Trophoblasts, invasion, and microRNA.

International audienceMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently become essential actors in various fields of physiology and medicine, especially as easily accessible circulating biomarkers, or as modulators of cell differentiation. To this respect, terminal differentiation of trophoblasts (the characteristic cells of the placenta in Therian mammals) into syncytiotrophoblast, villous trophoblast, or extravillous trophoblast constitutes a good example of such a choice, where miRNAs have recently been shown to play an important role. The aim of this review is to provide a snapshot of what is known today in placentation mechanisms that are mediated by miRNA, under the angles of materno-fetal immune dialog regulation, trophoblast differentiation, and angiogenesis at the materno-fetal interface. Also, two aspects of regulation of these issues will be highlighted: the part played by oxygen concentration and the specific function of imprinted genes in the developing placenta

Production expérimentale de laiton par cémentation en creuset ouvert, avec du minerai de zinc, selon les recettes médiévales et modernes

Actuellement deux sources permettent d’apprécier le mode de fabrication du laiton par cémentation pour les périodes anciennes et tout particulièrement pour le Moyen Âge. Il s’agit des textes et des découvertes archéologiques. Les fouilles archéologiques présentent l’utilisation de deux types de creusets, certains restent ouverts alors que d’autres sont complètement obstrués. Les textes, eux, ne mentionnent que l’usage de creusets ouverts. D’autre part d’après de nombreux traités de chimie moderne, l’emploi du creusets ouverts pour la fabrication de laiton par cémentation ne permet pas d’obtenir de concentrations en zinc supérieures à 28 voire 22 % massique. Afin de répondre aux nombreuses questions que soulève l’étude des données archéologiques et textuelles, une approche expérimentale a été réalisée à Melle. Quatre essais ont été effectués en variant la nature du minerai de zinc. Les résultats confirment la formation de laiton à des taux moyens compris entre 23 et 30 % massique de zinc. Les données analytiques et structurales, notamment les teneurs en zinc et les hétérogénéités de composition, ont permis de conclure à la pertinence des recettes médiévale et modernes.Today two main sources could be used to understanding brass making process in medieval ages: writing sources and archaeological ones. In order to answer to the numerous questions rising up by historical and archaeological studies, we attempt an experimental approach at Melle. Excavations put in light two kinds of crucible: uncovered ones and closed ones (by lay or a lid). Reading modern chemical treaties (from the 19th to the 20th century), it appears that the use of uncovered crucible can not produce brass with high rate of zinc (never more than 28% weight). What quality of brass could we produce following medieval and moderns recipes? Trying to answer, four attempts were lead using zinc ore (calamine) as cement. Results prove a good production of brass between 23 and 30% weight. Chemical and structural data confirm the accuracy of medieval and modern recipes

Peripheral Delta Opioid Receptors Mediate Formoterol Anti-allodynic Effect in a Mouse Model of Neuropathic Pain.

Neuropathic pain is a challenging condition for which current therapies often remain unsatisfactory. Chronic administration of β2 adrenergic agonists, including formoterol currently used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, alleviates mechanical allodynia in the sciatic nerve cuff model of neuropathic pain. The limited clinical data currently available also suggest that formoterol would be a suitable candidate for drug repurposing. The antiallodynic action of β2 adrenergic agonists is known to require activation of the delta-opioid (DOP) receptor but better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved is necessary. Using a mouse line in which DOP receptors were selectively ablated in neurons expressing Nav1.8 sodium channels (DOP cKO), we showed that these DOP peripheral receptors were necessary for the antiallodynic action of the β2 adrenergic agonist formoterol in the cuff model. Using a knock-in mouse line expressing a fluorescent version of the DOP receptor fused with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (DOPeGFP), we established in a previous study, that mechanical allodynia is associated with a smaller percentage of DOPeGFP positive small peptidergic sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), with a reduced density of DOPeGFP positive free nerve endings in the skin and with increased DOPeGFP expression at the cell surface. Here, we showed that the density of DOPeGFP positive free nerve endings in the skin is partially restored and no increase in DOPeGFP translocation to the plasma membrane is observed in mice in which mechanical pain is alleviated upon chronic oral administration of formoterol. This study, therefore, extends our previous results by confirming that changes in the mechanical threshold are associated with changes in peripheral DOP profile. It also highlights the common impact on DOP receptors between serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors such as duloxetine and the β2 mimetic formoterol.journal article20192020 02 14importe

