scholarly journals Influence of hyaluronan on endometrial receptivity and embryo attachment in sheep

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 1763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed F. A. Marei ◽  
D. Claire Wathes ◽  
Kabir A. Raheem ◽  
Omnia Mohey-Elsaeed ◽  
Fataneh Ghafari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Uterine Receptivity ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Mucin 1 ◽  
Synthesis Inhibitor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hyaluronidase 2 ◽  
Embryo Attachment

An increasing number of reports suggests a role of hyaluronan (HA) in female reproduction and interest in its application in assisted reproduction is rising. However, there are contrasting data about the effectiveness of adding HA to the embryo-transfer medium on improving pregnancy rates. Using sheep as an experimental model, the studies reported here analysed the impact of HA infusion into the uterus on embryo attachment to uterine luminal epithelium (LE) and expression of selected markers of uterine receptivity. On Day 14 after natural mating (pre-attachment), uterine horns were infused with either (n = 4 each): PBS (control), HA (1 mg mL–1), HA + hyaluronidase 2 (Hyal2; 300 IU mL–1) or 4-methyl-umbelliferone (HA-synthesis inhibitor; 4MU, 1 mM). HA immunostaining on uterine sections collected on Day 17 was negative in the 4MU group and weak in the HA+Hyal2 group. In contrast to 4MU, which resulted in 100% attachment, HA infusion blocked embryo attachment in all treated animals. This was accompanied by the disappearance of mucin 1 and increased expression of osteopontin and CD44v6 in the LE of uteri with attached embryos. In conclusion, the presence of HA at the embryo–maternal interface during embryo implantation resulted in reduced endometrial receptivity and inhibited the interaction of trophoblasts with the LE, whereas clearance of HA favoured embryo attachment.

scholarly journals Differential roles of uterine epithelial and stromal STAT3 coordinate uterine receptivity and embryo attachment

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takehiro Hiraoka ◽  
Yasushi Hirota ◽  
Yamato Fukui ◽  
Mona Gebril ◽  
Tetsuaki Kaku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Uterine Receptivity ◽  
Uterine Lumen ◽  
Female Mice ◽  
Attachment Sites ◽  
Transcription 3 ◽  
Estrogenic Responses ◽  
Embryo Attachment

Abstract Although it has been reported that uterine signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is essential for embryo implantation, the exact roles of uterine epithelial and stromal STAT3 on embryo implantation have not been elucidated. To address this issue, we generated Stat3-floxed/Ltf-iCre (Stat3-eKO), Stat3-floxed/Amhr2-Cre (Stat3-sKO), and Stat3-floxed/Pgr-Cre (Stat3-uKO) mice to delete Stat3 in uterine epithelium, uterine stroma, and whole uterine layers, respectively. We found that both epithelial and stromal STAT3 have critical roles in embryo attachment because all the Stat3-eKO and Stat3-sKO female mice were infertile due to implantation failure without any embryo attachment sites. Stat3-eKO uteri showed indented structure of uterine lumen, indicating the role of epithelial STAT3 in slit-like lumen formation in the peri-implantation uterus. Stat3-sKO uteri exhibited hyper-estrogenic responses and persistent cell proliferation of the epithelium in the peri-implantation uterus, suggesting the role of stromal STAT3 in uterine receptivity. In addition, Stat3-uKO female mice possessed not only the characteristic of persistent epithelial proliferation but also that of indented structure of uterine lumen. These findings indicate that epithelial STAT3 controls the formation of slit-like structure in uterine lumen and stromal STAT3 suppresses epithelial estrogenic responses and cell proliferation. Thus, epithelial and stromal STAT3 cooperatively controls uterine receptivity and embryo attachment through their different pathways.

scholarly journals Role of Hyaluronan in Human Adipogenesis: Evidence from in-Vitro and in-Vivo Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Wilson ◽  
Robert Steadman ◽  
Ilaria Muller ◽  
Mohd Draman ◽  
D. Aled Rees ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Synthesis Inhibitor ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Inhibitory Role ◽  
The Impact

