Background
Endometrial stromal cell decidualization is critical for embryo implantation. Dysfunctional decidualization leads to implantation failure, miscarriage and even pregnancy associated disorders in subsequent pregnancy trimesters. Protein glycosylation is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 (poFUT1) is the key enzyme for the O-fucosylation of proteins. However, the role and mechanism of poFUT1 in human endometrial stromal cell decidualization remain elusive.
Methods
We employed immunohistochemistry to detect the level of poFUT1 in the uterine endometrium from those of the proliferative phase, secretory phase, early pregnancy women and miscarriage patients. Using human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) and a mouse model, the underlying mechanisms of poFUT1 in decidualization was investigated. Findings: The level of poFUT1 was increased in the stromal cells of the secretory phase relative to those in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, and decreased in the stromal cells of miscarriage patients compared to women with healthy early pregnancies. Furthermore, we found that poFUT1 promoted hESCs decidualization. The