Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bai-Mei Zhuang, Dan-Dan Cao, Tian-Xi Li, Xiao-Feng Liu, Min-Min Lyu, Si-Dong Wang, Xin-Yuan Cui, Li Wang, Xiao-Lin Chen, Xiao-Li Lin, Cheuk-Lun Lee, Philip C. N. Chiu, William S. B. Yeung, Yuan-Qing Yao
Summary: Our study provides a single-cell atlas for trophoblast organoids (TOs) and explores their applications in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) differentiation and communication with decidual natural killer (dNK) cells. We identified multiple distinct trophoblast states and dNK subpopulations, and found a close resemblance between TO/EVT-TO and human placenta. Transcription factors were found to be essential for controlling EVT differentiation, and ligand-receptor complexes related to cytokines, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis were predicted in dNK-EVT-TO co-cultures. Furthermore, we found that dNK cells can exert effects on EVT causing functionally important expression changes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijun Huang, Zhaowei Tu, Liudan Wei, Wei Sun, Yifan Wang, Shilei Bi, Fang He, Lili Du, Jingsi Chen, Julia Kzhyshkowska, Haibin Wang, Dunjin Chen, Shuang Zhang
Summary: The interaction between trophoblasts, stroma cells, and immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface is crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes. However, efficient experimental models are lacking to investigate this complex interplay. To address this challenge, a reliable method for generating placenta villi organoids (PVOs) from different pregnancies is developed, enabling the analysis of cellular components and genetic alterations. PVOs derived from patients with preeclampsia exhibit specific pathological features. The development of PVOs can provide insights into placenta development and placenta-related diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kaela M. Varberg, Khursheed Iqbal, Masanaga Muto, Mikaela E. Simon, Regan L. Scott, Keisuke Kozai, Ruhul H. Choudhury, John D. Aplin, Rebecca Biswell, Margaret Gibson, Hiroaki Okae, Takahiro Arima, Jay L. Vivian, Elin Grundberg, Michael J. Soares
Summary: Invasive trophoblast cells play a crucial role in placental development and pregnancy outcomes. ASCL2 is identified as a key regulator of invasive trophoblast cell lineage development in humans and rats. ASCL2 deficiency impairs EVT cell differentiation and impacts placental morphogenesis.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jingmei Ma, Yawei Liu, Zhirong Guo, Run Sun, Xinrui Yang, Weiran Zheng, Yongdan Ma, Yin Rong, Hongmei Wang, Huixia Yang, Zhenyu Xiao
Summary: This study used single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis to investigate the pathological landscape of invasive placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) placenta and revealed the interaction between invasive trophoblasts and maternal stromal cells during the invasion process. The study also presented the immune microenvironmental landscape of invasive PAS. These findings provide a foundation for future research on PAS.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Min Liu, Lingyun Liao, Yijie Gao, Yangxue Yin, Xiaohong Wei, Qin Xu, Linbo Gao, Rong Zhou
Summary: This study found that miR-199a-5p-mediated BCAM deficiency inhibits trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion by suppressing PIK3R6/p-STAT3 signaling, leading to poor placentation and preeclampsia-like phenotypes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariyan J. Jeyarajah, Gargi Jaju Bhattad, Rachel D. Kelly, Kelly J. Baines, Adam Jaremek, Fei-Hung P. Yang, Hiroaki Okae, Takahiro Arima, Vanessa Dumeaux, Stephen J. Renaud
Summary: GCM1 is a critical regulator of both EVT and ST development, affecting cell differentiation and invasive capacity, potentially leading to obstetrical complications such as preeclampsia.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariyan J. Jeyarajah, Gargi Jaju Bhattad, Rachel D. Kelly, Kelly J. Baines, Adam Jaremek, Fei-Hung P. Yang, Hiroaki Okae, Takahiro Arima, Vanessa Dumeaux, Stephen J. Renaud
Summary: GCM1 is a critical regulator of human placenta development, playing a key role in the differentiation and function of EVT and ST. Knockdown of GCM1 hinders TS cell differentiation and impacts their functions in both ST and EVT pathways.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Chie-Pein Chen, Liang-Kai Wang, Chen-Yu Chen, Chia-Yu Chen, Yi-Hsiu Kuo, Yi-Hsin Wu
Summary: The protein JAM3 is involved in the structure and regulation of placental cells, affecting their fusion, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and motility. Dysregulation of JAM3 expression is crucial in the development of preeclampsia.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nanami Ohyama, Ayako Furugen, Riko Sawada, Ryoichi Aoyagi, Ayako Nishimura, Takeshi Umazume, Katsuya Narumi, Masaki Kobayashi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of clinically relevant concentrations of antiepileptic drugs on syncytialization of trophoblasts. The results showed that exposure to valproic acid (VPA) influenced the expression of syncytialization-associated genes, inhibited cell fusion, and was correlated with neonatal and placental parameters. These findings have important implications for understanding the toxicity mechanisms of antiepileptic drugs and predicting risks to placental and fetal development.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Bianca Dietrich, Victoria Kunihs, Juergen Pollheimer, Martin Knoefler, Sandra Haider