Hyaluronan (HA), an extra-cellular matrix glycosaminoglycan, may play a role in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation to fat but results using murine models and cell lines are conflicting. Our previous data, illustrating decreased HA production during human adipogenesis, suggested an inhibitory role. We have investigated the role of HA in adipogenesis and fat accumulation using human primary subcutaneous preadipocyte/fibroblasts (PFs, n = 12) and subjects of varying body mass index (BMI). The impact of HA on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression was analysed following siRNA knockdown or HA synthase (HAS)1 and HAS2 overexpression. PFs were cultured in complete or adipogenic medium (ADM) with/without 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU = HA synthesis inhibitor). Adipogenesis was evaluated using oil red O (ORO), counting adipogenic foci, and measurement of a terminal differentiation marker. Modulating HA production by HAS2 knockdown or overexpression increased (16%, p < 0.04) or decreased (30%, p = 0.01) PPARγ transcripts respectively. The inhibition of HA by 4-MU significantly enhanced ADM-induced adipogenesis with 1.52 ± 0.18- (ORO), 4.09 ± 0.63- (foci) and 2.6 ± 0.21-(marker)-fold increases compared with the controls, also increased PPARγ protein expression (40%, (p < 0.04)). In human subjects, circulating HA correlated negatively with BMI and triglycerides (r = −0.396 (p = 0.002), r = −0.269 (p = 0.038), respectively), confirming an inhibitory role of HA in human adipogenesis. Thus, enhancing HA action may provide a therapeutic target in obesity.

scholarly journals Increased METTL3-mediated m6A methylation inhibits embryo implantation by repressing HOXA10 expression in recurrent implantation failure

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pingping Xue ◽  
Wenbo Zhou ◽  
Wenqiang Fan ◽  
Jianya Jiang ◽  
Chengcai Kong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Implantation Failure ◽  
Quantitative Real Time Pcr ◽  
Recurrent Implantation Failure ◽  
Ishikawa Cells ◽  
Embryo Attachment

Abstract Background Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a major limitation of assisted reproductive technology, which is associated with impaired endometrial receptivity. Although N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been demonstrated to be involved in various biological processes, its potential role in the endometrium of women with RIF has been poorly studied. Methods Global m6A levels and major m6A methyltransferases/demethylases mRNA levels in mid-secretory endometrium from normal and RIF women were examined by colorimetric m6A quantification strategy and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. The effects of METTL3-mediated m6A modification on embryo attachment were evaluated by an vitro model of a confluent monolayer of Ishikawa cells co-cultured with BeWo spheroids, and the expression levels of homeo box A10 (HOXA10, a well-characterized marker of endometrial receptivity) and its downstream targets were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting in METTL3-overexpressing Ishikawa cells. The molecular mechanism for METTL3 regulating HOXA10 expression was determined by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay and transcription inhibition assay. Results Global m6A methylation and METTL3 expression were significantly increased in the endometrial tissues from women with RIF compared with the controls. Overexpression of METTL3 in Ishikawa cells significantly decreased the ration of BeWo spheroid attachment, and inhibited HOXA10 expression with downstream decreased β3-integrin and increased empty spiracles homeobox 2 expression. METTL3 catalyzed the m6A methylation of HOXA10 mRNA and contributed to its decay with shortened half-life. Enforced expression of HOXA10 in Ishikawa cells effectively rescued the impairment of METTL3 on the embryo attachment in vitro. Conclusion Increased METTL3-mediated m6A modification represents an adverse impact on embryo implantation by inhibiting HOXA10 expression, contributing to the pathogenesis of RIF.

scholarly journals Role of Oocyte Morphological Abnormality Rates on the Embryo Development and Implantation

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Bulent Emre Bilgic ◽  
Cigdem Yayla Abide ◽  
Enis Ozkaya ◽  
Tayfun Kutlu ◽  
Sule Ayla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Polar Body ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Needle Insertion ◽  
Morphological Abnormality ◽  
Oocyte Size ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cycle Outcome

