Article
Reproductive Biology
Leslie A. Lekatz, Praveen Shukla, Stephen T. O'Rourke, Christopher S. Schauer, Megan L. Van Emon, Kasey R. Maddock-Carlin, Kimberly A. Vonnahme
Summary: This study hypothesized that isocaloric diets low in protein would decrease the sensitivity of caruncular and cotyledonary arteries. The results showed that low protein intake increased the sensitivity of cotyledonary arteries to low doses of potassium chloride, while caruncular arteries of ewes on 80% MP diet were more sensitive to bradykinin compared to ewes on 60% and 100% MP diets.
Review
Cell Biology
Chien-Chu Huang, Ya-Wen Hsueh, Chia-Wei Chang, Hsi-Chen Hsu, Tung-Chuan Yang, Wu-Chou Lin, Hsun-Ming Chang
Summary: Early pregnancy is a complex process involving cellular elements of the fetal-maternal interface, and abnormalities in trophoblast-decidual interactions can lead to miscarriage and later pregnancy disorders. Although research has been performed in various species, there is significant species variation in trophoblast differentiation and gene regulation. Recent advancements in technology have allowed a comprehensive understanding of human implantation and placentation, and the clinical utility of fetal-maternal cellular trafficking has been explored for prenatal diagnosis and prediction of pregnancy complications. Therapeutic strategies targeting placenta-enriched molecules have also been proposed for placental dysfunction and diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Hematology
Owen J. Tamplin
Summary: The study reveals a novel role of the chromatin remodeling factor Smarca during the development of HSPCs, as they emerge from the dorsal aorta hemogenic endothelium and transition to a fetal-like stage.
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
G. Zarkada, A. Eichmann
Summary: Research indicates that NOTCH promotes coronary artery formation by suppressing MYC.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Telma Ventura, Ewan Joshua Egan, Nicola Romano, Antonella Fidanza
Summary: The heart is the first organ to establish functional during development, initiating blood circulation early in gestation. Fetal circulation controls crucial developmental events in the endothelial layer through mechanical cues. In vitro models using induced pluripotent stem cells allow for the study of vessel mechanobiology and the elucidation of intracellular molecular mechanisms that orchestrate vessel development.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Yanyan Ding, Wen Wang, Dongyuan Ma, Guixian Liang, Zhixin Kang, Yuanyuan Xue, Yifan Zhang, Lu Wang, Jian Heng, Yong Zhang, Feng Liu
Summary: The study examined the chromatin accessibility and transcriptional features of zebrafish nascent and fetal HSPCs, revealing dynamic changes during HSPC transition. The role of chromatin remodeler-mediated epigenetic programming, particularly Smarca5, in fetal HSPC development was highlighted. This research provides new insights into the generation of functional HSPCs both in vivo and in vitro.
