Review
Immunology
Victoria Male, Ashley Moffett
Summary: The presence of granulated lymphocytes known as uNK cells in the human uterine mucosa was first noted in the nineteenth century, but they were identified as a type of NK cell in 1990. Uterine NK cells have been found to be less cytotoxic than their peripheral counterparts. Recent research has identified three subpopulations of uNK cells that cluster separately from peripheral NK cells. This review examines the history of uNK cell research, their interactions with placental cells, their role in placental implantation, and their potential for defending against infection and mediating memory effects.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
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
Environmental Sciences
Sofie Vranken, Armin Scheben, Jacqueline Batley, Thomas Wernberg, Melinda Ann Coleman
Summary: Genetic diversity has a significant impact on the adaptability of organisms to environmental change. This study focuses on the genetic consequences of sexual and clonal populations of kelp Ecklonia radiata. The results show that clonal reproduction leads to reduced genotypic diversity and slower adaptation, but sexual reproduction and interbreeding are still possible. However, the clonal populations exhibit distinct patterns of putative local adaptation and high vulnerability to environmental stress.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meng Lu, Zhi Li, Zi-Yu Zhu, Fang Peng, Yang Wang, Xi-Yin Li, Zhong-Wei Wang, Xiao-Juan Zhang, Li Zhou, Jian-Fang Gui
Summary: This study investigates the reproductive characteristics and genomic changes in unisexual and sexual reproduction transitions in polyploid Carassius fish species. The findings provide comprehensive evidence of how changes in ploidy drive reproductive transitions and prevent genomic decay.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Darina Bacenkova, Marianna Trebunova, Dasa Cizkova, Radovan Hudak, Erik Dosedla, Alena Findrik-Balogova, Jozef Zivcak
Summary: The article discusses the complex process of placental implantation and development, as well as current technologies used to study the behavior of placental cells. Regulation by transcription factors leads to differentiation of trophoblast cells and formation of distinct populations. The 3D in vitro model is crucial for studying placental physiology and modeling placental diseases.
Article
Plant Sciences
Seema Parveen, Nutan Singh, Arjun Adit, Suman Kumaria, Rajesh Tandon, Manu Agarwal, Arun Jagannath, Shailendra Goel
Summary: Through studying the genetic diversity of two species of Nymphaea from six different states in India, this research revealed genetic differences between N. micrantha and N. nouchali, and highlighted the predominantly asexual reproduction in N. micrantha, which is crucial for genetic diversity and wetland restoration programs.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Gauster, Gerit Moser, Stefan Wernitznig, Nadja Kupper, Berthold Huppertz
Summary: Successful pregnancy relies on the proper development of the embryo and its implantation into the uterine wall. The trophoblast cells play a crucial role in this process, differentiating and forming subpopulations that contribute to placental development and function.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Yuichi Nakajima, Yu Matsuki, Miguel D. D. Fortes, Wilfredo H. H. Uy, Wilfredo L. L. Campos, Kazuo Nadaoka, Chunlan Lian
Summary: Seagrasses are vital for maintaining species diversity in tropical and subtropical coastal ecosystems. Population genetic studies provide valuable insights into the reproductive dynamics and dispersal patterns of seagrass populations. In this study, the clonal and genetic diversity of Thalassia hemprichii in the Philippines was assessed, revealing separate populations maintained by both sexual and asexual reproduction. Genetic differentiation was significant among all sites, indicating complex genetic structure at both regional and local scales.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Jiaying Qin, Wanqiong Li, Bo Lv, Zhigang Xue, Jinfeng Xue
