Article
Developmental Biology
Matthew J. Shannon, Jennet Baltayeva, Barbara Castellana, Jasmin Wachter, Gina L. McNeill, Ji Soo Yoon, Jenna Treissman, Hoa T. Le, Pascal M. Lavoie, Alexander G. Beristain
Summary: This study employs single cell RNA sequencing to reveal the differentiation and maintenance processes of cells in early placental development, and identifies a potential progenitor marker and regulator.
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
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Arjanneke F. van de Merbel, Geertje van der Horst, Maaike H. van der Mark, Selas T. F. Bots, Diana J. M. van den Wollenberg, Corrina M. A. de Ridder, Debra Stuurman, Tilly Aalders, Sigrun Erkens-Schulz, Nadine van Montfoort, Wouter R. Karthaus, Niven Mehra, Minke Smits, Jack A. Schalken, Wytske M. van Weerden, Rob C. Hoeben, Gabri van der Pluijm
Summary: The study evaluated the oncolytic efficacy of the bioselected oncolytic reovirus mutant jin-3 in multiple human prostate cancer models, showing tumor tropism and potent anti-cancer immune responses.
CANCER GENE THERAPY
(2022)
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
Cell Biology
Eun-Ji Lim, Jae-Hyeok Kang, Yeon-Ju Kim, Seungmo Kim, Su-Jae Lee
Summary: ICAM-1 is a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer (CRC) that enhances treatment effectiveness by promoting the c-MET-SRC signaling axis. Treatment with antibodies targeting ICAM-1 can reduce metastasis and angiogenesis in CRC.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Prajakta Shinde, Alexander Kiepas, Lei Zhang, Shreya Sudhir, Konstantinos Konstantopoulos, Nicholas M. Stamatos
Summary: Polysialic acid (polySia) is a post-translational modification of cell-surface proteins that plays a role in cellular interactions. In a study using mice deficient in polySia infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), it was found that these mice were less susceptible to infection and cleared the bacteria faster. However, their lung infiltration of immune cells was diminished, possibly due to dysregulated signaling. The loss of polySia from migrating immune cells in infected wild-type mice suggests its changing role during an immune response.
Article
Cell Biology
Xinyue Liang, Yafei Hou, Lijuan Han, Shuxiang Yu, Yunyun Zhang, Xiumei Cao, Jianshe Yan
Summary: Bone homeostasis is maintained by a balance between osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. ELMO1, as a regulator of Rac1, plays a crucial role in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, with Elmo1(-/-) mice exhibiting defective bone resorption and alleviated bone erosion in a rheumatoid arthritis model.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(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
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
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hyok-rae Cho, Bo-Young Kim, Koanhoi Kim, Dongjun Lee, Seong-Kug Eo, Yonghae Son
Summary: The expression of ZO-1 is upregulated during the differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells in the presence of 27OHChol, and this upregulation is mediated by distinct signaling pathways. The coincidence of ZO-1 upregulation and dendritic cell differentiation suggests a potential role for ZO-1 in this process.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haiyan Wang, Yongyong Yan, Haifeng Lan, Nan Wei, Zhichao Zheng, Lihong Wu, Richard T. Jaspers, Gang Wu, Janak L. Pathak
Summary: This study analyzed the effect of NGR1 on cellular activities of MSCs. The results showed that NGR1 can promote migration, adhesion, spreading, osteogenic differentiation, and anti-inflammatory properties of hASCs.
Article
Immunology
Martin Degen, Arnaud Scherberich, Richard P. Tucker
Summary: Tenascin-W, the least understood among the four tenascins found in bony fish and tetrapods, is primarily expressed in developing and mature bone, in a subset of stem cell niches, and in the stroma of many solid tumors. Phylogenetic studies reveal that it is the most recent tenascin to evolve, appearing first in bony fishes. Its expression in bone and potential roles in bone formation, stem cell niches, and cancer treatment and detection warrant further investigation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Tsung-Hsuan Lai, Hsuan-Ting Chen, Wen-Bin Wu
Summary: This study established a coculture cell model to investigate trophoblast-mediated blastocyst apposition and adhesion to endometrial epithelium events. The findings revealed that FSH stimulation led to increased ICAM-1 expression in epithelial cells and trophoblast adhesion, with involvement of signaling pathways such as TNF-alpha, intracellular calcium, PKA/CREB.
