Spatial proteomics and transcriptomics of placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Bartels Helena C , Hameed Sodiq , Young Constance , Nabhan Myriam , Downey Paul , Curran Kathleen M , McCormack Janet , Fabre Aurelie , Kolch Walter , Zhernovkov Vadim , Brennan Donal J 
Published: March 2024

In severe Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), trophoblasts gain deep access in the myometrium (placenta increta). This study investigated alterations at the fetal-maternal interface in PAS cases using a systems biology approach consisting of immunohistochemistry, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics. We identified spatial variation in the distribution of CD4+, CD3+and CD8+T-cells at the maternal-interface in placenta increta cases. Spatial transcriptomics identified transcription factors involved in promotion of trophoblast invasion such as AP-1 subunits ATF-3 and JUN, and NFKB were upregulated in regions with deep myometrial invasion. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes demonstrated that degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and class 1 MHC protein were increased in increta regions, suggesting local tissue injury and immune suppression. Spatial proteomics demonstrated that increta regions were characterised by excessive trophoblastic proliferation in an immunosuppressive environment. Expression of inhibitors of apoptosis such as BCL-2 and fibronectin were increased, while CTLA-4 was decreased and increased expression of PD-L1, PD-L2 and CD14 macrophages. Additionally, CD44, which is a ligand of fibronectin that promotes trophoblast invasion and cell adhesion was also increased in increta regions. We subsequently examined ligand receptor interactions enriched in increta regions, with interactions with ITGβ1, including with fibronectin and ADAMS, emerging as central in increta. These ITGβ1 ligand interactions are involved in activation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and remodelling of ECM suggesting a more invasive trophoblast phenotype. In PAS, we suggest this is driven by fibronectin via AP-1 signalling, likely as a secondary response to myometrial scarring. Overall, this study suggests the biological processes leading to deep trophoblast invasion in the myometrium in placenta increta are as a result of upregulation of transcription factors and subsequent genes and proteins which promote trophoblast invasion. This occurs in a locally immune suppressed environment, with increased ECM degradation suggesting these findings are secondary to iatrogenic uterine injury.

Significance statement

Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) is a rare pregnancy complication, where the placenta fails to separate from the womb resulting in severe bleeding, which is associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. As Caesarean section rates increase, the incidence of PAS is increasing. The underlying pathophysiology of PAS is poorly understood. Here, we apply a spatial multi-omic approach to explore the biologic changes at the maternal-fetal interface in severe PAS (placenta increta). Using spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, we identified genes and proteins that are dysregulated in severe PAS involving processes such as extracellular matrix degradation, local immune suppression and promotion of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. This study provides new insights into the biological changes and underlying pathophysiology leading to placenta increta.