Summary: 3D trophoblast organoids (TB-ORG) are a reliable model for studying extravillous trophoblast (EVT) lineage formation and differentiation. However, alternative cell sources are needed due to limited access to first trimester placentae. In this study, we tested whether commonly used trophoblastic cell lines, ACH-3P, HTR-8/SVneo, and SWAN-71, could self-organize into organoids and differentiate into EVT. Only ACH-3P formed organoids resembling TB-ORG architectures, and induction of EVT differentiation resulted in the formation of HLA-Gpos areas. Therefore, ACH-3P-ORGs provide another model for studying controlled EVT lineage formation and differentiation.
Article
Immunology
Michael Eikmans, Carin van der Keur, Jacqueline D. H. Anholts, Jos J. M. Drabbels, Els van Beelen, Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes, Marie-Louise van der Hoorn
Summary: This study investigated the HLA profiles of primary trophoblasts derived from placentas and their interaction with immune cells. The results showed that trophoblasts could be easily maintained and differentiated into HLA-G expressing EVT. This culture model better represents the in-vivo situation and enables mechanistic studies of fetal-maternal interactions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yiming Wang, Xiangxiang Jiang, Lei Jia, Xulun Wu, Hao Wu, Yue Wang, Qian Li, Ruoxuan Yu, Hongmei Wang, Zhenyu Xiao, Xiaoyan Liang
Summary: In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis was performed on human post-implantation embryos to reveal the transcriptional transition and morphogenesis of trophoblast cells. The findings provide important insights into the pathology of early pregnancy.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Geraldine M. Jowett, Emily Read, Luke B. Roberts, Diana Coman, Marta Vila Gonzalez, Tomasz Zabinski, Umar Niazi, Rita Reis, Tung-Jui Trieu, Davide Danovi, Eileen Gentleman, Ludovic Vallier, Michael A. Curtis, Graham M. Lord, Joana F. Neves
Summary: This article presents organoid-based models for studying the maturation of murine and human innate lymphoid cell precursors (ILCPs). The results show that the epithelial niche is sufficient to drive tissue-specific maturation of all ILC groups in mice, and human epithelial cells can recapitulate ILC maturation in the absence of organoid-associated stromal cells. These models provide a versatile approach to investigate the impact of environmental and mucosal factors on ILC maturation.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Abigail J. Deloria, Sandra Haider, Bianca Dietrich, Victoria Kunihs, Simon Oberhofer, Martin Knofler, Rainer Leitgeb, Mengyang Liu, Wolfgang Drexler, Richard Haindl
Summary: The study demonstrates the use of 3D optical coherence tomography (OCT) for analyzing human placenta organoids without sample preparation. Results show that 3D OCT enables detailed monitoring of placenta organoids, visualizing and quantifying internal structures in situ to assess differentiation status and aid advancement in the field.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea L. Miranda, Lucille T. Kourdova, Ana C. Racca, Mariano Cruz Del Puerto, Maria L. Rojas, Aldilane L. X. Marques, Elaine C. O. Silva, Eduardo J. S. Fonseca, Yamila Gazzoni, Adriana Gruppi, Alexandre U. Borbely, Susana Genti-Raimondi, Graciela M. Panzetta-Dutari
Summary: KLF6 is essential for trophoblast cell differentiation and impaired expression or function of KLF6 promotes extravillous trophoblast cell migration and differentiation, potentially contributing to the physiopathology of abnormally invasive placenta.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Tasha Wainstein, Teresa Campbell, Biljana J. Stojkova, Pascal M. Lavoie, Alison M. Elliott
Summary: This study investigated the factors that influence parental decision-making and their experiences during rapid genome sequencing (GS) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The results showed that while most parents had a positive experience with GS, a significant number experienced anxiety and decisional conflict. Prematurity and distance from the hospital site were found to be potential factors affecting parental anxiety. Open-ended responses highlighted the importance of feeling overwhelmed and the quality and timing of communication with healthcare providers. The findings suggest that the GAD-7 scale and SURE scale could be useful in identifying parents who may require additional support. Integrating genetic counselors into the NICU care team could also optimize patient education and counseling.
