scholarly journals Uterine SOX17: a key player in human endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Kinnear ◽  
Lois A. Salamonsen ◽  
Mathias Francois ◽  
Vincent Harley ◽  
Jemma Evans
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Adhesive Contact ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Yin And Yang ◽  
Hormonal Milieu ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Abstract The yin and yang of female fertility is a complicated issue; large numbers of women/couples desire fertility and seek assisted reproduction intervention to achieve conception, while others seek to prevent pregnancy. Understanding specific molecules which control endometrial-embryo interactions is essential for both facilitating and preventing pregnancy. SOX17 has recently emerged as an important transcription factor involved in endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. However, studies to date have examined mouse models of pregnancy which do not necessarily translate to the human. Demonstration of a role for ‘implantation factors’ in a human system is critical to provide a rationale for in depth clinical investigation and targeting of such factors. We demonstrate that SOX17is present within the receptive human endometrium and is up-regulated within human endometrial epithelial cells by combined estrogen & progesterone, the hormonal milieu during the receptive window. SOX17 localizes to the point of adhesive contact between human endometrial epithelial cells and a human ‘embryo mimic’ model (trophectodermal spheroid). Targeting SOX17 in endometrial epithelial cells using CRISPR/Cas9 knockdown or a SOX-F family inhibitor, MCC177, significantly inhibited adhesion of an trophectodermal spheroids to the epithelial cells thereby preventing ‘implantation’. These data confirm the important role of endometrial SOX17 in human endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation.

scholarly journals Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles secreted by primary human epithelial endometrial cells reveals key proteins related to embryo implantation

2022 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Segura-Benítez ◽  
María Cristina Carbajo-García ◽  
Ana Corachán ◽  
Amparo Faus ◽  
Antonio Pellicer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Proteomic Analysis ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Isolation Methods ◽  
Ishikawa Cells ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells ◽  
Implantation Success

Abstract Background Successful implantation is dependent on coordination between maternal endometrium and embryo, and the role of EVs in the required cross-talk cell-to-cell has been recently established. In this regard, it has been reported that EVs secreted by the maternal endometrium can be internalized by human trophoblastic cells transferring their contents and enhancing their adhesive and invasive capacity. This is the first study to comprehensively evaluate three EV isolation methods on human endometrial epithelial cells in culture and to describe the proteomic content of EVs secreted by pHEECs from fertile women. Methods Ishikawa cells and pHEECs were in vitro cultured and hormonally treated; subsequently, conditioned medium was collected and EVs isolated. Ishikawa cells were used for the comparison of EVs isolation methods ultracentrifugation, ExoQuick-TC and Norgen Cell Culture Media Exosome Purification Kit (n = 3 replicates/isolation method). pHEECs were isolated from endometrial biopsies (n = 8/replicate; 3 replicates) collected from healthy oocyte donors with confirmed fertility, and protein content of EVs isolated by the most efficient methodology was analysed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. EV concentration and size were analyzed by nanoparticle tracking analysis, EV morphology visualized by transmission electron microscopy and protein marker expression was determined by Western blotting. Results Ultracentrifugation was the most efficient methodology for EV isolation from medium of endometrial epithelial cells. EVs secreted by pHEECs and isolated by ultracentrifugation were heterogeneous in size and expressed EV protein markers HSP70, TSG101, CD9, and CD81. Proteomic analysis identified 218 proteins contained in these EVs enriched in biological processes involved in embryo implantation, including cell adhesion, differentiation, communication, migration, extracellular matrix organization, vasculature development, and reproductive processes. From these proteins, 82 were selected based on their functional relevance in implantation success as possible implantation biomarkers. Conclusions EV protein cargos are implicated in biological processes related to endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and early embryo development, supporting the concept of a communication system between the embryo and the maternal endometrium via EVs. Identified proteins may define new biomarkers of endometrial receptivity and implantation success.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by high estradiol concentrations in endometrial epithelial cells

