A distinct cohort of the TGFβ superfamily members expressed in human endometrium regulate decidualization

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Successful blastocyst implantation requires the differentiation of human endometrial stromal cells (HESC), a process known as decidualization. Activin A, a transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily member, enhances HESC decidualization and localizes to decidual cells in human endometrium. Other TGFβ superfamily members, including BMP2, BMP4, BMP7, GDF5, GDF8, GDF11, TGFβs and Nodal, may also play a role during decidualization. This study aimed to identify these TGFβ family members in human endometrium, and to determine whether they are involved in human decidualization. METHODS: Protein localization of TGFβ family members was examined in secretory phase human endometrium an..