Wide genomic analysis of human endometrial receptivity: new times, new opportunities

Abstract

Microarray technology has broadened the insight into many research fields allowing scientists to analyse the expression of many genes in quick and efficient experiments aimed at translating these findings into clinical applications. In reproductive medicine, researchers have exploited microarrays to increase understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in endometrial receptivity and how a possible therapeutic translation can be feasible. In the last 4 years, several studies have focused on the genomics of the human endometrium in different physiological and pathological conditions, and these studies have generated a large amount of information about the regulation and dysregulation of the window of implantation (WOI) genes in fertile, subfertile and refractory conditions. However, the key molecules/mechanisms in endometrial receptivity remain to be elucidated. In this comprehensive review, we have analysed the available results obtained in our own and other laboratories, defining the genomic profile of the receptive endometrium in different situations and its possible clinical application.