Keratin 86 is up-regulated in the uterus during implantation, induced by oestradiol

Uterine receptivity is one of the determinants of embryo implantation, which is responsible for pregnancy success. Aberrant embryo implantation due to disrupted uterine receptivity is usually found in ovarian hyperstimulation induced hyperoestrogen patients.

This study identified keratin 86 (KRT86), a fibrous structural protein, which was upregulated in uterine endometrium during peri-implantation. Using a hyperoestrogen mouse model established in a previous study, we found abnormal oestradiol (E2) levels during pre-implantation could trigger high expression of Krt86 in the uterine epithelium. In an ovariectomised mouse model, combining oestrogen receptors ERα and ERβ knockout mice models, uterine Krt86 was found to be up-regulated after E2 treatment, mediated by nuclear ERα. Furthermore, we found progesterone (P4) could ameliorate Krt86 expression, induced by abnormal E2.

These results revealed the dynamic expression and regulation of Krt86, especially in hyperoestrogen treated mice, indicating it might act as a marker for non-receptive uterus.