strategies to manipulate the frequency of NK cells and DC during gestation, we investigated their relative impact on the decidualization process and on angiogenic responses that characterize murine implantation. Manipulation of the frequency of NK cells, DC or both lead to a defective decidual response characterized by decreased proliferation and differentiation of stromal cells. Whereas no detrimental effects were evident upon expansion of DC, NK cell ablation in such expanded DC mice severely compromised decidual development and led to early pregnancy loss. Pregnancy failure in these mice was associated with an unbalanced production of anti-angiogenic signals and most notably, with increased expression of genes related to inflammation and immunogenic activation of DC. Thus, NK cells appear to play an important role counteracting potential anomalies raised by DC expansion and overactivity in the decidua, becoming critical for normal pregnancy progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tirado González
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular Placentaria, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Teresa Otto
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Victor L. J. L. Thijssen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Angiogenesis Laboratory, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Moschansky
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra von Kwiatkowski
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burghard F. Klapp
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra M. Blois
- Medicine University of Berlin, Charité Centre 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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41
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Koch Y, van Fürden B, Kaiser S, Klein D, Kibschull M, Schorle H, Carpinteiro A, Gellhaus A, Winterhager E. Connexin 31 (GJB3) deficiency in mouse trophoblast stem cells alters giant cell differentiation and leads to loss of oxygen sensing. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:37. [PMID: 22623621 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.098079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The nonphysiological placental oxidative environment has been implicated in many complications during human pregnancy. Oxygen tension can influence a broad spectrum of molecular changes leading to alterations in trophoblast cell lineage development. In this study, we report that mouse wild-type trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) react to low oxygen (3%) with an enhanced differentiation into the giant cell pathway, indicated by a downregulation of the early stem cell markers Eomes and Cdx2 as well as by a significant upregulation of Tfap2c and the differentiation markers Tpbpa and Prl3d1. Here we demonstrated that connexin 31/GJB3-deficient TSCs failed to stabilize HIF-1A under low oxygen, resulting in nonresponsiveness of different marker genes, such as Cdx2 and Eomes and Tfap2c and Tpbpa. Moreover, connexin 31-deficient TSCs revealed a shift in giant cell differentiation from Prl3d1 expressing parietal giant cells to Ctsq, Prl3b1, and Prl2c2-positive giant cells, probably sinusoidal and canal lining trophoblast giant cells. Thus, loss of connexin 31 led to different giant cell subtypes which bypass the progenitor regulators Tfap2c and Tpbpa under low oxygen conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Koch
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany
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42
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Hoyer C, Vogt MA, Richter SH, Zaun G, Zahedi Y, Maderwald S, Ladd ME, Winterhager E, Grümmer R, Gass P. Repetitive exposure to a 7 Tesla static magnetic field of mice in utero does not cause alterations in basal emotional and cognitive behavior in adulthood. Reprod Toxicol 2012; 34:86-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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43
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Winterhager E, Hill L, Gray EA, Barr KJ, Kidder GM. A Dominant Loss-of-Function Gja1 (Connexin43) Mutation Alters Decidual Angiogenesis and Placental Orientation in Mice. Biol Reprod 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/87.s1.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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44
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Gellhaus A, Otto T, Wolf N, Scheidler J, Boengler K, Dunk C, Schmidt M, Kimmig R, Lennartz K, Lye S, Winterhager E. The effect of oxygen on placental connexins 43 and 46 and its contribution to preeclampsia. J Reprod Immunol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.03.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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45