ChREBP Regulates Fructose-induced Glucose Production Independently of Insulin Signaling

Obese, insulin-resistant states are characterized by a paradoxical pathogenic condition in which the liver appears to be selectively insulin resistant. Specifically, insulin fails to suppress glucose production, yet successfully stimulates de novo lipogenesis. The mechanisms underlying this dysregulation remain controversial. Here, we hypothesized that carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP), a transcriptional activator of glycolytic and lipogenic genes, plays a central role in this paradox. Administration of fructose increased hepatic hexose-phosphate levels, activated ChREBP, and caused glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hepatic steatosis in mice. Activation of ChREBP was required for the increased expression of glycolytic and lipogenic genes as well as glucose-6-phosphatase (G6pc) that was associated with the effects of fructose administration. We found that fructose-induced G6PC activity is a major determinant of hepatic glucose production and reduces hepatic glucose-6-phosphate levels to complete a homeostatic loop. Moreover, fructose activated ChREBP and induced G6pc in the absence of Foxo1a, indicating that carbohydrate-induced activation of ChREBP and G6PC dominates over the suppressive effects of insulin to enhance glucose production. This ChREBP/G6PC signaling axis is conserved in humans. Together, these findings support a carbohydrate-mediated, ChREBP-driven mechanism that contributes to hepatic insulin resistance

Inventory of Novel Animal Models Addressing Etiology of Preeclampsia in the Development of New Therapeutic/Intervention Opportunities.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disease afflicting 3-7% of pregnancies worldwide and leads to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The disease is of placental origin and is commonly described as a disease of two stages. A variety of preeclampsia animal models have been proposed, but all of them have limitations in fully recapitulating the human disease. Based on the research question at hand, different or multiple models might be suitable. Multiple animal models in combination with in vitro or ex vivo studies on human placenta together offer a synergistic platform to further our understanding of the etiology of preeclampsia and potential therapeutic interventions. The described animal models of preeclampsia divide into four categories (i) spontaneous, (ii) surgically induced, (iii) pharmacologically/substance induced, and (iv) transgenic. This review aims at providing an inventory of novel models addressing etiology of the disease and or therapeutic/intervention opportunities

Full-length human placental sFlt-1-e15a isoform induces distinct maternal phenotypes of preeclampsia in mice

