Abstract
Successful embryo implantation requires a competent embryo, a receptive endometrium and synchronized communication between them. The selection of embryos with the highest implantation potential remains a challenge in the field of assisted reproductive technology. Moreover, little is known about the precise molecular mechanisms underlying embryo‑endometrium crosstalk. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have been detected in the spent embryo culture medium (SCM); however, their functions at the preimplantation stage remain unclear. In the present study, human SCM samples were collected during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection‑embryo transfer and divided into implanted and not‑implanted groups according to the clinical pregnancy outcomes. Total RNA was extracted and six miRNAs (miR‑372‑3p, miR‑373‑3p, miR‑516b‑5p, miR‑517a‑3p, miR‑519d‑3p and miR‑520a‑3p) were selected for reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) analysis. The results revealed that miR‑372‑3p and miR‑519d‑3p were markedly increased in SCM from blastocysts that failed to implant compared with in blastocysts that implanted. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that miR‑519d‑3p was superior to miR‑372‑3p in predicting pregnancy outcomes. In vitro miRNA uptake and cell adhesion assays were performed to determine whether miR‑519d‑3p could be taken up by endometrial epithelial cells and to examine the biological roles of miR‑519d‑3p after internalization. Potential targets of miR‑519d‑3p were verified using a dual‑luciferase reporter system. The results demonstrated that miR‑519d‑3p was taken up by human endometrial epithelial cells and that it may inhibit embryo adhesion by targeting HIF1α. Using RT‑qPCR, western blot analysis and flow cytometry assay, HIF1α was shown to inhibit the biosynthesis of fucosyltransferase 7 and sialyl‑Lewis X (sLex), a cell‑surface oligosaccharide that serves an important role in embryonic apposition and adhesion. In addition, a mouse model was established and the results suggested that miR‑519d‑3p overexpression hampered embryo implantation in vivo. Taken together, miRNAs in SCM may serve as novel biomarkers for embryo quality. Furthermore, miR‑519d‑3p was shown to mediate embryo‑endometrium crosstalk and to negatively regulate embryo implantation by targeting HIF1α/FUT7/sLex pathway.
Keywords:
HIF1α; embryo implantation; endometrial epithelial cells; fucosyltransferase 7; microRNAs; sialyl‑Lewis X; spent embryo culture medium.