scholarly journals Irx3 Promotes Gap Junction Communication Between Uterine Stromal Cells to Regulate Vascularization during Embryo Implantation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan M Brown ◽  
Linda Wang ◽  
Anqi Fu ◽  
Athilakshmi Kannan ◽  
Michael Mussar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Critical Window ◽  
Implantation Sites

Spontaneous abortions have been reported to affect up to 43% of parous women, with over 20% occurring before pregnancy is clinically diagnosed. Establishment of pregnancy is critically dependent on proper embryo-uterine interactions at the time of implantation. Besides oocyte abnormalities, implantation failure is a major contributor to early pregnancy loss. Previously, we demonstrated that two members of the Iroquois homeobox transcription factor family, IRX3 and IRX5, exhibited distinct and dynamic expression profiles in the developing ovary to promote oocyte and follicle survival. Elimination of each gene independently caused subfertility, but with different breeding pattern outcomes. Irx3 KO (Irx3LacZ/LacZ) females produced fewer pups throughout their reproductive lifespan which could only be partially explained by poor oocyte quality. Thus, we hypothesized that IRX3 is also expressed in the uterus where it acts to establish functional embryo-uterine interactions to support pregnancy. To test this hypothesis, we harvested pregnant uteri from control and Irx3 KO females to evaluate IRX3 expression profiles and the integrity of embryo implantation sites. Our results indicate that IRX3 is expressed in the endometrial stromal cells of the pregnant uterus. Notably, of the days evaluated, IRX3 expression expanded into the endometrial stroma starting at day 4 of pregnancy (D4) with peak expression at D5-6, and then greatly diminished by D7. This pattern corresponds to the critical window for implantation and remodeling of the vasculature network in mice. Further, histology and immunohistochemistry at D7 showed that while embryos were able to attach to the uterus, implantation sites in Irx3 KO pregnant mice exhibited impaired vascularization. In addition, our results showed significantly diminished expression of decidualization markers and disruptions in GJA1 organization in the decidual bed. These data, taken together with previous reports focused on the ovary, suggest that IRX3 promotes fertility via at least two different mechanisms: 1) promoting competent oocytes and 2) facilitating functional embryo-uterine interactions during implantation. Future research aims to tease apart the roles for IRX3 in the oocyte versus the uterus and the mechanisms by which it promotes early embryo survival and a successful pregnancy outcome.

scholarly journals Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Endometrium Stromal Cells During Early Embryo Implantation (Within 48 Hour) in Vitro

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuo Han ◽  
Minghui Liu ◽  
Shan Liu ◽  
Yuan Li
Keyword(s):  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Essential Prerequisite ◽  
Key Pathways ◽  
Post Implantation

Abstract BackgroundSuccessful embryo implantation is an essential prerequisite for pregnancy. Previous studies have shown that DNA methylation, histone, chromatin structure, and non-coding RNAs, microRNAs may participate in the regulation of gene expression during embryo implantation. However, the transcriptome changes of human endometrial stromal cells during early embryo implantation are not well characterized. MethodsWe cultured human endometrial stromal cells and simulated the process of embryo implantation in vitro. We further analyzed the endometrial transcriptome patterns of endometrial stromal cells in the pre-implantation and post-implantation phase. We identified comprehensive transcriptomic profile of two endometrium stromal cells in particular developmental stage that may reflect the potential mechanism of embryo implantation. ResultsA total of 592 differentially expressed genes were identified after embryo implantation. Additionally, we identified key pathways (including TP53 and EGF signal pathway) that may regulate embryo-endometrium interactions; our findings may serve as a foundation for targeted studies on endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation loss. ConclusionOur work showed the transcriptome changes of endometrial stromal cells within 48 hours after implantation which provides key insights into the crucial features of transcriptional regulation in the stepwise embryo development.

scholarly journals The autophagy protein, FIP200 (RB1CC1) mediates progesterone responses governing uterine receptivity and decidualization†

2020 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 843-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arin K Oestreich ◽  
Sangappa B Chadchan ◽  
Alexandra Medvedeva ◽  
John P Lydon ◽  
Emily S Jungheim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Trophoblast Invasion ◽  
Uterine Receptivity ◽  
Human Escs ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Cellular Changes ◽  
Decidual Cells

