Uterine Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is required for implantation

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 Jun 14;102(24):8579-84. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0500612102. Epub 2005 Jun 1.

Abstract

Successful implantation relies on precisely orchestrated and reciprocal signaling between the implanting blastocyst and the receptive uterus. We have examined the role of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway during the process of implantation and demonstrate that this pathway is activated during two distinct stages. Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is first transiently activated in circular smooth muscle forming a banding pattern of activity within the uterus on early day 4. Subsequently, activation is restricted to the luminal epithelium at the prospective site of implantation. Activation at both sites requires the presence of the blastocyst. Furthermore, inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling interferes with the process of implantation. Our results demonstrate that the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway plays a central role in coordinating uterus-embryo interactions required for implantation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Embryo Implantation / physiology*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism*
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Estrogens / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Pregnancy
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism*
  • Uterus / metabolism
  • Uterus / physiology*
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • CTNNB1 protein, mouse
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Estrogens
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • beta-Galactosidase