hsa_circ_001946 elevates HOXA10 expression and promotes the development of endometrial receptivity via sponging

Fang Zhao1, Yihong Guo2, Zhanrong Shi3

  • 1Department of Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Νo. 1 Jianshe East Road, Henan, 450000, Zhengzhou, PR China.

Insights

Hsa_circ_001946 enhances endometrial receptivity by promoting cell proliferation and decidualization. It achieves this by sponging miR-135b, which in turn elevates HOXA10 expression, crucial for embryo implantation.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Impaired endometrial receptivity is a primary cause of embryo implantation failure.
  • The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in endometrial receptivity remains largely unexplored.
  • This study investigates the function and mechanism of hsa_circ_001946 in endometrial receptivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of hsa_circ_001946 in endometrial receptivity.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involving miR-135b and HOXA10.
  • To assess the impact of hsa_circ_001946 on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and decidualization.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure expression levels of hsa_circ_001946, miR-135b, and HOXA10 in endometrial tissues.
  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting to determine protein levels of HOXA10 and cell cycle markers.
  • Dual luciferase reporter assays to confirm binding interactions.
  • MTT and FACS assays to evaluate cell proliferation and cell cycle.
  • In vitro decidualization of T-HESCs to assess hsa_circ_001946 function on decidual markers (PRL, IGFBP1).

Main Results:

  • Patients with recurrent implantation failure exhibited lower hsa_circ_001946 and HOXA10 expression, and higher miR-135b expression.
  • Hsa_circ_001946 acts as a sponge for miR-135b, thereby promoting HOXA10 expression.
  • Overexpression of hsa_circ_001946 restored cell proliferation and cell cycle progression.
  • Decidualized cells showed increased hsa_circ_001946 and HOXA10, with decreased miR-135b.
  • Hsa_circ_001946 overexpression reversed miR-135b-induced suppression of decidual markers (PRL, IGFBP1).

Conclusions:

  • Hsa_circ_001946 enhances endometrial receptivity by promoting cell proliferation and cell cycle progression.
  • Hsa_circ_001946 facilitates decidualization by increasing PRL and IGFBP1 expression.
  • The mechanism involves sponging miR-135b to elevate HOXA10 levels, ultimately improving endometrial receptivity.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hedgehog Signaling Pathway02:33

Hedgehog Signaling Pathway

The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
7.9K
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
939
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
5.8K
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl...
3.0K
Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
2.2K