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Spatial and Temporal Analyses of FGF9 Expression During Early Pregnancy
Sandra Šućurović1, Tamara Nikolić1, Jan J Brosens2
1Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
Summary
Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 (FGF9) is regulated by estrogen and crucial for successful pregnancy. FGF9 expression peaks during implantation, supporting the uterine microenvironment for embryo development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell signaling
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) regulate critical cellular functions.
- Estrogen (E) influences FGF9 regulation in human endometrial stromal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of FGF9 in uterine tissue.
- To determine FGF9 regulation and expression patterns during peri-implantation in mice.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of FGF9 isoforms in ovariectomized wild-type mice uterus tissue.
- Quantitative assessment of Fgf9 expression during pregnancy.
- Immunofluorescence to detect FGF9, COX2, and CD31 expression.
- Spatial analysis of FGF9 and FGFR2 localization.
Main Results:
- FGF9 is present in three isoforms and regulated by estrogen in mouse uterus.
- Fgf9 expression peaks at day 4.5 of pregnancy, coinciding with peri-implantation.
- FGF9 and COX2 show overlapping expression around blastocyst attachment sites.
- FGF9 and FGFR2 exhibit synchronized spatial expression between uterine luminal epithelium and trophectoderm.
Conclusions:
- FGF9 plays a vital role in establishing the uterine microenvironment necessary for successful embryo implantation.
- FGF9 is essential for maintaining pregnancy.
