Endogenous retrovirus MER50-derived enhancers confer the transcriptional regulation of human trophoblast syncytialization [ChIP-Seq]
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE209975 | GEO | 2023/02/03
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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Project description:Multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), which are in direct contact with maternal blood, constitute the maternal-fetal interface critical for nutrient allocation, hormone production and immunological modulation during pregnancy. However, the genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms governing trophoblast syncytialization remain largely elusive. We delineate that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), which have been exapted as regulatory sequences for specific functional adaptations in placenta, profoundly rewire transcriptional program of trophoblast syncytialization. Here, we first determined dynamic bivalent ERV-derived enhancers with dual occupancy of H3K9me3 and H3K27ac in human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), which emerge as cell specific regulators of gene expression with markedly resolved H3K9me3 during differentiation towards STBs. Of note, bivalent enhancers derived from the Simiiformes-specific MER50 transposons were linked to a cluster of STB-specific genes. Importantly, depletions of MER50 elements adjacent to several STB genes, including MFSD2A, TNFAIP2 and RAI14, significantly attenuated their expression concomitant to dysregulated syncytium formation. Together, we propose that ERV-derived enhancers, MER50 specifically, fine-tune the transcriptional program accounting for human trophoblast syncytialization, which sheds light on novel epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying placental development.
2023-02-03 | GSE209976 | GEO
Project description:We reveal that STB which differentiated from hTSCs could recapitulate morphogenetic events that physiologically occur during human embryo implantation. STB could also recapitulate the genetic signature of trophoblast differentiation during implantation. It will provide a reliable model to investigate the syncytialization of trophoblast during implantation. Our discovery was potentially valuable in advancing not only our current understanding of implant progression but also paying the way to investigate recurrent implantation failure.
2022-05-05 | GSE165131 | GEO
Project description:Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder, which affects up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide. The primary etiology is considered to be abnormal development and function of placental cells called trophoblasts. We previously developed a two-step protocol for differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells, first into cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitor-like cells, and then into both syncytiotrophoblast (STB)- and extravillous trophoblast (EVT)-like cells, and showed that this protocol can be used to model both normal and abnormal trophoblast differentiation. We have now applied this protocol to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from placentas of pregnancies with or without PE. While we did not note any differences in CTB induction, PE-iPSC-derived CTB showed a defect in syncytialization, and had a >180-fold reduction in expression of PSG4, a mature STB marker (p<0.02). While EVT formation did not appear to be altered, the invasive capacity of PE-iPSC-derived EVT was non-responsive to a decrease in oxygen tension, while that of non-PE-iPSC-derived EVT was enhanced 3.8-fold. RNA sequencing analysis showed gene expression changes consistent with defects in STB formation and response to hypoxia in PE-iPSC derived trophoblast. However, differences in DNA methylation were minimal, with only documented differences consistent with part of the response to hypoxia. Overall, PE-associated iPSC recapitulated multiple defects associated with placental dysfunction, with their lack of response to decreased oxygen tension emphasizing the importance of the interface with the maternal microenvironment in normal placentation.
2021-03-15 | GSE159479 | GEO
Project description:Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder, which affects up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide. The primary etiology is considered to be abnormal development and function of placental cells called trophoblasts. We previously developed a two-step protocol for differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells, first into cytotrophoblast (CTB) progenitor-like cells, and then into both syncytiotrophoblast (STB)- and extravillous trophoblast (EVT)-like cells, and showed that this protocol can be used to model both normal and abnormal trophoblast differentiation. We have now applied this protocol to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from placentas of pregnancies with or without PE. While we did not note any differences in CTB induction, PE-iPSC-derived CTB showed a defect in syncytialization, and had a >180-fold reduction in expression of PSG4, a mature STB marker (p<0.02). While EVT formation did not appear to be altered, the invasive capacity of PE-iPSC-derived EVT was non-responsive to a decrease in oxygen tension, while that of non-PE-iPSC-derived EVT was enhanced 3.8-fold. RNA sequencing analysis showed gene expression changes consistent with defects in STB formation and response to hypoxia in PE-iPSC derived trophoblast. However, differences in DNA methylation were minimal, with only documented differences consistent with part of the response to hypoxia. Overall, PE-associated iPSC recapitulated multiple defects associated with placental dysfunction, with their lack of response to decreased oxygen tension emphasizing the importance of the interface with the maternal microenvironment in normal placentation.
