Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Establishment of an Embryo Implantation Model In Vitro
Published on: June 21, 2024
HB-EGF: a unique mediator of embryo-uterine interactions during implantation
1Department of Biomedical Science & Technology, Research Center for Drugs, IBST, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Kwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701 Korea. hlim@konkuk.ac.kr
Abstract:
An implantation-competent blastocyst, several hours prior to its attachment on the uterine wall, transmits signals to surrounding uterine cells and vice-versa to initiate a two-way interaction. The language of this precocious dialogue is versatile, taking advantage of secreted molecules for long-range interactions and membrane-bound molecules for more immediate interactions. Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) was identified as an early messenger of implantation which uses both modes of communication. In this review, we discuss the footprint of HB-EGF as to how it was initially identified as a mediator of implantation and how it initiates embryo-uterine interactions during this process.
Related Concept Videos
Fertilization
Cleavage and Blastulation
Ovarian Cycle
Embryonic Connective Tissues
The mesenchyme is the first connective tissue that emerges in the developing embryo. It consists of loosely arranged multipotent mesenchymal cells and reticular fibers in the extracellular matrix. This loose arrangement allows easy migration of cells, which is essential for germ layer positioning, patterning, and organ morphogenesis during embryonic development. Mesenchyme is...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