Summary: During embryo development, the totipotent blastomere undergoes the first lineage decision, resulting in the formation of the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE). The ICM develops into the fetus, while the TE forms the placenta, which acts as the interface between maternal and fetal bloodstreams. Proper differentiation of trophoblast lineage is crucial for placental and fetal development, and abnormalities in this process are associated with pregnancy disorders and fetal growth restriction. This review focuses on the early differentiation and key regulatory factors of trophoblast lineage, which have been poorly understood. Additionally, recent developments in trophoblast stem cells, trophectoderm stem cells, and blastoids provide accessible models to study embryo implantation and placentation.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marie L. Nydam, Alan R. Lemmon, Jesse R. Cherry, Michelle L. Kortyna, Darragh L. Clancy, Cecilia Hernandez, C. Sarah Cohen
Summary: Ascidians play a central role in marine benthic communities as a large group of invertebrates. The botryllid ascidians, a group of 53 colonial species, have been found to have unique morphological characteristics that can aid in their identification. However, additional information such as larval or life history characteristics may be needed for taxonomic discrimination among species in this group. Molecular barcodes are essential for distinguishing morphologically similar species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Changwon Yang, Sunwoo Park, Gwonhwa Song, Whasun Lim
Summary: This study investigated the role of tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs (tiRNAs) in PA-induced apoptosis in human trophoblasts. The findings suggest that the tiRNA(GlyCCC/GCC) molecule may be involved in mediating the effects of PA on human trophoblasts, impacting intracellular signal transduction pathways and calcium homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(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
Plant Sciences
Yuan Li, Gensheng Bao, Peng Zhang, Xiaoyun Feng, Jingjuan Ma, Hainian Lu, Hongxiao Shi, Xiaoxing Wei, Bingming Tang, Kai Liu
Summary: This study examined the correlations between plant diversity and bud bank traits at different stages of alpine meadow degradation. The findings showed that grass biomasses and plant diversity were highest in moderately degraded meadows, while sedge biomasses were highest in lightly degraded meadows. The densities of bud banks were influenced by the level of disturbance, with undisturbed meadows having the highest bud bank density. The study also found that the densities and diversities of rhizome and tiller buds play crucial roles in facilitating the greater diversity of the plant community.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
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)
Review
Oncology
Thomas R. Flint, James O. Jones, Miriam Ferrer, Francesco Colucci, Tobias Janowitz
SEMINARS IN ONCOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Physiology
Matthew T. Ratsep, Stephen D. Moore, Salema Jafri, Melissa Mitchell, Hugh J. M. Brady, Ofer Mandelboim, Mark Southwood, Nicholas W. Morrell, Francesco Colucci, Mark L. Ormiston
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LUNG CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Immunology
Oisin Huhn, Olympe Chazara, Martin A. Ivarsson, Christelle Retiere, Timothy C. Venkatesan, Paul J. Norman, Hugo G. Hilton, Jyothi Jayaraman, James A. Traherne, John Trowsdale, Mitsutero Ito, Christiane Kling, Peter Parham, Hormas Ghadially, Ashley Moffett, Andrew M. Sharkey, Francesco Colucci
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Immunology
Maneesh K. Misra, Danillo G. Augusto, Gonzalo Montero Martin, Neda Nemat-Gorgani, Juergen Sauter, Jan A. Hofmann, James A. Traherne, Betsy Gonzalez-Quezada, Clara Gorodezky, Will P. Bultitude, Wesley Marin, Cynthia Vierra-Green, Kirsten M. Anderson, Antonio Balas, Jose L. Caro-Oleas, Elisa Cisneros, Francesco Colucci, Ravi Dandekar, Sally M. Elfishawi, Marcelo A. Fernandez-Vina, Merhan Fouda, Rafael Gonzalez-Fernandez, Arend Grosser, Maria J. Herrero-Mata, Sam Q. Hollenbach, Steven G. E. Marsh, Alex Mentzer, Derek Middleton, Ashley Moffett, Miguel A. Moreno-Hidalgo, Ghada I. Mossallam, Annettee Nakimuli, Jorge R. Oksenberg, Stephen J. Oppenheimer, Peter Parham, Maria-Luiza Petzl-Erler, Dolores Planelles, Florentino Sanchez-Garcia, Francisco Sanchez-Gordo, Alexander H. Schmidt, John Trowsdale, Luciana B. Vargas, Jose L. Vicario, Carlos Vilches, Paul J. Norman, Jill A. Hollenbach
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Iva Filipovic, Laura Chiossone, Paola Vacca, Russell S. Hamilton, Tiziano Ingegnere, Jean-Marc Doisne, Delia A. Hawkes, Maria Cristina Mingari, Andrew M. Sharkey, Lorenzo Moretta, Francesco Colucci
