[Regulatory mechanism of embryo implantation]

Embryo implantation is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of successful pregnancy and requires the synchronization between implantation-competent blastocyst and receptive uterus. In assisted reproductive technologies, recognition of uterine receptivity is the limiting factor for improving pregnancy rate. It has been previously reported that embryo implantation involves the activation and inactivation of numerous signaling molecules which may influence the proliferation and differentiation of uterine epithelial cells, epithelial polarity, luminal closure, embryo orientation, epithelial-stromal interactions, gland development, etc. Here we summarize the function of estrogen, progesterone, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), microRNA (miRNA), channel protein and signaling pathways in embryo implantation and explore their regulatory network to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of infertility and development of safe and efficient contraceptives.