MRI: Changes in Uterine Gene Expression During Embryo Implantation in the Mouse

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Yvette Huet-Hudson IBN#9423382 The objective of the proposed research is to examine changes in gene expression in the pregant mouse uterus following exposure to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is required for embryo implantation. Successful establishment of pregancy, resulting in the birth of healthy rodent offspring, depends upon normal implantation in the uterus. Implantation is a complex process regulated by the hormones progesterone and estrogen. The initiation of implantation is triggered in the progesterone-primed uterus by estrogen. One current theory is that progesterone/estrogen mediated regulation of embryo implantation is modulated indirectly through gene expression. It has also been shown that embryos require exposure to the maternal uterus within one hour of estrogen exposure for implantation to occur. In order to better understand how this process is initiated, this investigator will compare the genes that are expressed prior to, and one hour after, estrogen in a progesterone-primed uterus. This will be accomplished by producing uterine cDNA subtraction libraries. This will allow the investigaor to determine which genes are turned on or turned off by estrogen in the uterus during the critical one hour time period required for successful implantation. In gaining information concerning which genes are differentially expressed, it is hoped that a foundation will be laid for future studies of uterine physiology during early pregnancy. This new investigator, a minority scientist, has a strong background in reproductive biology, including a recent publication in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy. She will use this initiative funding to begin her independent investigation, in preparation for the submission of a full proposal.