<p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>The aim of this study was to assess the impact of some oocyte morphological abnormality rates on embryo development and implantation.</p><p><strong>STUDY DESIGN:</strong> Oocyte morphological abnormalities including oocyte size, elliptical shape, vacuole, plain polar body, fragmented polar body, large perivitellin space, perivitellin debris, central granulation, dense central granulation, inclusion body, thick zona pellucida, clusters of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, easy needle insertion and dark cytoplasm were determined for each oocyte. Rates of these oocyte morphological anomalies were determined for each case and the impact of rates on the cycle outcome was analyzed.</p><p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Similar oocyte morphology abnormality rates were observed between cycles with and without successful embryo implantation. On the other hand, both fragmented polar body and vacuole rates were found to be significantly higher in cycles with Grade 2 embryo transfer. These rate differences were remained significant after adjustment for the age and basal FSH level.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>None of the oocyte morphological features was found to have significant impact on ART outcome. </p>

scholarly journals Effect of cobalt chloride on soybean seedlings subjected to cadmium stress

2014 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagna Chmielowska-Bąk ◽  
Isabelle Lefèvre ◽  
Stanley Lutts ◽  
Agata Kulik ◽  
Joanna Deckert
Keyword(s):  
Cell Viability ◽  
Cadmium Stress ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Plant Signaling ◽  
Synthesis Inhibitor ◽  
Soybean Seedlings ◽  
The Impact

Contamination of the environment with heavy metals such as Cd is a serious problem of modern world. Exposure of plants to Cd leads to oxidative stress, inhibition of respiration and photosynthesis, increased rate of mutation and, as a consequence, stunted growth and yield decrease. One of the common reactions of plants to cadmium stress is over-production of ethylene, however the exact role of this hormone in plants response to Cd is still unrecognized. The aim of the present study is evaluation of the impact of an ethylene synthesis inhibitor, Co, on the response of soybean seedlings to cadmium stress. The experiments included measurements of growth, cell viability, ethylene production and expression of genes associated with cellular signaling in soybean seedlings exposed to CdCl<sub>2</sub> (with Cd in a concentration of 223 μM) and/or CoCl<sub>2</sub> (with Co in concentration of 4.6 μM). Surprisingly, the results show that Co has no effect on ethylene biosynthesis, however, it affects cell viability and expression of Cd-induced genes associated with plant signaling pathways. The affected genes encode mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase2 (MAPKK2), nitrate reductase and DOF1 and bZIP2 transcription factors. The role of Co in plants response to cadmium stress and its potential use as an ethylene inhibitor is discussed.

scholarly journals A proteomic atlas of ligand-receptor interactions at the ovine maternal-fetal interface reveals the role of histone lactylation in uterine remodeling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianying Yang ◽  
Juan Liu ◽  
Yue Wang ◽  
Wei Zhao ◽  
Wenjing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Uterine Receptivity ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Receptor Complexes ◽  
Maternal Fetal Interface

Abstract Well-orchestrated maternal-fetal crosstalk occurs via secreted ligands, interacting receptors, and coupled intracellular pathways between the conceptus and endometrium, and is essential for successful embryo implantation. However, previous studies mostly focus on either the conceptus or the endometrium in isolation. The lack of integrated analysis impedes our understanding of early maternal-fetal crosstalk. Herein, focusing on ligand–receptor complexes and coupled pathways at the maternal-fetal interface in sheep, we provide the first comprehensive proteomic map of ligand-receptor pathway cascades essential for embryo implantation. We demonstrate that these cascades are associated with cell adhesion and invasion, redox homeostasis, and the immune response. Candidate interactions and their physiological roles were further validated by functional experiments. We reveal the physical interaction of albumin and claudin 4 and their roles in facilitating embryo attachment to endometrium. We also demonstrate a novel function of enhanced conceptus glycolysis in remodeling uterine receptivity by inducing endometrial histone lactylation, a newly identified histone modification. Results from in vitro and in vivo models supported the essential role of lactate in inducing endometrial H3K18 lactylation and in regulating redox homeostasis and apoptotic balance to ensure successful implantation. By reconstructing a map of potential ligand-receptor pathway cascades at the maternal-fetal interface, our study presents new concepts for understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms that fine-tune conceptus-endometrium crosstalk during implantation. This provides more direct and accurate insights for developing potential clinical intervention strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes following both natural and assisted conception.

