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Estrogen-Induced Nesfatin-1 Expression Modulates Endometrial Decidualization in Mice
Jinah Ha1, Soeun Moon1, Hyunwon Yang2
1Department of Biohealth Convergence, Seoul Women's University, 621 Hwarang-Ro, Gongreung-Dong, Nowon-Gu, Seoul, 01797, Korea.
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|December 16, 2025
Summary
Nesfatin-1, a hormone regulating appetite, is crucial for endometrial decidualization and successful implantation in mice. Its administration restored gene expression in delayed implantation, highlighting its fertility potential.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nesfatin-1 is known for appetite regulation and brain expression.
- Recent findings show nesfatin-1 in peripheral organs like ovaries and uterus.
- Its role in the endometrium, particularly decidualization, is largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of nesfatin-1 in the mouse endometrium.
- To analyze nesfatin-1's role in endometrial decidualization, essential for pregnancy.
- To explore nesfatin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for fertility enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Developed a primary mouse endometrial cell culture system via enzymatic digestion.
- Examined nesfatin-1 expression and binding sites in cultured endometrial cells.
- Utilized a delayed implantation mouse model to assess nesfatin-1's in vivo function.
Main Results:
- Nesfatin-1 and its binding sites are present in mouse endometrial cells.
- Estradiol, not progesterone, upregulated Nucb2 (nesfatin-1 precursor) mRNA.
- Nesfatin-1 treatment upregulated key decidualization genes (Prl8a2, Alpl, Bmp2).
- Delayed implantation reduced Nucb2 and decidualization gene expression.
- Nesfatin-1 administration reversed these reductions in the delayed implantation model.
Conclusions:
- Nesfatin-1 is expressed in the mouse endometrium and promotes decidualization.
- Nesfatin-1 plays a critical role in successful implantation and pregnancy maintenance.
- Nesfatin-1 represents a potential therapeutic target for improving fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
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