2021-03-15 | GSE159437 | GEO
Project description:The placenta is an organ with extraordinary phenotypic diversity in eutherian mammals. Recent evidence suggest that numerous human placental enhancers are evolved from lineage-specific insertions of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), yet the transcription factors (TFs) underlying their regulation remain largely elusive. Here, by first focusing on MER41, a primate-specific ERV family previously linked to placenta and innate immunity, we uncover the binding motifs of multiple crucial trophoblast TFs (GATA2/3, MSX2, GRHL2) in addition to innate immuninty TFs STAT1 and IRF1. Integration of ChIP-Seq data confirms the binding of GATA2/3 and MSX2 on the majority of MER41-derived enhancers in human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). Notably, the usb-family composition of MER41-derived enhancers that are active in human TSCs are distinct from those activated upon interferon stimulation, which is determined by the binding of trophoblast TFs. We further demonstrate that GATA2/3 and MSX2 have prevalent binding on numerous other ERV families – indicating their broad impact on ERV-derived placental enhancers. Functionally, the derepression of many syncytiotrophoblast genes after disruption of MSX2 is likely to be mediated by enhancers derived from ERVs – suggesting ERVs are also important for mediating transcriptional repression in human TSCs. Overall, this study characterized the prevalent binding of GATA2/3, MSX2 and their co-factors on ERV-derived enhancers in human TSCs and provided mechanistic insights into the importance of ERVs in human trophoblast regulatory network.
2023-01-01 | GSE209536 | GEO
Project description:The placenta is an organ with extraordinary phenotypic diversity in eutherian mammals. Recent evidence suggest that numerous human placental enhancers are evolved from lineage-specific insertions of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), yet the transcription factors (TFs) underlying their regulation remain largely elusive. Here, by first focusing on MER41, a primate-specific ERV family previously linked to placenta and innate immunity, we uncover the binding motifs of multiple crucial trophoblast TFs (GATA2/3, MSX2, GRHL2) in addition to innate immuninty TFs STAT1 and IRF1. Integration of ChIP-Seq data confirms the binding of GATA2/3 and MSX2 on the majority of MER41-derived enhancers in human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). Notably, the usb-family composition of MER41-derived enhancers that are active in human TSCs are distinct from those activated upon interferon stimulation, which is determined by the binding of trophoblast TFs. We further demonstrate that GATA2/3 and MSX2 have prevalent binding on numerous other ERV families – indicating their broad impact on ERV-derived placental enhancers. Functionally, the derepression of many syncytiotrophoblast genes after disruption of MSX2 is likely to be mediated by enhancers derived from ERVs – suggesting ERVs are also important for mediating transcriptional repression in human TSCs. Overall, this study characterized the prevalent binding of GATA2/3, MSX2 and their co-factors on ERV-derived enhancers in human TSCs and provided mechanistic insights into the importance of ERVs in human trophoblast regulatory network.
2023-01-01 | GSE209540 | GEO
Project description:Trophoblast is the primary epithelial cell type in the placenta, a transient organ required for proper fetal growth and development. We have identified a CDX2+/p63+ cytotrophoblast (CTB) subpopulation in the early post-implantation human placenta, which is significantly reduced later in gestation. CTB differentiate into different trophoblast subtypes, which are responsible for gas/nutrient exchange (syncytiotrophoblast/STB) and invasion and maternal vascular remodeling (extravillous trophoblast/EVT). Study of early human placental development is severely hampered by lack of a representative trophoblast stem cell (TSC) model, with the capacity for self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into both STB and EVT. We describe a reproducible protocol, using defined media containing BMP4, by which human embryonic stem cells (hESC) can be differentiated into CDX2+/p63+ CTB-like cells. These cells can be replated to further differentiate into STB- and EVT-like cells, based on marker expression, hormone secretion and invasive ability. Differentiation of hPSC-derived CTB in hypoxia leads to reduced hCG secretion and STB-associated gene expression, instead inducing EVT differentiation in a hypoxia-inducible factor-dependent manner.
2016-06-16 | GSE76090 | GEO
Project description:Infection with SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy has been associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes and placental defects. The placenta, which acts as a physical and immunological barrier at the maternal/fetal interface, is not established until the end of the first trimester. Therefore, localized viral infection of the trophoblast compartment early in gestation could trigger an inflammatory response resulting in altered placental function and consequent suboptimal conditions for fetal growth and development. In this study, we investigated the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in early gestation placentae using placenta-derived human trophoblast stem cells (TSC), a novel in vitro model, and their extra-villous trophoblast (EVT) and syncytiotrophoblast (STB) derivatives. Consistent with host viral entry protein expression, SARS-CoV-2 was able to productively replicate in TSC-derived STB and EVT but not undifferentiated TSC. Both early EVT and STB elicited an interferon-mediated innate immune response similar to other cells infected with this virus. Therefore, we have also shown that placenta derived TSCs are a robust in vitro model to investigate the effect of this viral infection in the trophoblast compartment of the early placenta. Overall, these results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection in early gestation can adversely affect placental development and that might occur via directly infecting the differentiated trophoblast compartment, thus posing a higher risk for poor pregnancy outcomes.