Abstract Successful establishment of pregnancy depends on steroid hormone-driven cellular changes in the uterus during the peri-implantation period. To become receptive to embryo implantation, uterine endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) must transdifferentiate into decidual cells that secrete factors necessary for embryo survival and trophoblast invasion. Autophagy is a key homeostatic process vital for cellular homeostasis. Although the uterus undergoes major cellular changes during early pregnancy, the precise role of autophagy in uterine function is unknown. Here, we report that conditional knockout of the autophagy protein FIP200 in the reproductive tract of female mice results in reduced fecundity due to an implantation defect. In the absence of FIP200, aberrant progesterone signaling results in sustained uterine epithelial proliferation and failure of stromal cells to decidualize. Additionally, loss of FIP200 impairs decidualization of human ESCs. We conclude that the autophagy protein FIP200 plays a crucial role in uterine receptivity, decidualization, and fertility. These data establish autophagy as a major cellular pathway required for uterine receptivity and decidualization in both mice and human ESCs.

Inhibition of TMEM16A impedes embryo implantation and decidualization in mice

Reproduction ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianrong Qi ◽  
Yifan Yang ◽  
Kailin Wu ◽  
Qingzhen Xie
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Mouse Uterus ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Uterine Endometrium ◽  
Molecule Inhibitor ◽  
Pathway Inhibition ◽  
And Function ◽  
Reproductive Processes

Recent studies revealed that TMEM16A is involved in several reproductive processes, including ovarian estrogen secretion and ovulation, sperm motility and acrosome reaction, fertilization, and myometrium contraction. However, little is known about the expression and function of TMEM16A in embryo implantation and decidualization. In this study, we focused on the expression and regulation of TMEM16A in mouse uterus during early pregnancy. We found that TMEM16A is up-regulated in uterine endometrium in response to embryo implantation and decidualization. Progesterone treatment could induce TMEM16A expression in endometrial stromal cells through progesterone receptor/c-Myc pathway, which is blocked by progesterone receptor antagonist or the inhibitor of c-Myc signaling pathway. Inhibition of TMEM16A by small molecule inhibitor (T16Ainh-A01) resulted in impaired embryo implantation and decidualization in mice. Treatment with either specific siRNA of Tmem16a or T16Ainh-A01 inhibited the decidualization and proliferation of mouse endometrial stromal cells. In conclusion, our results revealed that TMEM16A is involved in embryo implantation and decidualization in mice, compromised function of TMEM16A may lead to impaired embryo implantation and decidualization.

scholarly journals Shp2 in uterine stromal cells critically regulates on time embryo implantation and stromal decidualization by multiple pathways during early pregnancy

PLoS Genetics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. e1010018
Author(s):  
Jianghong Cheng ◽  
Jia Liang ◽  
Yingzhe Li ◽  
Xia Gao ◽  
Mengjun Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Conditional Deletion ◽  
Enhancer Binding Protein ◽  
Epithelial Remodeling ◽  
Multiple Signaling ◽  
Transcription 3

Approximately 75% of failed pregnancies are considered to be due to embryo implantation failure or defects. Nevertheless, the explicit signaling mechanisms governing this process have not yet been elucidated. Here, we found that conditional deletion of the Shp2 gene in mouse uterine stromal cells deferred embryo implantation and inhibited the decidualization of stromal cells, which led to embryonic developmental delay and to the death of numerous embryos mid-gestation, ultimately reducing female fertility. The absence of Shp2 in stromal cells increased the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells, thereby disturbing endometrial epithelial remodeling. However, Shp2 deletion impaired the proliferation and polyploidization of stromal cells, which are distinct characteristics of decidualization. In human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs), Shp2 expression gradually increased during the decidualization process. Knockout of Shp2 blocked the decidual differentiation of hESCs, while Shp2 overexpression had the opposite effect. Shp2 knockout inhibited the proliferation of hESCs during decidualization. Whole gene expression profiling analysis of hESCs during the decidualization process showed that Shp2 deficiency disrupted many signaling transduction pathways and gene expression. Analyses of hESCs and mouse uterine tissues confirmed that the signaling pathways extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), protein kinase B (AKT), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and their downstream transcription factors CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and Forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FOXO-1) were involved in the Shp2 regulation of decidualization. In summary, these results demonstrate that Shp2 plays a crucial role in stromal decidualization by mediating and coordinating multiple signaling pathways in uterine stromal cells. Our discovery possibly provides a novel key regulator of embryo implantation and novel therapeutic target for pregnancy failure.