Uterine Dnmt3a is not Required for Mouse Embryo Implantation

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 633-642
Author(s):  
Na Li ◽  
Siyu Lu ◽  
Yubin Ding ◽  
Xuemei Chen ◽  
Junlin He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Mucin 1

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that endometrial DNA methylation is essential for embryo implantation during early pregnancy. Dnmt3a is one of the key enzymes for DNA methylation and could be expressed in the endometrium regularly at this stage. Objective and Methods: In this study, we conditionally ablated uterine Dnmt3a using progesterone receptor-cre (Pgrcre) to define the physiological roles of Dnmt3a in female reproduction. Results: We found that ovarian function was not apparently altered and the number of embryo implantation sites in Dnmt3aloxP/loxP Pgrcre/+ (cKO) was not significantly varied during early pregnancy. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry results showed no difference in expression or location of the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and mucin 1 (Muc1), the marker of uterine receptivity. Although the expression of decidual markers, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (Mmp2), matrix metalloproteinase-9(Mmp9), and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (Bmp2), was slightly decreased in Dnmt3a cKO females, the gross morphology of mice uteri during decidualization was not significantly influenced. In the artificial induction of the decidualization model, there was also no remarkable difference in visually observed morphology or uterine weight in Dnmt3a cKO. Lastly, a continuous breeding study showed that the fertility of Dnmt3a cKO female mice was not strikingly altered. Conclusion: Overall, these results demonstrated that although some decidual markers are expressed abnormally, conditional knockout of Dnmt3a in the uterus did not significantly affect the endometrial function during embryo implantation; the embryo could implant into the endometrium normally.

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.

Uterine Epithelial Progesterone Receptor Governs Uterine Receptivity Through Epithelial Cell Differentiation

Endocrinology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 161 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Gebril ◽  
Yasushi Hirota ◽  
Shizu Aikawa ◽  
Yamato Fukui ◽  
Tetsuaki Kaku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Epithelial Cell ◽  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Uterine Receptivity ◽  
Epithelial Cell Differentiation ◽  
Matrix Cell ◽  
Laser Capture ◽  
Embryo Attachment

Abstract Progesterone receptor (PGR) is indispensable for pregnancy in mammals. Uterine PGR responds to the heightened levels of ovarian progesterone (P4) after ovulation and regulates uterine gene transcription for successful embryo implantation. Although epithelial and stromal P4-PGR signaling may interact with each other to form appropriate endometrial milieu for uterine receptivity and the subsequent embryo attachment, it remains unclear what the specific roles of epithelial P4-PGR signaling in the adult uterus are. Here we generated mice with epithelial deletion of Pgr in the adult uterus (Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice) by crossing Pgr-floxed and Ltf-Cre mice. Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice are infertile due to the impairment of embryo attachment. Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ uteri did not exhibit epithelial growth arrest, suggesting compromised uterine receptivity. Both epithelial and stromal expressions of P4-responsive genes decreased in Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice during the peri-implantation period, indicating that epithelial Pgr deletion affects not only epithelial but stromal P4 responsiveness. In addition, uterine LIF, an inducer of embryo attachment, was decreased in Pgrfl/flLtfCre/+ mice. The RNA-seq analysis using luminal epithelial specimens dissected out by laser capture microdissection revealed that the signaling pathways related to extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, and cell proliferation are altered in Pgr fl/flLtf Cre/+ mice. These findings suggest that epithelial PGR controls both epithelial and stromal P4 responsiveness and epithelial cell differentiation, which provides normal uterine receptivity and subsequent embryo attachment.

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.

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