Project description:The inter-differentiation between cell states promotes cancer cell survival under stress and fosters non-genetic heterogeneity (NGH). NGH is, therefore, a surrogate of tumor resilience but its quantification is confounded by genetic heterogeneity. Here we show that NGH can be accurately measured when informed by the molecular signatures of the normal cells of origin. We surveyed the transcriptomes of ~ 4000 normal fallopian tube epithelial (FTE) cells, the cells of origin of serous ovarian cancer (SOC), and identified six FTE subtypes. We used subtype signatures to deconvolute SOC expression data and found substantial intra-tumor NGH that was previously unrecognized. Importantly, NGH-based stratification of ~1700 tumors robustly predicted survival. Our findings lay the foundation for accurate prognostic and therapeutic stratification of SOC.
Project description:The inter-differentiation between cell states promotes cancer cell survival under stress and fosters non-genetic heterogeneity (NGH). NGH is, therefore, a surrogate of tumor resilience but its quantification is confounded by genetic heterogeneity. Here we show that NGH can be accurately measured when informed by the molecular signatures of the normal cells of origin. We surveyed the transcriptomes of ~ 4000 normal fallopian tube epithelial (FTE) cells, the cells of origin of serous ovarian cancer (SOC), and identified six FTE subtypes. We used subtype signatures to deconvolute SOC expression data and found substantial intra-tumor NGH that was previously unrecognized. Importantly, NGH-based stratification of ~1700 tumors robustly predicted survival. Our findings lay the foundation for accurate prognostic and therapeutic stratification of SOC.
Project description:Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal malignancy of the female reproductive system. In order to improve EOC patient outcomes, it is crucial to have a better understanding of how EOC develops from its cellular origin. EOCs can originate from either fallopian tube epithelial (FTE) cells or ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells, but with different courses of development. The basis for this difference is unclear. To address this, we performed single cell RNA-sequencing of mouse cells isolated from the distal portion of fallopian tubes (i.e., oviducts) and surface layer of ovaries. Analysis of this single cell dataset revealed distinct niche organizations for murine FTE cells and OSE cells.
Project description:Hydrosalpinx is common cause of tubal factor infertility in women in which the fallopian tube becomes blocked, fills with fluid, and consequently is nonfunctional. Single cell RNA-seq analysis has provided an unparalleled approach to characterize tissue types and explore pathologies in unbiased manner. Here we use scRNA-seq to define and compare major and rare cell types of the human fallopian tube in the healthy and hydrosalpinx disease state.
Project description:Chlamydia trachomatis is the causative agent of sexually transmitted disease with the highest prevalence in the world today. Although, sensitive to antibiotic treatment, Ctr is also a major cause of infertility due to significant cell damage caused to the genital tract of affected women. Occlusion of Fallopian tubes is a frequent consequence of advanced ascending Ctr infection. So far the mechanisms of Ctr caused pathogensis are widely unclear. Here we show, by using an ex vivo infection model of human Fallopian tubes that Ctr causes changes in epithelial homeostasis within 2 days of inoculation, by disrupting cell adhesion and increasing cell proliferation. We demonstrate by imaging and expression analysis that tissue response to invading pathogen has also a paracrine component. We identify Wnt signalling activation as one of the hallmarks of Ctr infection which transmits effects of the infection beyond inclusion containing cells. Mechanisms of phenotypic changes involve up regulation of Epcam and Olfactomedin 4, biomarkers and regulators of cell adhesion and cell differentiation. Our findings bring focus to the pleiotropic effects of Ctr infection within epithelium and could be provide the basis for better understanding the pathological sequels in vivo.
Project description:Chlamydia trachomatis is the causative agent of sexually transmitted disease with the highest prevalence in the world today. Although, sensitive to antibiotic treatment, Ctr is also a major cause of infertility due to significant cell damage caused to the genital tract of affected women. Occlusion of Fallopian tubes is a frequent consequence of advanced ascending Ctr infection. So far the mechanisms of Ctr caused pathogensis are widely unclear. Here we show, by using an ex vivo infection model of human Fallopian tubes that Ctr causes changes in epithelial homeostasis within 2 days of inoculation, by disrupting cell adhesion and increasing cell proliferation. We demonstrate by imaging and expression analysis that tissue response to invading pathogen has also a paracrine component. We identify Wnt signalling activation as one of the hallmarks of Ctr infection which transmits effects of the infection beyond inclusion containing cells. Mechanisms of phenotypic changes involve up regulation of Epcam and Olfactomedin 4, biomarkers and regulators of cell adhesion and cell differentiation. Our findings bring focus to the pleiotropic effects of Ctr infection within epithelium and could be provide the basis for better understanding the pathological sequels in vivo. Microarray experiments were performed as dual-color hybridizations. To compensate for dye-specific effects, an independent dye-reversal color-swap was applied. Quality control and quantification of total RNA amount was assessed using an Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies) and a NanoDrop 1000 spectrophotometer (Kisker).
Project description:STUDY QUESTION: Do extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human Fallopian tubes exert an influence on early embryo development in vitro? SUMMARY ANSWER: Human Fallopian tube EVs carrying miRNAs increase murine embryo viability in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Oviductal EVs (oEVs) are recently identified key players in embryo-oviduct interactions that contribute to successful pregnancy in vivo. Their absence in current in vitro systems may partly explain the suboptimal embryo development observed, therefore further knowledge is needed about their impact on early embryos. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The oEVs were isolated from the luminal fluid of human Fallopian tubes using ultracentrifugation. We cocultured oEVs with murine two-cell embryos until the blastocyst stage. The study was conducted between August 2021 and July 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: A total of 23 premenopausal women were recruited for Fallopian-tubes collection, and the oEVs were isolated. The micro RNA (miRNA) contents were detected using high-throughput sequencing and their target genes and effects were analyzed. After in vitro culture with or without oEVs, the blastocyst and hatching rates were recorded. Furthermore, for the blastocysts formed, we assessed the total cell number, inner cell mass proportion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, number of apoptotic cells and mRNA expression levels of genes involved in development. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: EVs were successfully isolated from the human Fallopian tubal fluid and the concentrations were evaluated. A total of 79 known miRNAs were identified from eight samples that had been sequenced, all involved in various biological processes. The blastocyst rate, hatching rate, as well as total cell number of blastocysts were significantly increased in the oEVs-treated groups (p < 0.05 versus untreated), while the proportion of inner cell mass showed no significant difference between groups. ROS levels and apoptotic cell proportions were decreased in the oEVs-treated groups (p < 0.05 versus untreated). The genes, Actin-Related Protein 3 (Actr3), Eomesodermin (Eomes), and Wnt Family Member 3A (Wnt3a) were upregulated in blastocysts in the oEVs-treated group.
Project description:Fallopian tube epithelium is the tissue-of-origin of most high grade serous papillary ovarian carcinoma. This tumor has been exensively investigated and sequenced but expression profiling data of normal fallopian tube epithelial cells is still rare. This project compares the miRNA profiles of high grade serous papillary ovarian tumors (FFPE and fresh frozen) to that of normal unmatched epithelial cells from resected fallopian tubes.