P–322 Addressing progesterone and cAMP signalling pathways for decidualization induction of endometrial stromal cells of patients with endometriosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Moyer ◽  
D Dunj. Baston-Buest ◽  
G Wennemuth ◽  
A Bielfeld ◽  
R Grümmer
Keyword(s):  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Prolactin Secretion ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Simultaneous Application

Abstract Study question Which compounds/compound combinations are most effective in decidualization induction of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) of patients with and without endometriosis? Summary answer Combination of compounds addressing different steps in the signalling cascade of decidualization induce decidualization more effectively than application of the individual compounds alone. What is known already Decidualization is the monthly recurring differentiation process of the ESCs in preparation for embryo implantation in human. Undifferentiated ESCs reveal an increased potential to proliferate and invade after retrograde menstruation. This may lead to the formation of ectopic lesions and the manifestation of the chronic gynaecological disease of endometriosis due to an impairment of the decidualization process. Study design, size, duration Compounds and compound combinations addressing the progesterone receptor- or the cAMP-mediated pathway were evaluated with regard to their own and their synergistic potential to induce decidualization of ESCs from women with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) endometriosis during a 6-day treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods Human primary ESCs were isolated via enzymatic-mechanic digestion from eutopic endometrium from women with and without endometriosis and treated for 6 days in vitro with different progestins (progesterone, medoxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)), 8-Br-cAMP, forskolin, or phosphodiesterase (PDE)-inhibitor (Rolipram) alone or in combination. The degree of decidualization induction was quantified by morphological, biochemical (prolactin) and molecular (HAND2, FOXO1) parameters by means of ELISA, flow cytometric analysis, Realtime PCR and Western blot analysis. Main results and the role of chance After 6 days of treatment, decidualization was induced by forskolin as well as by 8-Br-cAMP whereas progestins or PDE alone hardly induced prolactin secretion by ESCs as a marker of decidualization. A change of morphology from undifferentiated fibroblast-like cells to rounded cells could be observed in parallel with the secretion of prolactin. Forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP-induced decidualization was significantly enhanced by MPA but not by progesterone. These effects were similar in ESCs from women with and without endometriosis. Moreover, forskolin-induced decidualization was significantly enhanced by simultaneous application of PDE. Interestingly, this effect was higher in cells of patients with endometriosis. An induction of decidualization in ESCs was associated with a parallel increase of the process-associated transcription factors HAND2 and FOXO1. This rise of transcription was markedly increased in combination with MPA but not with progesterone. Limitations, reasons for caution Endometrial tissue was obtained from women undergoing infertility treatment and thus may differ from the endometrium of fertile women. Results obtained from primary cells in vitro may not cover the in vivo situation in all respects. Wider implications of the findings: The results of this study provide baseline data for the development of a possible therapeutical approach to induce decidualization as a treatment option for endometriosis. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of the in vitro tested compound combinations in an in vivo model. Trial registration number Not applicable

P-322 Addressing progesterone and cAMP signalling pathways for decidualization induction of endometrial stromal cells of patients with endometriosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Moyer ◽  
D Dunja Baston-Buest ◽  
G Wennemuth ◽  
A Bielfeld ◽  
R Grümmer
Keyword(s):  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Prolactin Secretion ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Simultaneous Application