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 & Tissue Engineering
Yoon Jung Choi, Adam M. Heck, Brian J. Hayes, Daniel Lih, Samuel G. Rayner, Brandon Hadland, Ying Zheng
Summary: The human fetal liver endothelium plays a unique role in supporting the maturation and expansion of multilineage hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, with EC-derived WNT5A identified as a key factor in this process. The study highlights the significance of organ-specific endothelial niche in hematopoietic development and provides insights into potential signals for HSPC expansion in clinical applications.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Roberto Villalobos-Labra, Ricky Liu, Floor Spaans, Tamara Saez, Tamara Semeria Maitret, Anita Quon, Tatsuya Sawamura, Christy-Lynn M. Cooke, Sandra T. Davidge
Summary: The study demonstrates that LOX-1 mediates the endothelial dysfunction induced by preeclampsia-STBEVs. This finding expands on the mechanisms that may lead to adverse outcomes in preeclampsia and proposes LOX-1 as a potential target for future interventions.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Elisa T. Zhang, Roberta L. Hannibal, Keyla M. Badillo Rivera, Janet H. T. Song, Kelly McGowan, Xiaowei Zhu, Gudrun Meinhardt, Martin Knoefler, Juergen Pollheimer, Alexander E. Urban, Ann K. Folkins, Deirdre J. Lyell, Julie C. Baker
Summary: The study identified misregulated gene expression patterns in tissues from placenta previa and percreta compared with control cases, with upregulated genes predominantly marking extravillous trophoblasts. PRG2 and AQPEP protein levels were found to be upregulated in both conditions, with AQPEP restricted to trophoblasts and PRG2 mislocalized throughout the fetal membranes. This suggests a signature of previa and PAS in the extraembryonic tissues surrounding the conceptus, reflecting increased trophoblast invasiveness.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Bryan Marsh, Yan Zhou, Mirhan Kapidzic, Susan Fisher, Robert Blelloch
Summary: By using single cell RNA-sequencing, this study compares the cell types and molecular programs between two specialized regions of the human placenta. It finds a previously unknown cell population in the smooth chorion that forms a stratified epithelium and exhibits characteristics of skin and metabolism, potentially playing a significant role in defense against stress and pathogens. Moreover, these cells inhibit the migration of extravillous trophoblasts, in contrast to the villous region. These findings greatly expand our understanding of cell differentiation and have broad implications for the development, functions, and diseases of the human placenta.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caitlyn E. Bowman, Zoltan Arany, Michael J. Wolfgang
Summary: Pregnancy is a nutritionally sensitive stage, and communication between mother and fetus through metabolites is crucial. Studies on humans and animals provide insights into the metabolic adaptations of the fetus, placenta, and mother during pregnancy. Understanding the dynamic nature of maternal-fetal metabolic communication may lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders in pregnancy.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Camilla F. Wenceslau, Cameron G. McCarthy, Scott Earley, Sarah K. England, Jessica A. Filosa, Styliani Goulopoulou, David D. Gutterman, Brant E. Isakson, Nancy L. Kanagy, Luis A. Martinez-Lemus, Swapnil K. Sonkusare, Pratish Thakore, Aaron J. Trask, Stephanie W. Watts, R. Clinton Webb
Summary: The measurement of vascular function in isolated vessels provides important insights into the cardiovascular system's structure and pathological changes. It has led to the discovery of treatments for cardiovascular diseases and raised concerns about scientific rigor and reproducibility. Therefore, establishing guidelines for evaluating isolated vascular function is necessary to ensure consistent and reliable results.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Alejandra Vargas-Valderrama, Anne-Charlotte Ponsen, Morgane Le Gall, Denis Clay, Sebastien Jacques, Tudor Manoliu, Valerie Rouffiac, Karine Ser-le-Roux, Cyril Quivoron, Fawzia Louache, Georges Uzan, Maria-Teresa Mitjavila-Garcia, Estelle Oberlin, Hind Guenou
Summary: This study successfully developed a hematoendothelial population that could be further differentiated into endothelial and hematopoietic cells, providing a rapid cell source for future cell therapy and tissue engineering.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Caroline Charlier, Julia Dina, Francois Freymuth, Astrid Vabret, Olivier Lortholary, Denise Antona, Marc Lecuit