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Qiwei Qian, Nana Cui, Bingyuan Huang, Yudong Zhao, Qiaoyan Liu, Mingli Hu, Bo Li, Qixia Wang, Qi Miao, Zhengrui You, Xiong Ma, Ruqi Tang
Summary: The ALCAM-CD6 axis is upregulated in the liver of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), suggesting it as a potential target for alleviating AIH.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Peter T. Ruane, Terence Garner, Lydia Parsons, Phoebe A. Babbington, Ivan Wangsaputra, Susan J. Kimber, Adam Stevens, Melissa Westwood, Daniel R. Brison, John D. Aplin
Summary: Embryo attachment to endometrial epithelium leads to the formation of multinuclear syncytiotrophoblast, which breaches the epithelial layer. This process is crucial for successful implantation and involves gene networks that are potential targets for improving implantation success rates.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Abbie Dodd, Az Alddien Natfji, Angelos Evangelinos, Antonella Grigoletto, Gianfranco Pasut, Frances Beards, Lewis Renshall, Helen M. Osborn, Francesca Greco, Lynda K. Harris
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of non-prodrug PEG-drug conjugates in reducing drug accumulation in placental tissues. Results showed that PEG was biocompatible with human placenta, with no impact on cell proliferation or apoptosis rates. Treatment with PEG did not cause significant changes in lactate dehydrogenase levels or human chorionic gonadotropin release. Cellular uptake studies demonstrated that conjugating Cy5.5 and haloperidol to PEG resulted in a significant reduction (up to approximately 40-fold) in their uptake by the placenta.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Amber Carroll, Michelle Desforges, Carolyn J. P. Jones, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: Prolonged pregnancy is associated with reduced placental growth and functional changes, leading to increased risks of perinatal mortality, neonatal compromise, and birth by Caesarean section. These changes include reduced villous vascularity, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence, which are similar to fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. Understanding the effects and risks of placental aging may guide clinicians in managing prolonged pregnancies.
Article
Developmental Biology
Carolyn J. P. Jones, John D. Aplin, Ana C. Salbany, W. R. (Twink) Allen, Sandra Wilsher
Summary: Little is known about the glycosylation of placental villi and areolae of cetaceans. This study compared the trophoblast glycosylation in these two locations and found that areolar cells are functionally distinct from villous trophoblast cells in terms of their size, granule distribution, and staining characteristics.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Azziza Zaabalawi, Lewis Renshall, Frances Beards, Adam P. Lightfoot, Hans Degens, Yvonne Alexander, Ragheb Hasan, Haris Bilal, Brigitte A. Graf, Lynda K. Harris, May Azzawi
Summary: This study investigates the use of liposome-encapsulated TMS to improve vasodilator function in patients undergoing CABG. The results demonstrate that TMS-loaded liposomes can enhance vasodilation by inhibiting CYP1B1 and reducing reactive oxygen species, and suggest the potential of TMS-loaded liposomes as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hypertension in CABG patients.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hong Wa Yung, Xiaohui Zhao, Luke Glover, Charlotte Burrin, Poh-Choo Pang, Carolyn J. P. Jones, Carolyn Gill, Kate Duhig, Matts Olovsson, Lucy C. Chappell, Stuart M. Haslam, Anne Dell, Graham J. Burton, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones
Summary: Placental ER stress in early-onset pre-eclampsia compromises glycosylation and reduces hormone bioactivity, leading to maternal metabolic disorders. ER stress alters the expression of protein glycosylation-related genes and decreases the expression of sialyltransferases. Aberrant glycosylation of placental proteins is also observed in women with pre-eclampsia, providing a mechanistic link between pre-eclampsia and subsequent maternal metabolic disorders.
Article
Developmental Biology
Carolyn J. P. Jones, Sandra Wilsher, Giulio Russo, John D. Aplin
Summary: This study investigated glycosylation in feline placentae and found significant changes in glycan distribution throughout pregnancy. Tri-tetraantennary complex N-glycan and alpha-galactosyl residues decreased in mid-pregnancy but remained at the invasion front. Other unique glycans were present in invading cells. Polylactosamine was found in the basal lamina and syncytial secretory granules clustered near the apical membrane. Decidual cells expressed beta-galactosyl residues and highly branched N-glycan levels increased over time. Differentiation pathways of lamellar and invasive cytotrophoblast are suggested.
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
John D. Aplin, Carolyn J. P. Jones, Eric Jauniaux
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Carolyn J. P. Jones, John D. Aplin
Summary: The glycotype at the fetomaternal interface was compared among endotheliochorial cat, lion, and dog placentae using 24 lectins. There was a high similarity in glycan expression between cat and lion placentae, except for the presence of terminal a-galactose in lion trophoblast. The dog showed notable differences, especially in the trophoblast, which may be attributed to species-specific glycotypes resulting from evolutionary divergence.
Review
Respiratory System
Emma J. Ragel, Lynda K. Harris, Richard A. Campbell
Summary: ARDS is a severe form of lung injury leading to respiratory failure, with no robust pharmacological treatments available. The optimal treatment for COVID-19 ARDS may differ from ARDS developed from other illnesses due to differences in pathology. New therapeutic interventions developed for CARDS may hold strong potential in treating ARDS developed from other illnesses.
BMJ OPEN RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Developmental Biology
Zhiyong Zou, Lynda K. Harris, Karen Forbes, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Zhiyong Zou, Lynda K. Harris, Karen Forbes, Alexander E. P. Heazell
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)