Abstract Study question Which compounds/compound combinations are most effective in decidualization induction of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) of patients with and without endometriosis? Summary answer Combination of compounds addressing different steps in the signalling cascade of decidualization induce decidualization more effectively than application of the individual compounds alone. What is known already Decidualization is the monthly recurring differentiation process of the ESCs in preparation for embryo implantation in human. Undifferentiated ESCs reveal an increased potential to proliferate and invade after retrograde menstruation. This may lead to the formation of ectopic lesions and the manifestation of the chronic gynaecological disease of endometriosis due to an impairment of the decidualization process. Study design, size, duration Compounds and compound combinations addressing the progesterone receptor- or the cAMP-mediated pathway were evaluated with regard to their own and their synergistic potential to induce decidualization of ESCs from women with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) endometriosis during a 6-day treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods Human primary ESCs were isolated via enzymatic-mechanic digestion from eutopic endometrium from women with and without endometriosis and treated for 6 days in vitro with different progestins (progesterone, medoxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)), 8-Br-cAMP, forskolin, or phosphodiesterase (PDE)-inhibitor (Rolipram) alone or in combination. The degree of decidualization induction was quantified by morphological, biochemical (prolactin) and molecular (HAND2, FOXO1) parameters by means of ELISA, flow cytometric analysis, Realtime PCR and Western blot analysis. Main results and the role of chance After 6 days of treatment, decidualization was induced by forskolin as well as by 8-Br-cAMP whereas progestins or PDE alone hardly induced prolactin secretion by ESCs as a marker of decidualization. A change of morphology from undifferentiated fibroblast-like cells to rounded cells could be observed in parallel with the secretion of prolactin. Forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP-induced decidualization was significantly enhanced by MPA but not by progesterone. These effects were similar in ESCs from women with and without endometriosis. Moreover, forskolin-induced decidualization was significantly enhanced by simultaneous application of PDE. Interestingly, this effect was higher in cells of patients with endometriosis. An induction of decidualization in ESCs was associated with a parallel increase of the process-associated transcription factors HAND2 and FOXO1. This rise of transcription was markedly increased in combination with MPA but not with progesterone. Limitations, reasons for caution Endometrial tissue was obtained from women undergoing infertility treatment and thus may differ from the endometrium of fertile women. Results obtained from primary cells in vitro may not cover the in vivo situation in all respects. Wider implications of the findings The results of this study provide baseline data for the development of a possible therapeutical approach to induce decidualization as a treatment option for endometriosis. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of the in vitro tested compound combinations in an in vivo model. Trial registration number not applicable

Seminal plasma enhances and accelerates progesterone-induced decidualisation of human endometrial stromal cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 517 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Doyle ◽  
N. Sampson ◽  
C. Zenzmaier ◽  
P. Schwärzler ◽  
P. Berger
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Morphological Differentiation ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells

In preparation for embryo implantation, endometrial stromal cells (ESC) undergo differentiation, termed decidualisation. Enhancing endometrial decidualisation may overcome reduced endometrial receptivity, a major limiting factor in natural and assisted reproduction. To determine whether seminal plasma (SP) influences decidualisation, primary human ESC were treated with progesterone (P4, 50 ng mL–1) in the presence or absence of dialysed SP (0.5%) for 24 h or for up to 27 days to investigate immediate early effects or the effects of prolonged exposure, respectively. Combined SP and P4 treatment induced ESC morphological differentiation. Relative to control, P4 alone, and SP alone combined treatment with SP and P4 for 27 days significantly upregulated mRNA levels of the decidua-specific markers prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1). Consistently, PRL protein secretion was significantly increased over the course of 27 days combined SP and P4 treatment relative to control, P4 alone and SP alone. Likewise, IGFBP1 secretion was significantly greater relative to control and P4 alone over the course of 27 days. Thus, SP enhances and accelerates P4-mediated decidualisation of human ESC and may enhance endometrial receptivity.

266. Supressor of cytokine signalling 3 regulates IL-11 induced human endometrial stromal cell decidualization

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
E. Dimitriadis ◽  
C. Stoikos ◽  
L. A. Salamonsen
Keyword(s):  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Cytokine Signaling ◽  
Pituitary Cells ◽  
Human Pituitary ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Socs3 Protein

