Endometrial Tgfβ Signaling Fosters Early Pregnancy Development by Remodeling the Fetomaternal Interface

Authors

Sydney E Parks
Ting Geng
Diana Monsivais

Language

English

Publication Date

12-1-2023

Journal

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology

DOI

10.1111/aji.13789

PMID

38009061

PMCID

PMC10683870

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

12-1-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

The endometrium is a unique and highly regenerative tissue with crucial roles during the reproductive lifespan of a woman. As the first site of contact between mother and embryo, the endometrium, and its critical processes of decidualization and immune cell recruitment, play a leading role in the establishment of pregnancy, embryonic development, and reproductive capacity. These integral processes are achieved by the concerted actions of steroid hormones and a myriad of growth factor signaling pathways. This review focuses on the roles of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway in the endometrium during the earliest stages of pregnancy through the lens of immune cell regulation and function. We discuss how key ligands in the TGFβ family signal through downstream SMAD transcription factors and ultimately remodel the endometrium into a state suitable for embryo implantation and development. We also focus on the key roles of the TGFβ signaling pathway in recruiting uterine natural killer cells and their collective remodeling of the decidua and spiral arteries. By providing key details about immune cell populations and TGFβ signaling within the endometrium, it is our goal to shed light on the intricate remodeling that is required to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Keywords

Pregnancy, Female, Humans, Decidua, Transforming Growth Factor beta, Endometrium, Uterus, Embryo Implantation, Signal Transduction, decidualization, pregnancy, transforming growth factor β, uterine natural killer cells, endometrium, pregnancy loss

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Sydney E Parks, Ting Geng, and Diana Monsivais, "Endometrial Tgfβ Signaling Fosters Early Pregnancy Development by Remodeling the Fetomaternal Interface" (2023). Faculty and Staff Publications. 5661.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/5661