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Dunk CE, Gellhaus A, Drewlo S, Baczyk D, Pötgens AJG, Winterhager E, Kingdom JCP, Lye SJ. The molecular role of connexin 43 in human trophoblast cell fusion. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:115. [PMID: 22238282 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.096925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin expression and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) mediated by connexin 43 (Cx43)/gap junction A1 (GJA1) are required for cytotrophoblast fusion into the syncytium, the outer functional layer of the human placenta. Cx43 also impacts intracellular signaling through protein-protein interactions. The transcription factor GCM1 and its downstream target ERVW-1/SYNCYTIN-1 are key players in trophoblast fusion and exert their actions through the ERVW-1 receptor SLC1A5/ASCT-2/RDR/ATB(0). To investigate the molecular role of the Cx43 protein and its interaction with this fusogenic pathway, we utilized stable Cx43-transfected cell lines established from the choriocarcinoma cell line Jeg3: wild-type Jeg3, alphahCG/Cx43 (constitutive Cx43 expression), JpUHD/Cx43 (doxycyclin-inducible Cx43 expression), or JpUHD/trCx43 (doxycyclin-inducible Cx43 carboxyterminal deleted). We hypothesized that truncation of Cx43 at its C-terminus would inhibit trophoblast fusion and protein interaction with either ERVW-1 or SLC1A5. In the alphahCG/Cx43 and JpUHD/Cx43 lines, stimulation with cAMP caused 1) increase in GJA1 mRNA levels, 2) increase in percentage of fused cells, and 3) downregulation of SLC1A5 expression. Cell fusion was inhibited by GJIC blockade using carbenoxylone. Neither Jeg3, which express low levels of Cx43, nor the JpUHD/trCx43 cell line demonstrated cell fusion or downregulation of SLC1A5. However, GCM1 and ERVW-1 mRNAs were upregulated by cAMP treatment in both Jeg3 and all Cx43 cell lines. Silencing of GCM1 prevented the induction of GJA1 mRNA by forskolin in BeWo choriocarcinoma cells, demonstrating that GCM1 is upstream of Cx43. All cell lines and first-trimester villous explants also demonstrated coimmunoprecipitation of SLC1A5 and phosphorylated Cx43. Importantly, SLC1A5 and Cx43 gap junction plaques colocalized in situ to areas of fusing cytotrophoblast, as demonstrated by the loss of E-cadherin staining in the plasma membrane in first-trimester placenta. We conclude that Cx43-mediated GJIC and SLC1A5 interaction play important functional roles in trophoblast cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Dunk
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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46
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Dicke N, Pielensticker N, Degen J, Hecker J, Tress O, Bald T, Gellhaus A, Winterhager E, Willecke K. Peripheral lymphangiogenesis in mice depends on ectodermal connexin-26 (Gjb2). J Cell Sci 2011; 124:2806-15. [PMID: 21807945 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.084186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to study the specific function of connexin-26 (Cx26, also known as gap junction beta-2 protein; Gjb2), we generated knockin mice that expressed either a floxed lacZ reporter or, after Cre-mediated deletion, connexin-32 (Cx32)-coding DNA, both driven by the endogenous Cx26 promoter. Heterozygous Cx26knock-inCx32 (Cx26KICx32) embryos developed normally until embryonic day 14.5 but died before birth with severe lymphedemas. Although the jugular lymph sacs were normally developed, these embryos had a strongly reduced dermal lymphatic capillary network. By analyses of β-galactosidase reporter protein expression and lymphatic or blood endothelial-specific marker proteins, we demonstrated that Cx26 expression is temporally closely linked to lymphangiogenesis. No obvious phenotypic abnormalities were observed in Cx26KICx32 mice when Cre-mediated recombination was directed to mesenchyme or blood endothelium using the Prx1-Cre or Tie2-Cre mouse strains, respectively. By contrast, keratin-5-Cre-mediated replacement of Cx26 with Cx32 or deletion of both Cx26 alleles revealed severe lymphedemas similar to the general Cx26KICx32 phenotype. Thus, conditional ablation of Cx26 (loss of function) in ectoderm leads to partial disruption of lymphatic capillaries and embryonic death. We conclude that appropriate development of dermal lymphatic vessels in mice is dependent on the expression of Cx26 in the ectoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai Dicke
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, 53117 Bonn, Germany
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47
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Sood A, Salih S, Roh D, Lacharme-Lora L, Parry M, Hardiman B, Keehan R, Grummer R, Winterhager E, Gokhale PJ, Andrews PW, Abbott C, Forbes K, Westwood M, Aplin JD, Ingham E, Papageorgiou I, Berry M, Liu J, Dick AD, Garland RJ, Williams N, Singh R, Simon AK, Lewis M, Ham J, Roger L, Baird DM, Crompton LA, Caldwell MA, Swalwell H, Birch-Machin M, Lopez-Castejon G, Randall A, Lin H, Suleiman MS, Evans WH, Newson R, Case CP. Signalling of DNA damage and cytokines across cell barriers exposed to nanoparticles depends on barrier thickness. Nat Nanotechnol 2011; 6:824-833. [PMID: 22056725 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2011.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The use of nanoparticles in medicine is ever increasing, and it is important to understand their targeted and non-targeted effects. We have previously shown that nanoparticles can cause DNA damage to cells cultured below a cellular barrier without crossing this barrier. Here, we show that this indirect DNA damage depends on the thickness of the cellular barrier, and it is mediated by signalling through gap junction proteins following the generation of mitochondrial free radicals. Indirect damage was seen across both trophoblast and corneal barriers. Signalling, including cytokine release, occurred only across bilayer and multilayer barriers, but not across monolayer barriers. Indirect toxicity was also observed in mice and using ex vivo explants of the human placenta. If the importance of barrier thickness in signalling is a general feature for all types of barriers, our results may offer a principle with which to limit the adverse effects of nanoparticle exposure and offer new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sood
