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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-01-2020 | GnRH Agonists | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

Transcriptome sequencing of endometrium revealed alterations in mRNAs and lncRNAs after ovarian stimulation

Authors: Lingxiu Li, Peng Wang, Shan Liu, Xueyan Bai, Binbin Zou, Yuan Li

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Research question

Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we investigated the relationship between ovarian stimulation and endometrial transcriptome profiles during the window of implantation (WOI) to identify candidate predictive factors for the WOI and to optimize timing for embryo transfer.

Methods

Twelve women with normal basal hormone levels and regular ovulation were randomly assigned into three groups based on sampling time: late-proliferate phase (P group), and receptive phase in natural cycles (LH+7, N group) and stimulated cycles (hCG+7, S group). Transcriptome profiles of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were then compared among the three groups. Validation was performed using real-time qPCR.

Results

Comparison of transcriptome profiles between the natural and stimulated endometrium revealed 173 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with a > 2-fold change (FC) and p < 0.05, under the influence of supraphysiological estradiol (E₂) induced by ovarian stimulation. By clustering and KEGG pathway analysis, molecules and pathways associated with endometrial receptivity were identified. Of the 39 DEGs common to the three groups, eight genes were validated using real-time PCR. ESR1, MMP10, and HPSE were previously reported to be associated with endometrial receptivity. In addition, three novel genes (IL13RA2, ZCCHC12, SRARP) and two lncRNAs (LINC01060, LINC01104) were new potential endometrial receptivity-related markers.

Conclusion

Using mRNA and lncRNA sequencing, we found that supraphysiological E₂ levels from ovarian stimulation had a marked impact upon endometrial transcriptome profiles and may result in a shift of the WOI. The precise mechanisms underlying the supraphysiological hormone-induced shift of the WOI require further research.

Registration number

ChiCTR180001453

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Title: Transcriptome sequencing of endometrium revealed alterations in mRNAs and lncRNAs after ovarian stimulation
Authors: Lingxiu Li
Peng Wang
Shan Liu
Xueyan Bai
Binbin Zou
Yuan Li
Publication date: 01-01-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: GnRH Agonists
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-019-01616-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Transcriptome sequencing of endometrium revealed alterations in mRNAs and lncRNAs after ovarian stimulation

Abstract

Research question

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Registration number

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Research question

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Registration number

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