Modelization of Early Endometrial-trophoblast Molecular Interaction

Overview

Despite significant advances in assisted reproductive technology, only 25% of in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo transfers result in pregnancy, largely due to implantation failure. Preeclampsia complicates 2 to 5% of pregnancies, causes 76,000 maternal deaths worldwide each year, and is one of the leading causes of extreme prematurity (20% of premature births occurring before 32 weeks of gestation). The MEETMI project aims to characterize, in the laboratory, the early endometrium-trophoblast molecular interactions that determine the initial stages of human implantation and placentation. As part of routine care, patients will undergo a diagnostic hysteroscopy during which a endometrial biopsy may be performed. If the patient consents to participate in the study, an additional extended endometrial biopsy will be collected for research purposes.

Despite significant advances in assisted reproductive technology, only 25% of in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo transfers result in pregnancy, largely due to implantation failure. Preeclampsia complicates 2 to 5% of pregnancies, causes 76,000 maternal deaths worldwide each year, and is one of the leading causes of extreme prematurity (20% of premature births occurring before 32 weeks of gestation). There is no curative treatment, and only delivery of the baby and placenta can cure the patient. During preeclampsia, early placental abnormalities occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, even though the initial stages of human embryo implantation (apposition, adhesion, invasion) and early placentation remain poorly understood. The primary objective of the MEETMI project is to characterize, in the laboratory, the early endometrium-trophoblast molecular interactions that determine the initial stages of human implantation and placentation. It is essential to collect human endometrial cells (epithelial and stromal cells) from endometrial biopsies performed as part of routine care in patients who have been previously informed and have given their consent to the research. For the placental part, following models available in the Lecarpentier's laboratory at the Institut Cochin will be used: human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), placental organoids derived from first-trimester placenta .