Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor and its receptor ErbB4 mediate implantation of the human blastocyst.
Mech Dev
; 119(2): 137-44, 2002 Dec.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-12464427
ABSTRACT
The mechanisms that mediate implantation of the human embryo remain poorly understood and represent a fundamental problem in reproductive biology. Candidate molecules that mediate and facilitate implantation have been identified in animal studies, and include heparin binding epidermal growth factor. Here we demonstrate a potential function for the transmembrane form of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor in mediating blastocyst attachment to the endometrium, in two different novel in vitro models for human implantation. Furthermore, we demonstrate specific localisation of the heparin-binding epidermal growth factor receptor ErbB4, on the surface of the trophectoderm in peri-implantation human blastocysts. Our data lead the way for further dissection of the molecular mechanisms of implantation of the human embryo, and have implications for infertility, in vitro fertilization and contraception.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Embryo Implantation
/
Heparin
/
Epidermal Growth Factor
/
ErbB Receptors
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Mech Dev
Journal subject:
EMBRIOLOGIA
Year:
2002
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom