Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hamid-Reza Kohan-Ghadr, Brooke Armistead, Mikaela Berg, Sascha Drewlo
Summary: Irisin is a newly discovered exercise-mediated polypeptide hormone. Studies have shown that Irisin protects against cell death by reducing pro-apoptotic signaling cascades, inducing DNA repair pathways, and inhibiting Caspase 3 activity. Additionally, Irisin acts through the Akt signaling pathway to prevent apoptosis, increase levels of anti-apoptotic BCL2, and reduce ROS levels. These findings provide new insights into the role of Irisin in promoting cell survival and preventing apoptosis in the human placenta under pathological conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Viju Vijayan Pillai, Tiffany G. Kei, Shailesh Gurung, Moubani Das, Luiz G. B. Siqueira, Soon Hon Cheong, Peter J. Hansen, Vimal Selvaraj
Summary: TGF beta 1 plays a crucial role in the differentiation of trophoblast cells, and inhibition of RhoA/Rock promotes self-renewal and proliferation.
Article
Developmental Biology
Matthew Gormley, Oliver Oliverio, Mirhan Kapidzic, Katherine Ona, Steven Hall, Susan J. Fisher
Summary: The study revealed the complex architecture of the human placenta, isolated trophoblast subtypes using laser capture technology, and identified previously unknown gene expression patterns using transcriptional profiling and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, it was found that invasive cytotrophoblasts express cannabinoid receptor 1, and signals from this receptor were shown to promote invasion. These findings expand our understanding of placental development and suggest a potential role of cannabinoids in this process.
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
Developmental Biology
Wei Zhou, Ellen Menkhorst, Evdokia Dimitriadis
Summary: This study identified the expression pattern of CLIC4 in the placenta and decidua, and revealed its association with trophoblast cell function and TGF beta signaling. Knockdown of CLIC4 led to increased cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, along with alterations in the expression of downstream targets of the TGF beta signaling pathway. These findings indicate an inhibitory role for CLIC4 in regulating trophoblast migration and invasion.
Article
Biology
Jimi L. Rosenkrantz, Jessica E. F. Gaffney, Victoria H. J. Roberts, Lucia Carbone, Shawn L. Chavez
Summary: This study compared the transcriptomes of human and rhesus placenta, identifying 952 differentially expressed genes between the two species. Functional enrichment analysis of human-upregulated genes revealed associations with preeclampsia and other pregnancy disorders. Additionally, two telomerase-immortalized rhesus trophoblast cell lines were generated for in vitro studies of early placentation.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ankana Ganguly, Jennifer A. Tamblyn, Alexandra Shattock, Annsha Joseph, Dean P. Larner, Carl Jenkinson, Janesh Gupta, Janesh R. Gross, Martin Hewison
Summary: Early pregnancy is characterized by elevated levels of vitamin D binding protein (DBP). The presence of DBP in the placenta and its association with malplacentation disorders like preeclampsia have been studied. Research shows that DBP plays a crucial role in trophoblast matrix invasion, intracellular actin-binding, and maintaining pregnancy health.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Bum-Kyu Lee, Jonghwan Kim
Summary: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of early human placenta development is crucial for maternal and fetal health. Recent advancements in human trophoblast models offer new opportunities, but the application of high-throughput omics tools in this field remains limited. Integration of omics approaches with human in vitro model systems has the potential to enhance our understanding of placental development and associated complications.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mentor Sopjani, Rifat Morina, Valdet Uka, Nguyen Thi Xuan, Miribane Dermaku-Sopjani
Summary: JAK2 acts as a crucial intracellular signaling effector in various cytokine receptor pathways. Research focus has been on understanding the molecular mechanisms of JAK2 activation, regulation, and its pleiotropic signaling roles, as well as its involvement in different diseases/conditions. Recent advances in studying the molecular regulatory mechanisms of JAK2 signaling provide insights for developing alternative therapeutic strategies for JAK2-mediated diseases.
