Transcriptome Comparison of Chorion-Attached and Non-chorion-attached Endometrium in Mid-gestation of Rabbit

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Genomics
• Immunology

Background:

• The placenta's chorion attaches to specific endometrial regions (chorion-attached, CA) after implantation, leaving others non-attached (NCA).
• Gene expression differences between CA and NCA endometrium at mid-gestation in rabbits are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare gene expression profiles of CA and NCA endometrium in rabbits.
• To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CA and NCA endometrium.
• To correlate gene expression differences with endometrial physiological states during mid-gestation.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome sequencing was employed to analyze gene expression differences between CA and NCA endometrium (n=3).
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify inflammatory cytokines in endometrial and serum samples.

Main Results:

• Six hundred and forty-six DEGs were identified between CA and NCA endometrium.
• NCA endometrium exhibited higher expression of genes related to focal adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interactions.
• CA endometrium showed higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while NCA endometrium had increased integrin-β and THBS1 expression.

Conclusions:

• Significant gene expression differences exist between CA and NCA endometrium in rabbits at mid-gestation.
• NCA endometrium is associated with physiological functions like focal adhesion and ECM-receptor interactions.
• CA endometrium exhibits relatively lower gene expression compared to NCA endometrium.