JOURNAL OF GENETIC COUNSELING
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Brian Grunau, Janessa Tom, Michael Asamoah-Boaheng, Sheila F. O'Brien, Steven J. Drews, Sadaf Sediqi, Pascal M. Lavoie, Vilte Barakauskas, David M. Goldfarb
Summary: The sensitivity of the nucleocapsid serological assay for identifying SARS-CoV-2 infections is 89% and remains consistent across different vaccination statuses and in Omicron cases when compared to pre-Omicron cases.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Alexandra Choi, Louise C. Masse, Samantha Bardwell, Iryna Kayda, Yanjie Zhao, Yang Xin Zi Xu, Ani Markarian, Daniel Coombs, Adrienne Macdonald, Allison W. Watts, Nalin Dhillon, Michael Irvine, Collette O'Reilly, Pascal M. Lavoie, David M. Goldfarb
Summary: This study prospectively investigated the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools during the era of variants of concern. The results showed that a majority of secondary cases occurred in home or social contacts, while a small percentage were detected through asymptomatic testing of close school contacts.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sandra Haider, Alexander G. Beristain
Summary: Research in human reproductive biology has heavily relied on clinical samples and animal models due to limited access to human embryonic material. The development of human-based in vitro systems, such as organoids, has enabled researchers to study key molecular and cellular processes unique to human reproduction. These systems have advanced our understanding of reproductive organ development, maintenance, and function, and have the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine and pre-clinical drug testing.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martin A. Prusinkiewicz, Sadaf Sediqi, Ying Jie Li, David M. Goldfarb, Michael Asamoah-Boaheng, Nechelle Wall, Pascal M. Lavoie, Brian Grunau
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the interval between the first and second vaccine doses and between the second and third doses on the immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccine. The results showed that longer intervals between doses were associated with increased immunogenicity. Increasing the interval between the second and third doses up to 8.9 months provided additional benefits in enhancing the immune response.
Retraction
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ji Soo Yoon, Shugo Sasaki, Jane Velghe, Michelle Y. Y. Lee, Helena Winata, Cuilan Nian, Francis C. C. Lynn
Article
Pediatrics
Christophe Morin, Emile Simard, Wendy See, Michael Sage, Roqaya Imane, Charlene Nadeau, Nathalie Samson, Pascal M. Lavoie, Benoit Chabot, Sofia Marouan, Sophie Tremblay, Jean-Paul Praud, Philippe Micheau, Etienne Fortin-Pellerin
Summary: This study compared the effects of total liquid ventilation (TLV) and conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) on cardiorespiratory stability in extremely preterm lambs. The results showed that lambs under TLV had higher and more stable arterial oxygen saturation and cerebral tissue oxygenation compared to lambs in the CMV group in the first 10 minutes after birth. Although histological assessment of the lungs was similar between the groups, a significant upregulation of IL-1a, IL-6, and IL-8 RNA was observed in the lungs after TLV.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pascal M. Lavoie, Jonathan H. Rayment
Summary: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a disease caused by multiple clinical factors, including lung immaturity, mechanical ventilation, oxidative stress, etc. Genetic factors play a role in the development of BPD, and both common genetic variants and rare gene mutations can affect its course.