Decidualization of endometrial stromal cells is critical for embryo implantation and establishment of pregnancy. Locally produced cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-11 enhance decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (HESC). IL-11 signaling is negatively regulated by suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins. IL-11 stimulates SOCS3 in human pituitary cells. The aim of this study was to examine the role of SOCS3 on IL-11 induced HESC decidualization. Decidualization of HESC was assessed using an in vitro model in which estrogen (E)+progesterone (P) or cAMP was administered for 8 days to cells. Medium was collected for prolactin (PRL) assay (a decidual marker). Cellular protein was extracted for Western analysis and cellular RNA for real-time RT-PCR analysis. SOCS3 was overexpressed in HESC cells and the effect on decidualization assessed. HESC treated with E+P or cAMP secreted PRL from day 6. Treatment of HESC with E+P or cAMP increased the abundance of SOCS3 protein, coinciding with an increase in PRL secretion. cAMP maximally stimulated SOCS3 protein and mRNA during decidualization. Antiprogestin (onapristone) added to E+P or cAMP treated cells at day 6 reduced PRL secretion but had no influence on SOCS3 abundance suggesting that SOCS3 protein was not regulated via the P-receptor pathway. Addition of IL-11 to HESC increased SOCS3 abundance from 1 h. SOCS3 abundance returned to control levels following treatment of cells with IL-11 and IL-11 neutralising antibody. SOCS3 overexpression in HESC treated with cAMP reduced PRL secretion compared to mock- or non-transfected HESC. Furthermore, IL-11 mediated decidualization was diminished by SOCS3 overexpression. We have demonstrated for the first time that SOCS3 regulates IL-11 induced decidualization and that SOCS3 overexpression in HESC disrupts decidualization. This knowledge is important in understanding the mechanisms by which IL-11 promotes decidualization of HESC and thus the formation of decidua, an essential component of a functional placenta.

414. The contraceptive potential of a long-acting IL-11 inhibitor

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
E. Menkhorst ◽  
L. Salamonsen ◽  
L. Robb ◽  
E. Dimitriadis
Keyword(s):  
Nature Medicine ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptive ◽  
Cyclin D3 ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Luminal Epithelium ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Decidual Cells ◽  
Implantation Sites ◽  
Long Acting

Interleukin 11 (IL-11) signalling is essential for the establishment of pregnancy in mice, through its action on the differentiation of uterine endometrial stromal cells (decidualisation), a critical process during embryo implantation. IL-11Rα deficient mice are infertile due to defective decidualisation1. IL-11 expression peaks between days (D) 4.5–9.5 of pregnancy (D0: day of plug) in mouse decidua. We examined the effect of administering (intraperitoneal [IP] injection or vaginal gel) a PEGylated IL-11 antagonist (PEGIL-11A) on decidualisation and pregnancy outcome in mice. The sera half-life of PEGIL-11A (IC50 2.8nM) following IP injection was 24h, compared with <1 h for the non-PEGylated antagonist (IC50 0.26nM). Following IP injection, PEGIL-11A localised to decidual cells and blocked the IL-11 decidual target protein, cyclin D3. IP injection of 600µg/application PEGIL-11A (or PEG control) at 1000 h and 1600 h on D3 and 1000 h on D4 (n = 4/group), resulted in smaller implantation sites than controls on D6 due to retarded mesometrial decidual formation. On D10, severe decidual destruction was visible: implantation sites contained regions of haemorrhage and the uterine luminal epithelium had reformed, suggesting a return to oestrous cycling. Following vaginal application in aqueous placebo gel, PEGIL-11A localised to decidual cells. Vaginal application of 200µg/application PEGIL-11A (or control) twice daily from D2 to D5 (n = 4/group), resulted in smaller implantation sites than controls on D6 due to partial inhibition of mesometrial decidual formation. This study demonstrates that PEGIL-11A blocked IL-11 action in the uterus, resulting in total pregnancy loss, equivalent to the IL-11Rα deficient mouse. In women, IL-11 and its receptor are produced by the uterine luminal and glandular epithelium during the period of uterine receptivity2, suggesting that IL-11 may act during initial blastocyst attachment to the luminal epithelium as well as stromal decidualisation. This study provides proof-of-principle for the development of a novel, non-hormonal contraceptive for women. (1) Robb L et al. Nature Medicine 1998; 4: 303–308. (2) Dimitriadis E et al. Molecular Human Reproduction 2000; 6: 907–914.

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