<div><p>Objective</p><p>Most anti-angiogenic preeclampsia models in rodents utilized the overexpression of a truncated soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) not expressed in any species. Other limitations of mouse preeclampsia models included stressful blood pressure measurements and the lack of postpartum monitoring. We aimed to 1) develop a mouse model of preeclampsia by administering the most abundant human placental sFlt-1 isoform (hsFlt-1-e15a) in preeclampsia; 2) determine blood pressures in non-stressed conditions; and 3) develop a survival surgery that enables the collection of fetuses and placentas and postpartum (PP) monitoring.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Pregnancy status of CD-1 mice was evaluated with high-frequency ultrasound on gestational days (GD) 6 and 7. Telemetry catheters were implanted in the carotid artery on GD7, and their positions were verified by ultrasound on GD13. Mice were injected through tail-vein with adenoviruses expressing hsFlt-1-e15a (n = 11) or green fluorescent protein (GFP; n = 9) on GD8/GD11. Placentas and pups were delivered by cesarean section on GD18 allowing PP monitoring. Urine samples were collected with cystocentesis on GD6/GD7, GD13, GD18, and PPD8, and albumin/creatinine ratios were determined. GFP and hsFlt-1-e15a expression profiles were determined by qRT-PCR. Aortic ring assays were performed to assess the effect of hsFlt-1-e15a on endothelia.</p><p>Results</p><p>Ultrasound predicted pregnancy on GD7 in 97% of cases. Cesarean section survival rate was 100%. Mean arterial blood pressure was higher in hsFlt-1-e15a-treated than in GFP-treated mice (∆MAP = 13.2 mmHg, p = 0.00107; GD18). Focal glomerular changes were found in hsFlt-1-e15a -treated mice, which had higher urine albumin/creatinine ratios than controls (109.3±51.7μg/mg vs. 19.3±5.6μg/mg, p = 4.4x10^-2; GD18). Aortic ring assays showed a 46% lesser microvessel outgrowth in hsFlt-1-e15a-treated than in GFP-treated mice (p = 1.2x10^-2). Placental and fetal weights did not differ between the groups. One mouse with liver disease developed early-onset preeclampsia-like symptoms with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>A mouse model of late-onset preeclampsia was developed with the overexpression of hsFlt-1-e15a, verifying the <i>in vivo</i> pathologic effects of this primate-specific, predominant placental sFlt-1 isoform. HsFlt-1-e15a induced early-onset preeclampsia-like symptoms associated with IUGR in a mouse with a liver disease. Our findings support that hsFlt-1-e15a is central to the terminal pathway of preeclampsia, and it can induce the full spectrum of symptoms in this obstetrical syndrome.</p></div

Circulating miRNA signatures of early pregnancy in cattle

BACKGROUND: Low fertility remains a leading cause of poor productivity in dairy cattle. In this context, there is significant interest in developing novel tools for accurate early diagnosis of pregnancy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA molecules which are critically involved in regulating gene expression during both health and disease. MiRNAs have been shown to regulate ovarian function, uterine receptivity, embryonic development and placental function. Circulating miRNAs can provide useful biomarkers of tissue function and disease; importantly, differential miRNA profiles have been linked to pregnancy and preeclampsia in humans. This study sought to establish the potential of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of early pregnancy in cattle. RESULTS: We applied Illumina small-RNA sequencing to profile miRNAs in plasma samples collected from eight non-pregnant heifers on Days 0, 8 and 16 of the oestrous cycle and 11 heifers on Days 16 and 24 of pregnancy. We sequenced a total of 46 samples and generated 9.2 million miRNA reads per sample. There were no differences in miRNA read abundance between any of the pregnant and non-pregnant time-points (FDR > 0.1). As a complementary approach, we analysed sample pools (3–4 samples/pool) corresponding to Days 0, 8 and 16 of the oestrous cycle and Day 24 of pregnancy (n = 3 pools/group) using Qiagen PCR arrays. A total of 16 miRNAs were differentially expressed (FDR < 0.1) in plasma between pregnant and non-pregnant animals. RT-qPCR validation using the same plasma samples confirmed that miR-26a was differentially upregulated on Day 16 pregnant relative to non-pregnant heifers (1.7-fold; P = 0.043), whereas miR-1249 tended to be upregulated in Day 16 pregnant heifers (1.6-fold; P = 0.081). Further validation in an independent group of heifers confirmed an increase in plasma miR-26a levels during early pregnancy, which was significant only on Day 24 (2.0-fold; P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Through genome-wide analyses we have successfully profiled plasma miRNA populations associated with early pregnancy in cattle. We have identified miR-26a as a potential circulating biomarker of early pregnancy. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2529-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Etude de la transformation d'aminocyclopropanes élaborés dans le cadre d'une stratégie de synthèse de 14-azastéroïdes