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Hung Chou ◽  
Shee-Uan Chen ◽  
Chin-Der Chen ◽  
Chia-Tung Shun ◽  
Wen-Fen Wen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
In Vivo Effects ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Abstract Context A supraphysiological estradiol (E2) concentration after ovarian stimulation is known to result in lower embryo implantation rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) apoptosis occurs after the stimulation with high E2 concentrations, and mitochondria play important roles in cell apoptosis. Objective To investigate the mitochondrial function in EECs after the stimulation with high E2 concentrations. Materials and Methods Human EECs were purified and cultured with different E2 concentrations (10-10, 10-9, 10-8, 10-7 M) in vitro, in which 10-7 M is supraphysiologically high. Eight-week-old female mouse endometrium was obtained 5.5 days after the injection of 1.25 IU or 20 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), roughly during the embryo implantation window, to examine the in vivo effects of high E2 concentrations on mouse EECs. Results In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated decreased mitochondrial DNA contents and ATP formation after EECs were stimulated with supraphysiologically high E2 concentrations than those stimulated with a physiologic E2 concentration. Less prominent immunofluorescence mitochondrial staining, fewer mitochondria number under electron microscopy, lower JC-1 aggregate/monomer ratio, and greater reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were found after EECs were stimulated with supraphysiologically high E2 concentrations. The high E2-induced ROS production was reduced when EECs were pretreated with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) in vitro, but remained unchanged after the pretreatment with coenzyme Q10. Conclusion High E2 concentrations increase extra-mitochondrial ROS production in EECs and subsequently result in mitochondrial dysfunction.

scholarly journals The Effects of Hedgehog Ligand Neutralising Antibody 5E1 in a Mouse Model of Endometriosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Lyndsay Cousins ◽  
Johanna K Farley ◽  
Rebecca Kerrigan ◽  
Shayanti Mukherjee ◽  
Saeedeh Darzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Peritoneal Cavity ◽  
Painful Condition ◽  
Hedgehog Signalling ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Abstract Objective: Endometriosis is a common and painful condition characterized by the formation of endometrial lesions within the peritoneal cavity. Previous studies have suggested a role for hedgehog signalling in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We investigated the role of hedgehog signalling in the establishment of endometriosis lesions using 5E1, a hedgehog ligand neutralising antibody, and a mouse model of endometriosis. Results: Treatment with 5E1, reduced the number of lesions found on the mesentery. No significant changes were found in the size of lesions, abundance of endometrial epithelial cells, proliferation or apoptosis in the lesions.

Annexin A2 acts as an adherent molecule under the regulation of steroids during embryo implantation

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 825-836
Author(s):  
Bing Wang ◽  
Yan Shao
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Outer Surface ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Surface Membrane ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Annexin A2 ◽  
Endometrial Cells ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells ◽  
Embryo Attachment

Abstract We previously showed that annexin A2 (Axna2) was transiently expressed at the embryo-uterine luminal epithelium interface during the window of implantation and was involved in mouse embryo implantation. At the same time, Axna2 was reported to be upregulated in human receptive endometrium, which was critical for embryo attachment as an intracellular molecule. Here, we identified Axna2 as a membrane-bound molecule on human endometrial epithelial cells and trophoblast cells, and the outer surface membrane-bound Axna2 was involved in human embryo attachment. In addition, physiological levels of estrogen and progesterone increased the expression of overall Axna2 as well as that in the extracellular surface membrane protein fraction in human endometrial cells. Furthermore, p11 (or S100A10, a member of the S100 EF-hand family protein, molecular weight 11 kDa) was involved in the translocation of Axna2 to the outer surface membrane of endometrial epithelial cells without affecting its overall expression. Finally, the surface relocation of Axna2 was also dependent on cell–cell contact and calcium binding. A better understanding of the function and regulation of Axna2 in human endometrium may help us to identify a potential therapeutic target for subfertile and infertile patients.

scholarly journals The multifaceted role of oestrogen in enhancing Chlamydia trachomatis infection in polarized human endometrial epithelial cells

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1183-1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Vanover Hall ◽  
Maria Schell ◽  
Sophie Dessus-Babus ◽  
Cheryl G. Moore ◽  
Judy D. Whittimore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells

scholarly journals Ssc-miR-21-5p regulates endometrial epithelial cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration via the PDCD4/AKT pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (23) ◽  
pp. jcs248898
Author(s):  
Renwu Hua ◽  
Xiuling Zhang ◽  
Wenchao Li ◽  
Weisi Lian ◽  
Qiaorui Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Akt Pathway ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cell ◽  
Programmed Cell Death 4 ◽  
And Migration