CURRENT MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Raoud Marayati, Laura L. Stafman, Adele P. Williams, Laura V. Bownes, Colin H. Quinn, Jamie M. Aye, Jerry E. Stewart, Karina J. Yoon, Joshua C. Anderson, Christopher D. Willey, Elizabeth A. Beierle
Summary: Although treatment for hepatoblastoma has remained largely unchanged in the past 20 years, chemoresistance remains a significant challenge with potential roles of stem cell-like cancer cells (SCLCCs) and PIM3 kinase in disease progression and resistance to therapy. Inhibition of PIM3 kinase with AZD1208 shows promise in sensitizing cisplatin-resistant hepatoblastoma cells to treatment, indicating a potential strategy to overcome chemoresistance and decrease disease relapse.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yu Han, Huimin Zhang, Shuxiang Wang, Bo Li, Kun Xing, Yuntao Shi, Hongxue Cao, Jian Zhang, Tong Tong, Jie Zang, Lihong Guan, Xiaoxiao Gao, Yuetong Wang, Dan Liu, Min Huang, Yongkui Jing, Linxiang Zhao
Summary: A novel compound 21o with selective inhibition of MNKs and PIMs was developed, inhibiting the growth of leukemia cells without causing evident toxicity.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Pathology
Tricia A. Murdock, Aaron Varghese, Deyin Xing, J. Kenneth Schoolmeester, Caitlin Alexander, Rebecca N. Baergen, Wissam Dahoud, Mark R. Hopkins, Frederic Askin, Russell Vang
Summary: This study describes cases of bizarre chorionic-type trophoblast in second-trimester and third-trimester placentas, which are characterized by atypical cytologic changes. Clinical follow-up revealed that these cells are likely a benign degenerative change.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hirofumi Nagao, Weikang Cai, Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen, Martin Steger, Thiago M. Batista, Hui Pan, Jonathan M. Dreyfuss, Matthias Mann, C. Ronald Kahn
Summary: Insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) show distinct downstream signaling pathways and biological effects, preferentially stimulating different phosphorylation networks such as mTORC1 and Akt pathways for IR and Rho GTPases for IGF1R. Despite their high homology, IR and IGF1R exhibit unique effects on organismal function through regulating distinct phosphoproteomes in both basal and stimulated states.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Tereza Cindrova-Davies, Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
Summary: The placenta plays a critical role in the health of the fetus and its mother. However, our understanding of placental development is limited due to ethical restrictions and lack of suitable models. This review discusses current knowledge of early human placental development, emphasizing the role of the maternal endometrium and fetal-maternal dialogue, and introduces the latest cell models.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Henrieta Papuchova, Paulina A. Latos
Summary: The placenta is crucial for the development of the embryo and the success of pregnancy. It serves as a site for exchange between the mother and the embryo, has immune functions, and acts as an important endocrine organ. Specialized trophoblast cell types, including syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast, are responsible for these diverse functions of the placenta. Transcription factors play a vital role in regulating the emergence, specialization, and identity of these cells, and their coordinated actions determine the specific characteristics of each cell type. This article provides an overview of transcription factors involved in the development and function of human trophoblast and discusses their similarities and differences to their counterparts in mice. The establishment of human in vitro models combined with -omics approaches has greatly advanced our understanding of the human trophoblast field.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wittaya Chaiwangyen, Komsak Pintha, Payungsak Tantipaiboonwong, Piyawan Nuntaboon, Orawan Khantamat, Francisco Lazaro Pereira de Sousa
Summary: Air pollution, particularly PM10, has detrimental effects on trophoblast cell functions and miRNA expression. PM10 exposure decreases cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. It also induces inflammation and alters the expression of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in trophoblast cells. Additionally, PM10 exposure has been found to increase miR-125b-5p expression and negatively regulate TXNRD1.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Diana M. Morales-Prieto, Jose M. Murrieta-Coxca, Milan Stojiljkovic, Celia Diezel, Priska E. Streicher, Julian A. Henao-Restrepo, Franziska Roestel, Julia Lindner, Otto W. Witte, Sebastian Weis, Christian Schmeer, Manja Marz
Summary: Extracellular vesicles, specifically small EVs, are involved in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Aging brains show increased neuroinflammation and glial activation, which can be influenced by EVs. Our study demonstrates that sEVs from aged mice can cross the blood-brain barrier and induce glial cell activation in young animals.
Article
Immunology
Nadine Freitag, Dunja M. Baston-Buest, Jan-Steffen Kruessel, Udo R. Markert, Tanja N. Fehm, Alexandra P. Bielfeld
Summary: The study finds a link between endometriosis and changes in the immune cell population, providing a new approach for diagnosing endometriosis in infertility patients.
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Biographical-Item
Immunology
Julia Szekeres-Bartho, Udo Markert, Thomas J. Gill
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Henning Schneider, Christiane Albrecht, Mahmoud S. Ahmed, Michelle Broekhuizen, Leonie Aengenheister, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, A. H. Jan Danserf, Sophie Gil, Stefan R. Hansson, Rick Greupink, Rohan M. Lewis, Udo R. Markert, Line Mathiesen, Nicola Powles-Glover, Christian Wadsack, Paul Brownbill
Summary: The ex vivo dual perfusion model of the human placenta cotyledon has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of substance transfer and placental function. However, there is considerable variation in perfusion methodology between research centers, highlighting the need for standardization and harmonization to ensure consistent results and acceptance of the model by regulatory agencies.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Tina Gorsek Sparovec, Udo R. Markert, Philipp Reif, Wolfgang Schoell, Gerit Moser, Julia Feichtinger, Zala Nikita Mihalic, Julia Kargl, Caroline E. Gargett, Daniela Gold
Summary: This study investigated the effect of progesterone on the stemness of SUSD2+ eMSC isolated from non-pregnant uterine samples, and the role of these cells in decidualization during pregnancy. The results showed changes in gene expression profiles and reduced abundance of SUSD2+ eMSC during pregnancy, while their functional capacity remained intact.
