The transcription factor C/EBPβ is a marker of uterine receptivity and expressed at the implantation site in the primate

Reprod Sci. 2010 May;17(5):434-43. doi: 10.1177/1933719110361384. Epub 2010 Mar 11.

Abstract

During early pregnancy, the endometrium undergoes pronounced hormone-dependent functional changes in preparation for embryo implantation. Local autocrine-paracrine signaling at the fetal-maternal interface is crucial for the establishment of pregnancy. We previously reported that the transcription factor C/ EBPbeta, which is expressed at the implantation sites (ISs) in pregnant mice, acts as a key mediator of steroid hormone responsiveness in the endometrium. Mice lacking C/EBPbeta fail to support implantation due to defects in epithelial proliferation and stromal cell differentiation. In the current study, C/EBPbeta expression was dramatically stimulated in the endometrium of baboons (Papio anubis) during the window of uterine receptivity in response to a local infusion of chorionic gonadotropin, an embryonic signal. A robust induction of C/EBPbeta expression was also seen at the IS in the baboon and the human. Collectively, our results indicate that C/EBPbeta is a biomarker of endometrial receptivity and plays a conserved functional role during implantation in the primate.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta / metabolism*
  • Embryo Implantation / physiology*
  • Endometrium / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Humans
  • Papio anubis / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Uterus / chemistry
  • Uterus / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta
  • CEBPB protein, human