ABSTRACTEndometrial receptivity plays a vital role in successful embryo implantation in pigs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), known as regulators of gene expression, have been implicated in the regulation of embryo implantation. However, the role of miRNAs in endometrial receptivity during the pre-implantation period remains elusive. In this study, we report that the expression level of Sus scrofa (ssc)-miR-21-5p in porcine endometrium tissues was significantly increased from day 9 to day 12 of pregnancy. Knockdown of ssc-miR-21-5p inhibited proliferation and migration of endometrial epithelial cells (EECs), and induced their apoptosis. We verified that programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) was a target gene of ssc-miR-21-5p. Inhibition of PDCD4 rescued the effect of ssc-miR-21-5p repression on EECs. Our results also revealed that knockdown of ssc-miR-21-5p impeded the phosphorylation of AKT (herein referring to AKT1) by targeting PDCD4, which further upregulated the expression of Bax, and downregulated the levels of Bcl2 and Mmp9. Furthermore, loss of function of Mus musculus (mmu)-miR-21-5p in vivo resulted in a decreased number of implanted mouse embryos. Taken together, knockdown of ssc-miR-21-5p hampers endometrial receptivity by modulating the PDCD4/AKT pathway.

scholarly journals Activation of SGK1 in Endometrial Epithelial Cells in Response to PI3K/AKT Inhibition Impairs Embryo Implantation

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 2077-2087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhuri S. Salker ◽  
Jennifer H. Steel ◽  
Zohreh Hosseinzadeh ◽  
Jaya Nautiyal ◽  
Zoe Webster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Akt Inhibitor ◽  
Down Regulation ◽  
Uterine Lumen ◽  
Akt Activation ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase ◽  
Endometrial Epithelial Cells

Background: Serum & Glucocorticoid Regulated Kinase 1 (SGK1) plays a fundamental role in ion and solute transport processes in epithelia. In the endometrium, down-regulation of SGK1 during the window of receptivity facilitates embryo implantation whereas expression of a constitutively active mutant in the murine uterus blocks implantation. Methods/Results: Here, we report that treatment of endometrial epithelial cells with specific inhibitors of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT activity pathway results in reciprocal activation of SGK1. Flushing of the uterine lumen of mice with a cell permeable, substrate competitive phosphatidylinositol analogue that inhibits AKT activation (AKT inhibitor III) resulted in Sgk1 phosphorylation, down-regulation of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase Nedd4-2, and increased expression of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC). Furthermore, exposure of the uterine lumen to AKT inhibitor III prior to embryo transfer induced a spectrum of early pregnancy defects, ranging from implantation failure to aberrant spacing of implantation sites. Conclusion: Taken together, our data indicate that the balanced activities of two related serine/threonine kinases, AKT and SGK1, critically govern the implantation process.

GRIM-19, a gene associated with retinoid-interferon-induced mortality, affects endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yang ◽  
Yanyan Sun ◽  
Laiyang Cheng ◽  
Anna Li ◽  
Yanjun Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Tolerance ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Pregnant Mouse ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Pregnant Mice ◽  
Adhesion Rate

GRIM-19 is associated with apoptosis, abnormal proliferation, immune tolerance and malignant transformation, and it also plays an important role in early embryonic development. Although the homologous deletion of GRIM-19 causes embryonic lethality in mice, the precise role of GRIM-19 in embryo implantation has not been elucidated. Here we show that GRIM-19 plays an important role in endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Day 1 to Day 6 pregnant mouse uteri were collected. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed the presence of GRIM-19 on the luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium throughout the implantation period in pregnant mice. The protein and mRNA levels of GRIM-19 were markedly decreased on Day 4 of pregnancy in pregnant mice, but there was no change in GRIM-19 levels in a group of pseudopregnant mice. Overexpression of GRIM-19 decreased the adhesion rate of RL95–2–BeWo co-cultured spheroids and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, STAT3 and IL-11 mRNA and protein levels were reduced by overexpressing GRIM-19, but protein and mRNA levels of TNF-α were increased. These findings indicate the involvement of GRIM-19 in the embryo implantation process by regulating adhesion, apoptosis and immune tolerance.

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