- Bristol Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Clinical Science at North Bristol University of Bristol, Avon Orthopaedic Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol
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48
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Dicke N, Pielensticker N, Degen J, Hecker J, Tress O, Bald T, Gellhaus A, Winterhager E, Willecke K. Peripheral lymphangiogenesis in mice depends on ectodermal connexin-26 (Gjb2). Development 2011. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.072975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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49
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Yang W, Wagener J, Wolf N, Schmidt M, Kimmig R, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Impact of CCN3 (NOV) glycosylation on migration/invasion properties and cell growth of the choriocarcinoma cell line Jeg3. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:2850-60. [PMID: 21784733 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently we have shown that the matricellular CCN3 protein expressed in invasive extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) is decreased in early-onset pre-eclampsia and is regulated by oxygen tension. Pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia relies on a shallow invasion of EVTs into the spiral arteries, which leads to hypoxia accompanied by uteroplacental insufficiency. Here we investigated the function of glycosylated and non-glycosylated CCN3 protein on cell growth as well as migration and invasion properties of the malignant trophoblast cell line Jeg3 which is a widely used model for the invasive trophoblast. METHODS AND RESULTS Stable transfection of Jeg3 choriocarcinoma cells with full length CCN3 resulted in high expression of secreted glycosylated and cellular non-glycosylated CCN3. These cells revealed significantly reduced growth in cell numbers combined with a significantly increased migratory and invasive capacity. Matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities were enhanced dependent on CCN3 expression, which could be confirmed by CCN3 knockdown studies. Using recombinant glycosylated and non-glycosylated CCN3, we revealed that CCN3 decreased growth in Jeg3 cell numbers independent of its glycosylation status, whereas only non-glycosylated CCN3 was able to enhance migration and invasion properties. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that CCN3 protein regulates the decrease in Jeg3 cell numbers independent of its glycosylation status, whereas migratory and invasive properties are influenced only by non-glycosylated CCN3. An impaired balance in the expression of glycosylated and non-glycosylated CCN3 could contribute to the shallow invasion of EVTs observed in pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, 45145 Essen, Germany
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50
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Bittner AK, Horsthemke B, Winterhager E, Grümmer R. Hormone-induced delayed ovulation affects early embryonic development. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2390-4. [PMID: 21474126 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Revised: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effects of delayed ovulation on embryonic development in mice, because intrafollicular oocyte development may be delayed during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment in humans. DESIGN Experimental mouse study. SETTING University hospital. ANIMAL(S) Female C57Bl/6 mice. INTERVENTION(S) Cetrorelix is used as a GnRH-antagonist in ART treatments. To assess the effect of delayed ovulation on embryonic development, cetrorelix was applied concomitantly with follicle stimulation by pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Ovulation was induced by hCG. Controls were stimulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin without delaying ovulation. Suppression of ovulation was assessed from the number of tertiary follicles, ruptured follicles, and corpora lutea in mouse ovaries after cetrorelix treatment. Number and weight of embryos and placentas, as well as number of resorption sites and dead embryos, was determined on day 17.5 of pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Inhibition of ovulation, embryonic development. RESULT(S) Cetrorelix inhibited ovulation in mice, as shown by an increase in number of tertiary follicles concomitant with a significant inhibition of follicle rupture and corpora lutea formation. Delayed ovulation caused by Cetrorelix treatment led to a significant increase in resorption sites and a significant decrease in embryonic weight of offspring. CONCLUSION(S) Preovulatory oocyte overripeness might have an effect on fertility and embryonic development during ART treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Bittner
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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