2023-10-14 | GSE216484 | GEO
Project description:Purpose: Syncytiotrophoblast (STB) is a multi-nucleated, terminally differentiated syncytium that covers the surface of the villous placenta and forms the major interface with maternal blood. It releases placental hormones and plays a primary role in exchange of gases, nutrients and waste products. Alterations in STB development and turnover have been implicated in placental diseases, including preeclampsia (PE). In vitro cell models are badly needed to study STB development and physiology due to inaccessibility to placental tissues during gestation. To establish in vitro STB model system, we generate STB and its mononucleated precursors from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and profile for RNA content by RNAseq. Methods: H1 Human ESC (WA01) were treated with BMP4, the ALK4/5/7 inhibitor (A83-01), and the FGF2 signaling inhibitor (PD173074) (BAP) to direct them to the trophoblast lineage and provided both STB and extravillous trophoblast. Syncytial areas emerged at day 8 BAP treatment ranged in diameter from ~40 µm to > 100 µm. The intact syncytial areas were isolated by sieving successively through 70 μm and 40 μm mesh cell strainers. The captured cells are recovered by inverting the strainer and rinsing with culture medium to separate large (>70 μm) and middle size cell sheets (40-70 μm). The fraction that passes through both sieves represents cells of smallest diameter (< 40 μm), presumably cytotrophoblast. Total 12 RNA samples from triplicate three size-fractioned BAP treated and three untreated hESC cultured in a FGF2 supplemented medium in parallel were analyzed. Results: The larger > 70 μm areas stained positively for STB markers while ultrastructural analysis clearly revealed multi-nuclear cells with an extensive cytoplasm containing many prominent secretion granules. The larger STB areas also had a larger DNA content that > 70 μm fraction contained 37 times more nuclear content and 40-70 µm fraction did 16 times more. Compared to the < 40 μm cell fraction, these larger cells over-expressed a full repertoire of genes characteristic of STB, e.g. CGA, CGB, PGF, ERVW1, GCM1. The smallest cell fraction had a DNA content consistent with mononuclear diploid cells, contained few secretory granules, and were only weakly positive for STB markers. Conclusion: The data are consistent with the > 70 μm cells being mature STB, while the intermediate fraction may represent a precursor population. Human ESC directed along the trophoblast lineage by BAP treatment offers a useful model for following STB formation in vitro and suggest that this protocol may have utility in studying the basis of certain placental diseases, especially preeclampsia, where placental tissue isolated at term or after pregnancy terminations can only offer limited information. Three size fraction mRNA profiles of syncytial areas emerged at day 8 BAP treatment of hESC were generated by deep sequencing along with untreated hESC, in triplicate, using Illumina HiSeq 2500.
2016-04-06 | E-GEOD-72712 | biostudies-arrayexpress
Project description:Trophoblast is the primary epithelial cell type in the placenta, a transient organ required for proper fetal growth and development. We have identified a CDX2+/p63+ cytotrophoblast (CTB) subpopulation in the early post-implantation human placenta, which is significantly reduced later in gestation. CTB differentiate into different trophoblast subtypes, which are responsible for gas/nutrient exchange (syncytiotrophoblast/STB) and invasion and maternal vascular remodeling (extravillous trophoblast/EVT). Study of early human placental development is severely hampered by lack of a representative trophoblast stem cell (TSC) model, with the capacity for self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into both STB and EVT. We describe a reproducible protocol, using defined media containing BMP4, by which human embryonic stem cells (hESC) can be differentiated into CDX2+/p63+ CTB-like cells. These cells can be replated to further differentiate into STB- and EVT-like cells, based on marker expression, hormone secretion and invasive ability. Differentiation of hPSC-derived CTB in hypoxia leads to reduced hCG secretion and STB-associated gene expression, instead inducing EVT differentiation in a hypoxia-inducible factor-dependent manner. Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) (WA09/H9) were maintained on Geltrex-coated plates (BD Biosciences ) in StemPro (Thermo Fisher) + bFGF (12 ng/ml). Undifferentiated hESC (D-2) were switched to minimal media (EMIM (Erb et al., 2011) containing KO DMEM/F12 (Gibco), 1% Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium Mix (Sigma-Aldrich), 1% NEAA (Gibco), 2mM L-Glutamine (Corning), 0.1mM 2-mercaptoethanol (Gibo), and 2% BSA (Gemini Bio Products)) for 2 days then treated with BMP4 (StemRD, 10ng/ml) for 3 days in minimal media+BMP4 (D3). At D3, cells were replated onto Geltrex in Feeder Conditioned Media +BMP4 and cultured in normoxia (20% O2) or hypoxia (2% O2) for 2 days (D3+2) to assess the effect of hypoxia. Cells were infected with lentiviral shRNA for shScramble (control) or shARNT, the beta subunit of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) complex to assess the effect of ARNT knockdown. Each sample includes biological triplicates.
2016-06-16 | E-GEOD-76090 | biostudies-arrayexpress