NLRP3 promotes endometrial receptivity by inducing epithelial –mesenchymal transition of the endometrial epithelium

This study investigated the physiological and pathological significance of NLRP3 in human endometrial epithelial cell during the implantation window. NLRP3 is highly expressed during the mid-proliferative and mid-secretory phases of the human endometrium and transcriptionally up-regulated by estradiol (E2) through estrogen receptor β (ERβ). In addition, NLRP3 promotes embryo implantation and enhances epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of Ishikawa (IK) cells via both inflammasome-dependent and inflammasome-independent pathways, which might provide a novel insight into endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Our findings suggest that NLRP3, which is transcriptionally regulated by E2, induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition of endometrial epithelial cells and promotes embryo adhesion.
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research