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Isolation of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells for In Vitro Decidualization
14:55

Isolation of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells for In Vitro Decidualization

Published on: September 1, 2018

11.0K

Microgravity inhibits decidualization via decreasing Akt activity and FOXO3a expression in human endometrial stromal

Hye-Jeong Cho1,2,3, Mi-Ock Baek1,2,3, Sana Abdul Khaliq1,2,3

  • 1Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.

Scientific Reports
|August 22, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Simulated microgravity inhibits human endometrial stromal cell decidualization by reducing proliferation and migration. This occurs via the Akt/MMP and FOXO3a/autophagic flux pathways, impacting pregnancy maintenance.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Space Biology

Background:

  • Decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (eSCs) is essential for embryo implantation and successful pregnancy.
  • Understanding factors affecting decidualization is crucial for reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of simulated microgravity (SM) on human eSC proliferation and in vitro decidualization.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SM's effects on eSCs.

Main Methods:

  • Primary human eSCs were cultured and exposed to SM for 36 hours.
  • Cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and apoptosis were assessed.
  • Key signaling pathways including Akt, MMP-2, FOXO3a, and autophagy were analyzed.
  • Decidualization was induced using 8-Br-cAMP and modulated by Akt activator (SC-79) and inhibitor (Akti).

Main Results:

  • SM significantly decreased eSC proliferation and migration without affecting cell death or cycle.
  • SM reduced Akt phosphorylation, MMP-2, and FOXO3a levels.
  • FOXO3a reduction under SM impaired autophagic flux.
  • SM inhibited 8-Br-cAMP-induced decidualization.

Conclusions:

  • Simulated microgravity inhibits human eSC decidualization by impairing proliferation and migration.
  • The Akt/MMP and FOXO3a/autophagic flux pathways are key mediators of SM's inhibitory effects.
  • These findings highlight potential risks of microgravity on reproductive processes.

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