Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Markos Tesfaye, Jing Wu, Richard J. Biedrzycki, Katherine L. Grantz, Paule Joseph, Fasil Tekola-Ayele
Summary: This study found that poor social support during pregnancy is associated with inflammation, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and childhood health outcomes. Placental epigenetic alterations may be the underlying mechanism, and this study provides evidence of a link between maternal social support and DNA methylation in placenta.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nanjian Luo, Wenqiang Cheng, Yumei Zhou, Bowen Gu, Zhongquan Zhao, Yongju Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the trophoblast transcriptome in early goat placental development, identifying potential functional genes and enriched signaling pathways. The RAP1 signaling pathway was found to play a central role in regulating cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and fusion of trophoblasts, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of ruminant placentation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melanie D. Smith, Katherine Pillman, Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos, Dale McAninch, Qianhui Wan, K. Justinian Bogias, Dylan McCullough, Tina Bianco-Miotto, James Breen, Claire T. Roberts
Summary: This study investigated the role of miRNAs in early gestation human placenta using 96 placentas from presumed normal pregnancies and matched profiles from maternal plasma. The results showed a clear gestational age gradient in miRNA expression and differential expression of miRNAs between 6-10 weeks and 11-23 weeks gestation. The data presented may serve as a clinically important reference set for studying early placenta development and potentially developing minimally invasive methods for monitoring placental health.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ananth Kumar Kammala, Ryan C. V. Lintao, Natasha Vora, Angela Mosebarger, Kamil Khanipov, George Golovko, Jerome L. Yaklic, Morgan R. Peltier, Thomas P. Conrads, Ramkumar Menon
Summary: This study characterized the expression of CYP450 enzymes in fetal membranes, suggesting their potential role in xenobiotic metabolism during pregnancy. The findings revealed significant mRNA levels for major CYP450 genes in amnion epithelial cells and chorion trophoblast cells, indicating the presence of functional enzymes in these tissues. This research highlights the importance of understanding the role of CYP450 enzymes in metabolism to develop safer therapeutics and prevent adverse outcomes for pregnant women exposed to environmental toxins or medications.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
William E. Ackerman, Catalin S. Buhimschi, Thomas L. Brown, Guomao Zhao, Taryn L. Summerfield, Irina A. Buhimschi
Summary: By applying transcriptomics with weighted gene correlation network analysis, this study provides evidence for a molecular subphenotype consistent with a glycolytic metabolic shift in placental specimens of early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) with or without fetal growth restriction (FGR). The identified gene group is enriched for hypoxia-response and metabolic pathways, and the expression ratios of specific genes could be used as surrogate indices for identifying this subgroup.
Article
Cell Biology
Rain Inno, Triin Kikas, Kristiina Lillepea, Maris Laan
Summary: The placenta is a unique organ that plays important roles in maternal adaptation and fetal development. Research has shown significant differences in placental miRNA expression across different gestational stages, with some miRNAs potentially serving as potential biomarkers for pregnancy monitoring.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Riikka J. Lund, Minna Kylaniemi, Nina Pettersson, Riina Kaukonen, Mikko Konki, Noora M. Scheinin, Linnea Karlsson, Hasse Karlsson, Eeva Ekholm
Summary: Maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy can influence placental DNA methylation, particularly in genes related to neuronal development, which may impact the longterm health of the developing brain. The study found that maternal depressive symptoms are associated with DNA methylation marks in placenta, which are enriched for developmental genes and linked to mental disease traits. Further research is needed to determine if similar marks can be detected in exposed children.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zhonglu Ren, Yunfei Gao, Yue Gao, Guanmei Liang, Qian Chen, Sijia Jiang, Xiaoxue Yang, Cuixia Fan, Haizhen Wang, Jing Wang, Yi-Wu Shi, Chaoqun Xiao, Mei Zhong, Xinping Yang
Summary: The study found that early-onset severe preeclampsia and late-onset severe preeclampsia have different molecular mechanisms, with the former associated with metabolism-related pathways and the latter with immune-related pathways. Some key transcription factors may be driving the widespread gene dysregulation in both early-onset and late-onset patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah M. Kedziora, Benedikt Obermayer, Meryam Sugulle, Florian Herse, Kristin Kraeker, Nadine Haase, Immaculate M. Langmia, Dominik N. Muller, Anne Cathrine Staff, Dieter Beule, Ralf Dechend
Summary: The placenta is a temporary organ with a unique structure and function to ensure healthy fetal development. Placental dysfunction caused by diabetes affects placental metabolism, inflammation, and weight, but the main driver of gene expression differences in the placenta is fetal sex.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu-Chin Lien, Zhe Zhang, Yi Cheng, Erzsebet Polyak, Laura Sillers, Marni J. Falk, Harry Ischiropoulos, Samuel Parry, Rebecca A. Simmons
Summary: This study identified significant genomic alterations in SPTB placentas, with more gene expression changes found in male SPTB placentas. These alterations may contribute to abnormalities in placental energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and detoxification, leading to placental dysfunction in SPTB.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xilong Li, Gregory A. Johnson, Huaijun Zhou, Robert C. Burghardt, Fuller W. Bazer, Guoyao Wu
Summary: This study found that dietary supplementation with L-arginine can affect gene expression in the placenta, thereby improving placental growth and embryonic/fetal survival in swine. The results indicate that L-arginine plays a regulatory role in various important metabolic and physiological processes.
FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE-LANDMARK
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Naixin Xu, Xuanyou Zhou, Weihui Shi, Mujin Ye, Xianling Cao, Songchang Chen, Chenming Xu
Summary: This study sequenced and analyzed plasma miRNAs and placental mRNAs from RPL patients and NP controls, identifying differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs, as well as the regulatory network between related genes and biological processes. These findings suggest that circulating miRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of RPL and are potential noninvasive biomarkers for the condition.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanhui Liu, S. V. G. N. Priyadarshani, Meirong Chi, Maokai Yan, Mohammad Aqa Mohammadi, Man Zhang, Qiao Zhou, Lulu Wang, Tiantian Luo, Myat Hnin Wai, Xiaomei Wang, Hanyang Cai, Haifeng Wang, Yuan Qin
Summary: Somaclonal variation is a common occurrence in tissue-cultured plants and can result in heritable or non-heritable changes in gene expression. This study investigated the role of epigenetic regulation, specifically DNA methylation, in somaclonal variations of pineapple plants. DNA methylome and transcriptome sequencing revealed altered methylation patterns in chlorophyll development, with differentially methylated regions found in gene body regions associated with differentially expressed genes involved in chlorophyll metabolism. These findings provide insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying chlorosis regulation in pineapple plants caused by somaclonal variations.
HORTICULTURAL PLANT JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shizhe Yu, Haoren Wang, Lingpeng Yang, Yingxue Yan, Qiang Cai, Duo Ma, Long Jiang, Zehai Gao, Zhiyong Yu, Zongping Xia
Summary: The comprehensive study of the spatial-cellular anatomy of the human liver is crucial for understanding the cellular origins of liver disease. In this study, spatial transcriptomics were conducted on normal human liver tissue sections, providing detailed transcriptional information on liver zonation. A total of 6581 high-quality spots from normal livers were analyzed, mainly consisting of hepatocytes, which were classified into four sub-groups. These data serve as a reliable reference for studying the spatial heterogeneity of liver lobules.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Vassilena Sharlandjieva, Alexander G. Beristain, Jefferson Terry
Summary: This pilot study investigates whether bacteria in human placenta increase in abundance and diversity with gestational age, and whether there are associated changes in the immunophenotype of decidual immune cells. The results show that there is no significant change in bacterial diversity and abundance with gestational age, but there is an increase in the proportion of activated memory T helper cells. These preliminary findings may represent an early stage of placental colonization by bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Fouad Lemtiri-Chlieh, Dylan S. Baker, Iman M. Al-Naggar, Ramalakshmi Ramasamy, George A. Kuchel, Eric S. Levine, Paul Robson, Phillip P. Smith
Summary: This study reveals the mechanism of action of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels in bladder control. The authors found that HCN is predominantly expressed in a subpopulation of detrusor smooth myocytes in mice, and its activation reduces sustained detrusor tension through cAMP signaling, without affecting intermittent detrusor activity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-REGULATORY INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Elise Courtois, William Flynn, Santhosh Sivajothi, Martine Seignon, Diane Luo, Bora Lim, Paul Robson
Article
Developmental Biology
Dashzeveg Bayarsaihan, Badam Enkhmandakh, Anushree Vijaykumar, Paul Robson, Mina Mina
Summary: The study revealed the cellular heterogeneity and transcriptome signature of different cell clusters within the dental pulp in mouse incisors. Various subclasses of cells representing different lineages were identified, laying a foundation for uncovering the molecular processes governing cell fate decisions and lineage commitment in dental pulp derived MSCs.
GENE EXPRESSION PATTERNS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yuliana Tan, William F. Flynn, Santhosh Sivajothi, Diane Luo, Suleyman B. Bozal, Monica Dave, Anthony A. Luciano, Paul Robson, Danielle E. Luciano, Elise T. Courtois
Summary: Using single-cell analysis, this study provides a comprehensive cell atlas of endometriosis in individuals undergoing hormonal treatment, characterizing the cellular and spatial hierarchy and heterogeneity of endometrial lesions. The study identifies specific cell types and differences between lesion microenvironments and normal eutopic endometrium, providing essential information for future therapeutics and diagnostics.