In the course of this thesis, a method to synthesize new cyclopropylamines was developed. Their functionalization was then implemented using metallation reactions or palladium catalysed cross-coupling reactions. The functionalized cyclopropylamines were then subjected to cyclization conditions in order to obtain all or part of a 14-azasteroid structure. Our synthetic model, which was built around an aniline moiety, allowed us to obtain the structure of the B, C, and D rings of a 14-azasteroid. Unfortunately, when this strategy was applied to synthesize the complete tetracyclic backbone of the 14-azasteroid from a naphthylamine, the reaction failed to give the same results. We have however in this case reached an original pentacyclic framework containing a cyclobutane motif. Finally, we studied condensation-type reactions between various derivatives of aniline and ethyl pyruvate toward synthesis of the desired structure. Preliminary results show formation of structures with a cyclobutane motif.Au cours de ces travaux de thèse, une voie de synthèse de différentes cyclopropylamines a été développée. Leur fonctionnalisation a ensuite été mise en œuvre à l’aide de réactions de métallation ou de couplages croisés catalysés au palladium. Les cyclopropylamines ainsi fonctionnalisées furent alors soumises à des conditions de cyclisation dans le but d’obtenir tout ou partie d’une structure 14-azastéroïde. Si notre modèle, dont la synthèse s'est construite autour d’une aniline, nous a permis d'obtenir la structure des cycles B, C et D d'un 14-azastéroïde, nous n'avons pas été en mesure d'obtenir la structure dans sa totalité en partant d'une naphtylamine. Nous avons cependant dans ce cas obtenu un arrangement original pentacyclique comportant un motif cyclobutane. Nous avons enfin réalisés des travaux sur des réactions de type condensation, principalement entre divers dérivés d'aniline et le pyruvate d'éthyle. Lors des résultats préliminaires, nous avons cette fois encore majoritairement obtenu des structures comportant un motif cyclobutane et non celles se rapprochant des azastéroïdes

Study of the transformation of aminocyclopropanes synthesized with the aim of obtaining 14-azasteroid structures

Au cours de ces travaux de thèse, une voie de synthèse de différentes cyclopropylamines a été développée. Leur fonctionnalisation a ensuite été mise en œuvre à l’aide de réactions de métallation ou de couplages croisés catalysés au palladium. Les cyclopropylamines ainsi fonctionnalisées furent alors soumises à des conditions de cyclisation dans le but d’obtenir tout ou partie d’une structure 14-azastéroïde. Si notre modèle, dont la synthèse s'est construite autour d’une aniline, nous a permis d'obtenir la structure des cycles B, C et D d'un 14-azastéroïde, nous n'avons pas été en mesure d'obtenir la structure dans sa totalité en partant d'une naphtylamine. Nous avons cependant dans ce cas obtenu un arrangement original pentacyclique comportant un motif cyclobutane. Nous avons enfin réalisés des travaux sur des réactions de type condensation, principalement entre divers dérivés d'aniline et le pyruvate d'éthyle. Lors des résultats préliminaires, nous avons cette fois encore majoritairement obtenu des structures comportant un motif cyclobutane et non celles se rapprochant des azastéroïdes.In the course of this thesis, a method to synthesize new cyclopropylamines was developed. Their functionalization was then implemented using metallation reactions or palladium catalysed cross-coupling reactions. The functionalized cyclopropylamines were then subjected to cyclization conditions in order to obtain all or part of a 14-azasteroid structure. Our synthetic model, which was built around an aniline moiety, allowed us to obtain the structure of the B, C, and D rings of a 14-azasteroid. Unfortunately, when this strategy was applied to synthesize the complete tetracyclic backbone of the 14-azasteroid from a naphthylamine, the reaction failed to give the same results. We have however in this case reached an original pentacyclic framework containing a cyclobutane motif. Finally, we studied condensation-type reactions between various derivatives of aniline and ethyl pyruvate toward synthesis of the desired structure. Preliminary results show formation of structures with a cyclobutane motif