Summary: Research shows that measles virus can be detected in the saliva and blood of pregnant women, leading to transmission to the fetus during pregnancy, resulting in asymptomatic infection at birth. Despite severe peripartum congenital measles, asymptomatic vertical transmission of the measles virus can occur in early pregnancy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Muge Molbay, Eylem Ozaydin-Goksu, Dijle Kipmen-Korgun, Ali Unal, Murat Ozekinci, Erhan Cebeci, Emin Maltepe, Emin Turkay Korgun
Summary: This study demonstrates that human trophoblast progenitor cells (hTPCs) induced to differentiate along neural lineages enhance the expression of angiogenic and neurogenic factors in the rat brain after stroke. The transplantation of hTPCs could potentially provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of stroke.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Silvia Groiss, Ina Somvilla, Christine Daxboeck, Julia Fuchs, Ingrid Lang-Olip, Philipp Stiegler, Bettina Leber, Bernadette Liegl-Atzwanger, Dagmar Brislinger
Summary: A novel image-based computational method has been developed to analyze the ratio and spatial distribution of MUC5AC and MUC5B in airway mucus, optimized for tracheal and bronchial tissue samples, as well as air-liquid interface (ALI) cell cultures. Results showed significantly higher levels of MUC5AC in smokers compared to nonsmokers, with some nonsmokers exhibiting slightly elevated levels possibly due to exposure to second-hand smoke or fine particulate air pollution.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Elisa Weiss, Barbara Leopold-Posch, Anna Schruefer, Silvija Cvitic, Ursula Hiden
Summary: The study found that there is a sexual dimorphism in the function of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC), with female progeny cells requiring a longer period of time for colony outgrowth compared to male progeny cells. Additionally, even within a normal, non-diabetic range, maternal glucose levels can significantly affect ECFC function in utero.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marina Horvaticek, Maja Peric, Ivona Beceheli, Marija Klasic, Maja Zutic, Maja Kesic, Gernot Desoye, Sandra Nakic Rados, Marina Ivanisevic, Dubravka Hranilovic, Jasminka Stefulj
Summary: This study demonstrates that maternal metabolic status affects the methylation level of HTR2A in the placenta. Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus are associated with reduced HTR2A promoter methylation in female placentas, while tobacco use during pregnancy is associated with reduced HTR2A promoter methylation in male placentas. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the early developmental origins of neurobehavioral and metabolic disorders associated with altered HTR2A function.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jelena Krstic, Alexander Deutsch, Julia Fuchs, Martin Gauster, Tina Gorsek Sparovec, Ursula Hiden, Julian Christopher Krappinger, Gerit Moser, Katrin Pansy, Marta Szmyra, Daniela Gold, Julia Feichtinger, Berthold Huppertz
Summary: Placenta-specific trophoblast and tumor cells share common characteristics, such as invasion ability and immune evasion. They are both supported by an abetting microenvironment, although trophoblast cells are regulated more tightly.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Line Hjort, Boris Novakovic, Silvija Cvitic, Richard Saffery, Peter Damm, Gernot Desoye
Summary: Maternal diabetes and obesity in pregnancy are associated with later disease risk in the offspring, with the placenta potentially mediating this risk through epigenetic mechanisms. Recent studies have identified differential DNA methylation in placental tissue of pregnancies affected by diabetes and obesity. This review analyzed published research in this area and identified overlaps, contradictions, and gaps in the literature. While most studies focused on gestational diabetes and hyperglycemia, there is a lack of research on pregnancies affected by type 1 diabetes. Other unanswered questions include the analysis of specific placental cell types and the timing of DNA methylation changes in response to diabetes and obesity during pregnancy. There is also a need for studies investigating the effects of maternal metabolism on placental DNA methylation in the first trimester and considering fetal sex as a determinant of pregnancy outcomes. Overall, this review provides a reference for researchers and suggests future focus areas for placental DNA methylation studies in pregnancies complicated by diabetes and obesity.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Gernot Desoye, Anthony M. Carter
Summary: Diabetes mellitus or obesity during pregnancy can lead to fetal hypoxia, which affects fetal growth. The metabolic and endocrine changes caused by diabetes mellitus and obesity result in fetal oxygen deficit, but the fetus adapts through various responses to ensure sufficient oxygen supply.
