Efficient cell chatting between embryo and uterus ensures embryo implantation†

Abstract

Embryo implantation is one of the hottest topics during female reproduction since it is the first dialogue between maternal uterus and developing embryo whose disruption will contribute to adverse pregnancy outcome. Numerous achievements have been made to decipher the underlying mechanism of embryo implantation by genetic and molecular approaches accompanied with emerging technological advances. In recent decades, raising concepts incite insightful understanding on the mechanism of reciprocal communication between implantation competent embryos and receptive uterus. Enlightened by these gratifying evolvements, we aim to summarize and revisit current progress on the critical determinants of mutual communication between maternal uterus and embryonic signaling on the perspective of embryo implantation to alleviate infertility, enhance fetal health, and improve contraceptive design.

Keywords: Embryo implantation; activation; diapause; embryonic signal.

Figure 1

PR stability and transcriptional activity regulation in uterus.

Figure 2

The genomic transcriptional activation of ER in uterus.

Figure 3

Embryo activation by estrogen at short window. Green color represents serum estrogen concentration after estrogen injection.

Figure 4

Potential interactions between receptive epithelium and implantation competent embryos. The prioritized ligands in receptive epithelium and their target signaling pathways in competent embryos in mouse (A) and human (B).

Figure 5

The communications between embryo and maternal uterus.