Recent research suggests that a molecule found in elevated levels within the uterine lining may significantly impact an individual’s ability to conceive. The study, led by Professor Eva Dimitriadis from the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Newborn Health at the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital, opens up new possibilities for targeted treatments and further exploration of unexplained infertility. The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The research team discovered that the molecule miR-124-3p is present in higher concentrations in the endometrium—the lining of the uterus—of women experiencing unexplained infertility. This elevation may render the endometrium less hospitable to embryo attachment. For successful implantation, the endometrium must undergo specific changes within a narrow timeframe during the menstrual cycle.
Professor Dimitriadis noted that therapies aimed at reducing the levels of this molecule could enhance the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. “We found that some women with unexplained fertility exhibit high levels of miR-124-3p in their uterine lining,” she explained. “We believe this molecule disrupts normal cell function and prevents embryos from attaching. By identifying the dysregulation of miR-124-3p as a potential cause of implantation failure, we can develop targeted interventions to improve the endometrial environment at the time of embryo implantation, thereby increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy for many.”
To test their hypothesis, the research team devised a novel method to manipulate miR-124-3p levels in the uterine lining of mice. When the levels were artificially elevated during the critical period for embryo implantation, the embryos failed to secure a firm attachment.
The study also included experiments with human endometrial cells, where reducing miR-124-3p levels facilitated easier embryo attachment in individuals experiencing fertility challenges. This suggests that targeting miR-124-3p could pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to uterine-related infertility.
“We demonstrated that we can regulate this molecule specifically in the uterine lining of mice at the most crucial time for embryo attachment, which resulted in the failure of implantation,” Professor Dimitriadis stated. “This study highlights the potential of miR-124-3p as a new target for diagnosing and treating infertility associated with uterine issues, marking a significant advancement in this research area. It could also serve as a biomarker to identify women with infertility linked to endometrial dysfunction.”
The research involved collaboration among academics from Monash IVF, the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, the University of Cambridge, and Jenderal Soedirman University.
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