NATURE REVIEWS ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lilian Cristina Mendoza, Juergen Harreiter, Gernot Desoye, David Simmons, Juan M. Adelantado, Alexandra Kautzky-Willer, Agnieszka Zawiejska, Ewa Wender-Ozegowska, Annunziata Lapolla, Maria G. Dalfra, Alessandra Bertolotto, Roland Devlieger, Fidelma Dunne, Elisabeth R. Mathiesen, Peter Damm, Lisse Lotte Andersen, Dorte Moller Jensen, David Hill, Mireille Nicoline Maria van Poppel, Rosa Corcoy
Summary: This study examines the relationship between vitamin D and glucose homeostasis in pregnant women with overweight/obesity. The results show no clear beneficial associations between vitamin D compounds and glucose homeostasis measures.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Gernot Desoye, Lene Ringholm, Peter Damm, Elisabeth R. Mathiesen, Mireille N. M. van Poppel
Summary: Despite progress in blood glucose control, pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes still poses risks for the fetus. Good glycemic control reduces the risk of fetal overgrowth, but hyperglycemia can still lead to fetal overnutrition and adiposity. Preventing fetal adiposity requires revised goal setting and continuous glucose monitoring.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia T. Stadler, Mireille N. M. van Poppel, Christian Wadsack, Michael Holzer, Anja Pammer, David Simmons, David Hill, Gernot Desoye, Gunther Marsche
Summary: Pregravid obesity is a major risk factor for pregnancy complications and cardiovascular events in children. However, the biological mechanisms underlying these adverse outcomes are not well understood. Impairment of HDL function in obese and GDM-complicated pregnancies may have long-term effects on maternal and offspring health.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Julia Bandres-Meriz, Christina Kunz, Jesper F. Havelund, Nils J. Faergeman, Alejandro Majali-Martinez, Regina Ensenauer, Gernot Desoye
Summary: The study found that the metabolome of pregnant women with overweight/obesity is already altered early in pregnancy due to changes in C-peptide. Lipid and amino acid metabolites related to obesity and insulin play a key role in these alterations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dilvin Semo, Julius Obergassel, Marc Dorenkamp, Pia Hemling, Jasmin Strutz, Ursula Hiden, Nicolle Mueller, Ulrich Alfons Mueller, Sajan Ahmad Zulfikar, Rinesh Godfrey, Johannes Waltenberger
Summary: This study found that the selective sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor empagliflozin can reverse vascular cell dysfunction induced by hyperglycaemia. Although both monocytes and endothelial cells express functional SGLT-2, SGLT-2 is not the primary glucose transporter in these cells. The reduction of oxidative stress by empagliflozin was identified as the primary reason for the improved function of monocytes and endothelial cells in hyperglycaemic conditions.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maja Peric, Marina Horvaticek, Veronika Tandl, Ivona Beceheli, Alejandro Majali-Martinez, Gernot Desoye, Jasminka Stefulj
Summary: Serotonin signaling is important for regulating placental development and functions. Maternal metabolic disturbances associated with obesity and gestational diabetes may affect placental serotonin homeostasis. High glucose downregulates serotonin transporter (SERT) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), and upregulates tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) at 6.5% oxygen. Low oxygen levels (2.5%) upregulate SERT and downregulate TPH1 expression. Insulin specifically upregulates SERT at 2.5% oxygen. These findings suggest that maternal metabolic alterations can impact placental serotonin homeostasis.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anna Dieberger, Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch, Juergen Harreiter, Gernot J. Desoye, Mireille N. M. van Poppel, DALI Core Investigator grp
Summary: Maternal physical activity and sedentary time during pregnancy are associated with neonatal anthropometry and cord blood parameters, with potential differences based on offspring sex. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with lower neonatal fat mass in male offspring, while mean sedentary time is associated with lower cord blood C-peptide in female offspring.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Elisa Weiss, Anna Schruefer, Carolina Tocantins, Mariana Simoes Diniz, Boris Novakovic, Anke S. van Bergen, Azra Kulovic-Sissawo, Richard Saffery, Reinier. A. A. Boon, Ursula Hiden
Summary: High gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with impaired wound healing of neonatal endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs). A specific long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), KLRK1-AS1, was found to be downregulated in neonatal ECFCs from pregnancies with higher GWG, and its knockdown resulted in further impairment of barrier recovery. These findings suggest a potential role for lncRNAs, particularly KLRK1-AS1, in regulating neonatal ECFC function and may provide insights into the link between GWG and cardiovascular risk factors.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)