Abstract
The acquisition of the receptive endometrial phenotype is a key step of the embryo implantation. In this context, this project aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms of the endometrial receptivity. Global technologies (transcriptome and proteome) were used for our research and the development of diagnostics tools in assisted reproductive technologies. We determined the functions of one of our endometrial receptivity biomarkers, S100A10, using shRNAs. S100A10 knockdown in primary endometrial cells affected migration, decidualization and apoptosis of endometrial cells, some major biological functions involved in the implantation process. Moreover, we established our test assessing endometrial receptivity in a fertility clinic in Montreal and initiated a prospective clinical study of the evaluation of endometrial receptivity in natural cycle of patients waiting for an ICSI/IVF attempt. Moreover, we demonstrated an alteration of the gene expression shift from the pre-receptive to the receptive stage of the endometrium of patients with elevated serum progesterone level on the day of ovulation induction, suggesting an accelerated endometrial maturation during the periovulation phase, and thus, without affecting the endometrial receptivity. Finally, we demonstrated that the endometrial receptivity of patients under hormone replacement therapy was different from patients in natural cycle, characterised by alternations in the signaling pathways mediated by the oestrogen receptor, VEGF family members and integrins.