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2018)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francesco Colucci
Editorial Material
Immunology
Francesco Colucci
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oisin Huhn, Martin A. Ivarsson, Lucy Gardner, Mike Hollinshead, Jane C. Stinchcombe, Puran Chen, Norman Shreeve, Olympe Chazara, Lydia E. Farrell, Jakob Theorell, Hormas Ghadially, Peter Parham, Gillian Griffiths, Amir Horowitz, Ashley Moffett, Andrew M. Sharkey, Francesco Colucci
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Norman Shreeve, Delphine Depierreux, Delia Hawkes, James A. Traherne, Ulla Sovio, Oisin Huhn, Jyothi Jayaraman, Amir Horowitz, Hormas Ghadially, John R. B. Perry, Ashley Moffett, John G. Sled, Andrew M. Sharkey, Francesco Colucci
Summary: Genetic ablation of NKG2A in dams mated with wild-type males may result in suboptimal maternal vascular responses during pregnancy, leading to various abnormalities similar to human preeclampsia. The study also suggests that the maternal HLA-B allele plays a significant role in influencing NKG2A education, potentially affecting the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Review
Immunology
Evgeniya V. Shmeleva, Francesco Colucci
Summary: During pregnancy, the decidua contains many maternal immune cells, including abundant NK cells and macrophages, which help the uterus adapt to fetal demands for nutrients and oxygen, supporting fetal growth. These immune cells not only have homeostatic functions, but can also respond to infections, potentially creating conflicts between destroying pathogens and sustaining placental growth.
MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Fuyan Wang, Anita Ellen Qualls, Laia Marques-Fernandez, Francesco Colucci
Summary: The human uterine mucosa undergoes about 400 monthly cycles of breakdown and regeneration, with immune cells and arterial remodeling playing a crucial role in fetal growth. The transformed arteries in the uterus no longer respond to maternal stimuli, meeting the increasing demands of the growing fetus.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Delphine M. Depierreux, Jens Kieckbusch, Norman Shreeve, Delia A. Hawkes, Bryan Marsh, Robert Blelloch, Andrew Sharkey, Francesco Colucci
Summary: Reproductive immunology focuses on understanding how the maternal immune system supports fetal growth. Maternal uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, in partnership with fetal trophoblast cells, regulate physiological vascular changes in the uterus to build the placenta and sustain fetal growth. The education of uNK cells by maternal MHC-I is crucial for optimal fetal growth.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Francesco Colucci
Summary: I argue in this review that reproduction was a driving force in the evolution of NK cell education, which is set by interactions between inhibitory receptors and self-MHC. The maternal immune system's tolerance of the semiallogeneic fetus is a fascinating question. Tissue lymphocytes, like uterine NK cells, do not attack the mismatched fetus and its placenta, but instead help the local vasculature tolerate changes necessary to nourish the fetus.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Elin Bernson, Oisin Huhn, Veronika Karlsson, Delia Hawkes, Maria Lycke, Valentina Cazzetta, Joanna Mikulak, James Hall, Anna M. Piskorz, Rosalba Portuesi, Domenico Vitobello, Barbara Fiamengo, Gabriele Siesto, Amir Horowitz, Hormas Ghadially, Domenico Mavilio, James D. Brenton, Karin Sundfeldt, Francesco Colucci
Summary: Ovarian cancer, the deadliest among gynecological cancers, requires new treatment options. Immunotherapy shows great potential but has not yet been successful for most ovarian cancer patients. By studying lymphocytes in high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients, we found the presence of natural killer cells and T cells in primary tumors and ascites. These cells express tissue-resident markers and the inhibitory receptor, NKG2A, and can kill ovarian cancer cells. In summary, we report a functional subset of lymphocytes that may be targeted in future immunotherapeutic approaches.
Meeting Abstract
Developmental Biology
Wendi Bacon, Jens Kieckbusch, Russell Hamilton, Delia Hawkes, Ziyi Yu, Chris Abell, Francesco Colucci, D. Stephen Charnock-Jones