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Badam Enkhmandakh, Paul Robson, Pujan Joshi, Anushree Vijaykumar, Dong-Guk Shin, Mina Mina, Dashzeveg Bayarsaihan
Summary: Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder with various systemic defects. This study found that KMT2D and KDM6A colocalize with other SET1/COMPASS complex genes in the mouse dental pulp and coexpress with downstream target genes of the WNT and sonic hedgehog signaling pathways in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) during osteogenic differentiation.
STEM CELLS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Francesca Gaccioli, Ulla Sovio, Sungsam Gong, Emma Cook, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones, Gordon C. S. Smith
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between protein levels of sFLT1 and PlGF in maternal serum and placental tissue lysates. The findings showed that the sFLT1:PlGF ratio is increased in both preeclampsia and FGR, but in preeclampsia, it is primarily driven by increased placental sFLT1 levels, while in FGR, it is primarily driven by decreased placental PlGF levels.
Article
Cell Biology
Giulia Avellino, Ruhi Deshmukh, Stephanie N. Rogers, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones, Gordon C. S. Smith, Saverio Tardito, Irving L. M. H. Aye
Summary: Human trophoblast cultures are important for studying placental development. However, current in vitro studies using commercial media with nonphysiological nutrient levels have unknown effects on trophoblast metabolism and function. This study shows that a physiological medium called Plasmax, which mimics human plasma, improves the proliferation and differentiation of human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) compared to standard medium (DMEM-F12). hTSCs cultured in Plasmax-based medium also exhibit altered metabolism and reduced S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosyl-homocysteine ratio. These findings highlight the importance of the nutritional environment for phenotyping cultured human trophoblasts.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephen P. Burr, Florian Klimm, Angelos Glynos, Malwina Prater, Pamella Sendon, Pavel Nash, Christopher A. Powell, Marie-Lune Simard, Nina A. Bonekamp, Julia Charl, Hector Diaz, Lyuba V. Bozhilova, Yu Nie, Haixin Zhang, Michele Frison, Maria Falkenberg, Nick Jones, Michal Minczuk, James B. Stewart, Patrick F. Chinnery
Summary: Mitochondrial activity varies between organs, and lineage-specific expression profiles of essential mitochondrial genes emerge early in mouse development. Disrupting intra-mitochondrial protein synthesis with mtDNA mutations induces cell lineage-specific compensatory responses, including novel molecular pathways not previously associated with organellar maintenance. These compensatory pathways, regulated by transcription factors promoting organelle resilience, contribute to tissue specificity in mitochondrial diseases and may be potential targets for organ-directed treatments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jake R. Thomas, Anna Appios, Emily F. Calderbank, Nagisa Yoshida, Xiaohui Zhao, Russell S. Hamilton, Ashley Moffett, Andrew Sharkey, Elisa Laurenti, Courtney W. Hanna, Naomi McGovern
Summary: The human placenta is an additional site of primitive haematopoiesis, where placental erythro-myeloid progenitors (PEMPs) generate HBC-like cells lacking expression of HLA-class II. This is mediated through epigenetic silencing of the CIITA gene, which regulates HLA-class II expression.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Carol A. Edwards, William M. D. Watkinson, Stephanie B. Telerman, Lisa C. Hulsmann, Russell S. Hamilton, Anne C. Ferguson-Smith, Deborah Bourc'his
Summary: In mice and humans, imprinting genes play important roles in development, behavior, and post-natal adaptations. Failure to properly imprint genes in humans is associated with various disorders and diseases. Researchers have used RNA-seq technologies and hybrid mouse strains to identify novel imprinted genes, leading to an increase in reported genes with parental origin-specific expression bias. However, validation experiments show that many of these genes are not genuine imprinted genes and that the mouse strain has a greater influence on expression biases than parental origin.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ulla Sovio, Francesca Gaccioli, Emma Cook, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones, Gordon C. S. Smith
Summary: This study aimed to determine the inter-relationships between five first-trimester biomarkers and a range of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The results showed that these biomarkers were associated with fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and preeclampsia, indicating heterogeneity in the underlying pathophysiological pathways for different types of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Roshan J. Selvaratnam, Ulla Sovio, Emma Cook, Francesca Gaccioli, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones, Gordon C. S. Smith
Summary: Consistent exposure to smoking throughout pregnancy is strongly associated with spontaneous preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. High levels of paraxanthine are not independently associated with any of the studied outcomes and are confounded by smoking.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hong Wa Yung, Graham J. Burton, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones
Summary: This article presents a protocol for culturing the endocrine junctional zone of the mouse placenta, allowing the study of placental signals on maternal physiology. The method involves dissecting and separating layers and using serum-free medium for culture.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yasmina Al Ghadban, Yuheng Du, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones, Lana X. Garmire, Gordon C. S. Smith, Ulla Sovio
Summary: This study identified and internally validated metabolites predictive of spontaneous preterm birth using multiple machine learning methods and sequential maternal serum samples. A lysolipid was found to be a novel predictor of preterm birth and early term birth.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)