The endometrium is the mucous membrane lining the uterus. It undergoes cyclical remodeling Throughout a woman’s reproductive life. It thickens during the
in preparation for embryo implantation and later sheds during menstruation when there is no fertilization.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions are investigating little-known factors directing uterine remodeling. The findings reported in the journal
show that autophagy protein Beclin-1 governs endometrial remodeling and the establishment of pregnancy in animal models by regulating
, a natural process that digests and recycles cellular components.
In the first part of this study, researchers found that Beclin-1 is essential for the establishment of pregnancy in mouse models. When they removed Beclin-1 specifically from uterine cells, the uteri did not develop properly, and this led to infertility caused by reduced uterine receptivity and failed embryo implantation.
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In addition, molecular analysis of uteri revealed that Beclin-1 is necessary for the endometrial programming of stem cells that leads to the development of uterine glands and other structures that are essential for uterine maturation.
They also studied the mechanism by which Beclin-1 regulates uterine development. Beclin-1 is known to regulate two distinct natural processes called autophagy and apoptosis which help maintain many normal functions in organisms.
Protein Beclin-1: Major Player in Uterine Remodeling and Pregnancy
The disabling apoptosis in the presence of Beclin-1did does not alter the normal remodeling of the uterus and gland development. Importantly, restoring only Beclin-1-driven autophagy, but not apoptosis, promoted normal uterine remodeling.
After birth, the uterus goes through a multistep process of development that is required for successful pregnancies in the future. Any deficiencies along this process can have a ripple effect on the ability to conceive and for the pregnancy to succeed.
The findings have encouraged the researchers to explore the possibility of developing practical applications both in the field of contraceptives and infertility.
Source: Eurekalert
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