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Isolation of Mouse Endometrial Epithelial and Stromal Cells for In Vitro Decidualization
Published on: March 2, 2017
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Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Reveals Interactions between Endometrial Stromal Cells, Epithelial Cells, and Lymphocytes
Luhan Jiang1, Dandan Cao2, William S B Yeung1,2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 8, 2023
Summary
Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) play crucial roles in embryo implantation. This study reveals how both decidualized and non-decidualized ESCs modulate the uterine environment for successful implantation and immune tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) is critical for embryo implantation.
- The specific roles of decidualized and non-decidualized ESCs in regulating the uterine microenvironment are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate single-cell transcriptomic changes in mouse uterine cells during early post-implantation stages.
- To elucidate the differentiation pathways and intercellular communication of ESC subtypes involved in embryo implantation.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing of uterine tissues from CD-1 mice at 4.5 and 5.5 days post-coitum.
- Dissection of implantation and inter-implantation sites.
- Bioinformatic analysis including cell type identification, trajectory analysis, and ligand-receptor interaction prediction.
Main Results:
- Identified eight distinct cell types, including four ESC subtypes.
- Revealed a differentiation trajectory of ESCs from undifferentiated to decidualized states.
- Demonstrated ESC communication with epithelial and immune cells via nectin and ICAM signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Both decidualized and non-decidualized ESCs contribute to regulating the endometrial microenvironment for receptivity and immune tolerance.
- ESCs modulate epithelial and lymphocyte functions during early embryo implantation, providing insights into reproductive processes.
