These studies are a continuation of experiments originated in our laboratory, from a previously funded RO1. Since there are no good biomarkers or preventative strategies, infection-associated pregnancy complications represent an important clinical problem. The regulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression and function at the maternal-fetal interface may determine whether a pregnancy succeeds or fails. By understanding the mechanisms that control how trophoblast TLRs function, only then can we move to clinical applications to determine better ways to predict pregnancy outcome and treat women at risk of infection-associated pregnancy complications. Excessive placental apoptosis has been associated with preeclampsia and preterm labor; however the initial trigger and mechanisms involved are not fully understood. We propose that infections represent a potential trigger for placental apoptosis, and that some TLRs can mediate this response. Specifically, our central hypothesis is that some bacterial and viral components, through TLRs, induce trophoblast apoptosis, leading to adverse pregnancy outcome, such as preterm labor or preeclampsia. In our published studies we found TLR2 activation by gram-positive bacterial peptidoglycan (PDG), and TLR8 activation by viral ssRNA, trigger human first trimester trophoblast apoptosis via two distinct pathways: TLR2 directly mediates apoptosis, and this is differentially regulated by the TLR2 co-receptor, TLR6. In contrast, TLR8 indirectly mediates apoptosis by upregulating the cell's production of IFN2. Our objectives are to further characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which TLR2 and TLR8 mediate trophoblast apoptosis in response to bacterial and viral components, and to determine their impact on pregnancy outcome. Within this overall goal, we will address innovative areas in which there are major gaps in our knowledge, such as the: regulation of TLR expression by DNA methylation; regulation of trophoblast miRs by TLRs; function of TLR8 in the trophoblast; and the effect of viral ssRNA on pregnancy outcome. We will also apply translate our in vitro findings into a study to develop better predictive and preventative strategies. Thus, our specific aims are to: 1. Determine the regulation of TLR2-induced apoptosis in response to bacterial components. 2. Determine the mechanism by which TLR8 functions in the trophoblast in response to viral components. 3. Determine the role of microRNAs in the regulation of TLR2- and TLR8-mediated trophoblast apoptosis. 4. Evaluate the role of TLRs in pregnancy. While the link between bacterial infections and pregnancy complications is well established, less is known about how viral infections affect pregnancy. Despite a recent increase in our understanding of the role of placental TLRs in pregnancy, our knowledge about the specific mechanisms involved is still limited, as is the role of TLRs in mediating apoptosis. Our findings will further our understanding of normal placental function, and will lead to a better understanding, prediction and treatment of infection-associated pregnancy complications.

Public Health Relevance

The major objective of this proposal is to understand the mechanisms by which bacterial and viral infections, through the Toll-like receptors, induce placental apoptosis. Our studies will advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of infection-associated pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor. Our findings may also lead to new diagnostic markers, therapeutic strategies, and clues for novel drug targets.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD049446-10
Application #
8806567
Study Section
Pregnancy and Neonatology Study Section (PN)
Program Officer
Ilekis, John V
Project Start
2005-05-01
Project End
2016-01-31
Budget Start
2015-02-01
Budget End
2016-01-31
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$344,967
Indirect Cost
$137,780
Name
Yale University
Department
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
043207562
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06510
Brien, Marie-Eve; Duval, Cyntia; Palacios, Julia et al. (2017) Uric Acid Crystals Induce Placental Inflammation and Alter Trophoblast Function via an IL-1-Dependent Pathway: Implications for Fetal Growth Restriction. J Immunol 198:443-451
Gysler, Stefan M; Mulla, Melissa J; Guerra, Marta et al. (2016) Antiphospholipid antibody-induced miR-146a-3p drives trophoblast interleukin-8 secretion through activation of Toll-like receptor 8. Mol Hum Reprod 22:465-74
Norwitz, Errol R; Bonney, Elizabeth A; Snegovskikh, Victoria V et al. (2015) Molecular Regulation of Parturition: The Role of the Decidual Clock. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 5:
Potter, Julie A; Garg, Manish; Girard, Sylvie et al. (2015) Viral single stranded RNA induces a trophoblast pro-inflammatory and antiviral response in a TLR8-dependent and -independent manner. Biol Reprod 92:17
Han, Christina S; Herrin, Melissa A; Pitruzzello, Mary C et al. (2015) Glucose and metformin modulate human first trimester trophoblast function: a model and potential therapy for diabetes-associated uteroplacental insufficiency. Am J Reprod Immunol 73:362-71
Hoang, Mai; Potter, Julie A; Gysler, Stefan M et al. (2014) Human fetal membranes generate distinct cytokine profiles in response to bacterial Toll-like receptor and nod-like receptor agonists. Biol Reprod 90:39
Bakaysa, S L; Potter, J A; Hoang, M et al. (2014) Single- and double-stranded viral RNA generate distinct cytokine and antiviral responses in human fetal membranes. Mol Hum Reprod 20:701-8
Garg, Manish; Potter, Julie A; Abrahams, Vikki M (2013) Identification of microRNAs that regulate TLR2-mediated trophoblast apoptosis and inhibition of IL-6 mRNA. PLoS One 8:e77249
Mulla, Melissa J; Myrtolli, Kledia; Tadesse, Serkalem et al. (2013) Cutting-edge report: TLR10 plays a role in mediating bacterial peptidoglycan-induced trophoblast apoptosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 69:449-53
Kavathas, P B; Boeras, C M; Mulla, M J et al. (2013) Nod1, but not the ASC inflammasome, contributes to induction of IL-1? secretion in human trophoblasts after sensing of Chlamydia trachomatis. Mucosal Immunol 6:235-43

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