Analysis of heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2 (HAND2)-progesterone interactions in peri-implantation endometrium †.

Analysis of heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2 (HAND2)-progesterone interactions in peri-implantation endometrium†. Biol Reprod. 2020 Jan 26;: Authors: Šućurović S, Nikolić T, Brosens JJ, Mulac-Jeričević B Abstract Implantation is restricted to a narrow window when the local endometrial microenvironment is supportive of the invading embryo. The ovarian steroid hormones estrogen (E), and progesterone (P) are principal regulators of uterine receptivity. Suppression of E-dependent proliferation of luminal epithelium (LE) by P is mandatory for embryo implantation. Here, we report that the balance of E receptor α (ERα) and P receptors (PR) activity controls HAND2 expression, a key transcription factor that determines the fate of the implanting embryo and thereby pregnancy outcome. As a model, we used wild-type (WT) mice as well as mice in which either both PR isoforms or the A-isoform was genetically ablated (PRKO and PRAKO, respectively). Detailed spatiotemporal analyses of PR, HAND2 and ERα expression at implantation site demonstrated co-expression of HAND2 and PR but not ERα. Furthermore, in hormonally treated ovariectomized WT, PRAKO and PRKO mice, E suppresses endometrial HAND2 expression. Adding P together with E partially rescues HAND2 expression in WT, but not PRAKO and PRKO animals. Therefore, infertility in PRAKO mice is at least in part associated with the loss of PR-A regulated HAND2 expression....
Source: Biology of Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Biol Reprod Source Type: research