STEM CELL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Natalin J. Valeff, Maria S. Ventimiglia, Marcos Dibo, Udo R. Markert, Federico Jensen
Summary: B1 B cells, a distinct subpopulation of B cells, have been controversial in their role during pregnancy. This study revealed an expanded and proliferative splenic B1 B cell population in mice during pregnancy, accompanied by an immunoregulatory phenotype, suggesting their critical role in the intricate process of pregnancy tolerance.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Milena Zarkovic, Franziska Hufsky, Udo R. Markert, Manja Marz
Summary: Non-coding RNAs have a central and regulatory role in the placenta, especially microRNAs. Syncytiotrophoblast cells act as a communication interface between the fetus and the mother through the release of extracellular vesicles containing ncRNAs. Disorders of ncRNAs in placental tissue are associated with pregnancy disorders and have potential as diagnostic markers.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jose M. Murrieta-Coxca, Emanuel Barth, Paulina Fuentes-Zacarias, Ruby N. Gutierrez-Samudio, Tanja Groten, Alexandra Gellhaus, Angela Koeninger, Manja Marz, Udo R. Markert, Diana M. Morales-Prieto
Summary: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a group of pathological conditions characterized by abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterus wall, and it is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this study, altered miRNA expression, particularly in placenta-specific miRNA clusters, was identified in placenta accreta tissue compared to normal placental tissues. Dysregulated pathways associated with cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and invasion were also observed. The study provides miRNA:mRNA associations that could contribute to our understanding of PAS development.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Payungsak Tantipaiboonwong, Komsak Pintha, Wittaya Chaiwangyen, Maitree Suttajit, Chakkrit Khanaree, Orawan Khantamat
Summary: Perilla leaves contain polyphenols with various biological effects. Fresh (PLEf) and dry (PLEd) Thai perilla leaf extracts were compared for their bioefficacies and bioactivities. PLEf and PLEd were rich in rosmarinic acid and bioactive phenolic compounds, but PLEd exhibited greater free radical scavenging activity. Both extracts suppressed intracellular ROS generation and exhibited antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory activities. PLEf showed higher cellular ROS suppression and higher antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory activities, which can be attributed to its combination of phytochemical components. Overall, PLEf and PLEd have the potential to serve as natural bioactive agents for potential health benefits.
Article
Oncology
S. Loibl, H. A. Azim, T. Bachelot, P. Berveiller, A. Bosch, E. Cardonick, C. Denkert, M. J. Halaska, M. Hoeltzenbein, A. L. V. Johansson, C. Maggen, U. R. Markert, F. Peccatori, P. Poortmans, E. Saloustros, C. Saura, P. Schmid, E. Stamatakis, M. van den Heuvel-Eibrink, M. van Gerwen, V. Vandecaveye, G. Pentheroudakis, G. Curigliano, F. Amant
Summary: The management of breast cancer during pregnancy is a challenging area with limited evidence. In 2022, the European Society for Medical Oncology organized a virtual consensus-building process to address controversial issues and gain insights from experts in this field.
ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Fernando Gomez-Chavez, Jose M. Murrieta-Goxes, Heriberto Caballero-Ortega, Diana M. Morales-Prieto, Udo R. Markert
Summary: Molecular communication between a pathogen and its host is crucial. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as mediators for the delivery of molecular signals. T. gondii infection during pregnancy can cause severe clinical complications. The role of EV signaling in this process remains unclear. This review summarizes the current knowledge on EV release from T. gondii and its human host cells regarding immunological consequences and placental passage.
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Frantisek Staud, Xin Pan, Rona Karahoda, Xiaojing Dong, Petr Kastner, Hana Horackova, Veronika Vachalova, Udo R. Markert, Cilia Abad
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of the placenta in regulating serotonin (5-HT) levels, including the clearance of 5-HT from the fetal circulation, its metabolism to 5-HIAA, and the subsequent excretion into the maternal circulation. This synchronized mechanism is critical for regulating 5-HT in the fetoplacental unit and can be compromised by external insults such as antidepressant drugs.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Elizabeth Soczewski, Jose Martin Murrieta-Coxca, Lucas Miranda, Paulina Fuentes-Zacarias, Ruby Gutierrez-Samudio, Esteban Grasso, Marcelo Marti, Claudia Perez Leiros, Diana Morales-Prieto, Udo R. Markert, Rosanna Ramhorst
Summary: The study reveals the role of miRNAs in regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response in decidualized cells and endometrium associated with reproductive failures. The findings highlight the potential involvement of miR-17-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-193b-3p in the regulation of ERS/UPR pathways and inflammation during embryo implantation. The expression of these miRNAs differs in stromal cells from patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure, suggesting alterations in the regulation of ERS/UPR pathways.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Patrick Mai, Joerg Hampl, Martin Baca, Dana Brauer, Sukhdeep Singh, Frank Weise, Justyna Borowiec, Andre Schmidt, Johanna Merle Kuestner, Maren Klett, Michael Gebinoga, Insa S. Schroeder, Udo R. Markert, Felix Glahn, Berit Schumann, Diana Eckstein, Andreas Schober
Summary: Recent trends in 3D cell culturing focus not only on the microenvironment, but also on microscopic geometrical parameters for mimicking tissue models. Through technologies like micromachining and 3D printing, mimicking specific tissue-relevant substrates can be achieved.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