SEMINARS IN PERINATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
A. Khan, A. M. Inkster, M. S. Penaherrera, S. King, S. Kildea, T. F. Oberlander, D. M. Olson, C. Vaillancourt, U. Brain, E. O. Beraldo, A. G. Beristain, V. L. Clifton, G. F. Del Gobbo, W. L. Lam, G. A. S. Metz, J. W. Y. Ng, E. M. Price, J. M. Schuetz, V. Yuan, E. Portales-Casamar, W. P. Robinson
Summary: This study analyzed DNAme data from 204 placentas from three cohorts to estimate epiphenotypes including gestational age, ancestry, and cell composition. The results showed that epigenetic gestational age was estimated accurately within 4 days of reported gestational age, and cell composition estimates varied within and between cohorts as well as over long placental processing times. The study also found that the ratio of cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast proportion decreased with increasing gestational age, and differed slightly by maternal ethnicity and genetic ancestry. The cohort of origin and cytotrophoblast proportion were the largest drivers of DNAme variation in the dataset.
EPIGENETICS & CHROMATIN
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Marina Vineta Paramo, Lilian P. L. Ngo, Bahaa Abu-Raya, Frederic Reicherz, Rui Yang Xu, Jeffrey N. Bone, Jocelyn A. Srigley, Alfonso Solimano, David M. Goldfarb, Danuta M. Skowronski, Pascal M. Lavine
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the changes in the severity of RSV cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found a decrease in the number of RSV cases between September 2020 and August 2021, followed by a significant increase in cases in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Additionally, there was an increase in hospitalizations during the 2022-23 period. However, there was no increase in hospitalizations or ICU admissions for premature infants or children with chronic cardiorespiratory conditions.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bahaa Abu-Raya, Frederic Reicherz, Christina Michalski, Marina Vineta Paramo, Abdelilah Majdoubi, Liam Golding, Madison Granoski, Aleksandra Stojic, David J. Marchant, Pascal M. Lavoie
Summary: This study reveals the decline of antibody functions against RSV in women of childbearing age during the implementation of COVID-19 measures without RSV circulation. These functions could serve as correlates of protection against severe RSV disease.
JOURNAL OF THE PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Mehul Sharma, Maggie P. Fu, Henry Y. Lu, Ashish A. Sharma, Bhavi P. Modi, Christina Michalski, Susan Lin, Joshua Dalmann, Areesha Salman, Kate L. Del Bel, Meriam Waqas, Jefferson Terry, Audi Setiadi, Pascal M. Lavoie, Wyeth W. Wasserman, Jill Mwenifumbo, Michael S. Kobor, Anna F. Lee, Florian Kuchenbauer, Anna Lehman, Sylvia Cheng, Anthony Cooper, Millan S. Patel, Stuart E. Turvey
Summary: The discovery of a human patient with complete deficiency of NFAT1 provides new insights into the pleiotropic role of NFAT1 and the detrimental effects associated with long-term use of calcineurin inhibitors.
Review
Allergy
Bahaa Abu-Raya, Frederic Reicherz, Pascal M. Lavoie
Summary: This review examines the correlations between immune measures at birth and clinical outcomes of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants. The studies conducted so far have yielded inconsistent findings, which may be due to differences in inclusion/exclusion criteria, RSV antibody neutralization assays, or RSV outcome measures. Future research in this field should aim to standardize immunological measures and outcomes, broaden the range of functional RSV measures, and consider the age and seasonality of RSV infection.
CLINICAL REVIEWS IN ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Georgina Angoa, Etienne Pronovost, Aissatou Bintou Khairy Thilor Ndiaye, Pascal M. Lavoie, Brigitte Lemyre, Ibrahim Mohamed, David Simonyan, Mosarrat Qureshi, Jehier Afifi, Kamran Yusuf, Thibaut Series, Mireille Guillot, Bruno Piedboeuf, William Donald Fraser, Anne-Monique Nuyt, Benoit Masse, Thierry Lacaze-Masmonteil, Isabelle Marc
Summary: This study found that maternal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during lactation had an impact on the growth of preterm infants. DHA positively affected the weight gain and growth velocity of female infants, but had a negative effect on the weight of male infants at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age.