LAIR2-expressing extravillous trophoblasts associate with maternal spiral arterioles undergoing physiologic conversion.

Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 2 (LAIR2) was identified on a global gene expression microarray analysis of surplus chorionic villus sampling (CVS) tissues as down-regulated in the first trimester of preeclampsia pregnancies. LAIR2 is the soluble receptor counterpart to LAIR1, an inhibitory receptor found on multiple immune cell subsets. In situ and immunohistochemical studies have previously shown that placental expression of LAIR2 expression is highly restricted, confined to the more distal portions of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell columns. This study examines LAIR2 expression in deeper layers of trophoblasts in the placental implantation site, maternal decidua and maternal spiral arterioles. Immunohistochemical staining detected LAIR2 expression on a subset of EVT within the implantation site. This trophoblast included the invasive EVT infiltrating the maternal decidual vessels and the EVT forming the endovascular trophoblastic plugs. More specifically, LAIR2-positive EVT showed a striking predilection for maternal decidual arterioles and the immediately surrounding decidua. Moreover, the appearance of EVT expressing LAIR2 in these areas was contemporaneous with the process of spiral arteriole remodeling. Based on these findings, we suggest that LAIR2-expressing EVT may play an important role in the remodeling of maternal spiral arterioles.

LAIR2 localizes specifically to sites of extravillous trophoblast invasion.

PURPOSE: A global gene expression microarray analysis of surplus chorionic villus sampling (CVS) tissues identified leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 2 (LAIR2) as down-regulated in the first trimester of pregnancies destined for preeclampsia. Neither the localization nor the function of LAIR2 has been examined in the placenta. Localization studies were conducted in placental tissues to determine the precise sites of LAIR2 mRNA production and protein binding. RESULTS: Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) indicated LAIR2 expression in CVS, but none in breast, lymph node, kidney, skin, uterus, or third trimester placentas. In situ hybridization (ISH) revealed a highly restricted LAIR2 localization. LAIR2 mRNA was found only in the more distal portions of trophoblast anchoring cell columns, adjacent to the invading extravillous trophoblast (EVT). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected intracellular LAIR2 staining in these same cells. Extracellular staining of this soluble receptor was found in the acellular material between invasive EVT cells distal to the anchoring cell columns. CONCLUSIONS: ISH and IHC staining for LAIR2 detected specific, highly localized expression at the leading edge of EVT anchoring cell columns in first trimester placentas. This staining likely identifies the site of production for this soluble receptor. Following secretion, the receptor appears to bind extracellular material among the invasive EVT. The precise restriction of this protein only to the sites of EVT invasion strongly suggests that it functions to regulate this invasion. The decreased LAIR2 expression noted in first trimester placentas that ultimately developed preeclampsia further suggests that alterations in LAIR2 may play an etiologic role in preeclampsia.

Altered global gene expression in first trimester placentas of women destined to develop preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder that remains a leading cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and is associated with risk for future cardiovascular disease. There are no reliable predictors, specific preventative measures or treatments other than delivery. A widely held view is that the antecedents of preeclampsia lie with impaired placentation in early pregnancy. Accordingly, we hypothesized dysregulation of global gene expression in first trimester placentas of women who later manifested preeclampsia. METHODS: Surplus chorionic villus sampling (CVS) tissues were collected at 10-12 weeks gestation in 160 patients with singleton fetuses. Four patients developed preeclampsia, and their banked CVS specimens were matched to 8 control samples from patients with unaffected pregnancies. Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChips were utilized for microarray analysis. Naïve Bayes prediction modeling and pathway analysis were conducted. qRT-PCR examined three of the dysregulated genes. RESULTS: Thirty-six differentially expressed genes were identified in the preeclampsia placentas. qRT-PCR verified the microarray analysis. Thirty-one genes were down-regulated. Many were related to inflammation/immunoregulation and cell motility. Decidual gene dysregulation was prominent. No evidence was found for alterations in hypoxia and oxidative stress regulated genes. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to show dysregulation of gene expression in the early placentas of women approximately 6 months before developing preeclampsia, thereby reinforcing a placental origin of the disorder. We hypothesize that placentation in preeclampsia is compromised in the first trimester by maternal and fetal immune dysregulation, abnormal decidualization, or both, thereby impairing trophoblast invasion. Several of the genes provide potential targets for the development of clinical biomarkers in maternal blood during the first trimester. Supplementary materials are available for this article via the publisher's online edition.