An unbiased approach of molecular characterization of the endometrium: toward defining endometrial-based infertility

• Published in: Human reproduction (Oxford) Vol. 39; no. 2; pp. 275 - 281
• Main Authors: Bui, Bich Ngoc, Ardisasmita, Arif Ibrahim, Kuijk, Ewart, Altmäe, Signe, Steba, Gaby, Mackens, Shari, Fuchs, Sabine, Broekmans, Frank, Nieuwenhuis, Edward
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.02.2024
• Subjects: Embryo Implantation - physiology; Endometrium - metabolism; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female - diagnosis; Infertility, Female - genetics; Infertility, Female - metabolism; Opinion; Reproducibility of Results; Transcriptome; Treatment Outcome; endometrium; unexplained infertility; molecular phenotyping; biological mechanism; single-cell analysis
• ISSN: 0268-1161; 1460-2350
• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead257

Abstract Infertility is a complex condition affecting millions of couples worldwide. The current definition of infertility, based on clinical criteria, fails to account for the molecular and cellular changes that may occur during the development of infertility. Recent advancements in sequencing technology and single-cell analysis offer new opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of these changes. The endometrium has a potential role in infertility and has been extensively studied to identify gene expression profiles associated with (impaired) endometrial receptivity. However, limited overlap among studies hampers the identification of relevant downstream pathways that could play a role in the development of endometrial-related infertility. To address these challenges, we propose sequencing the endometrial transcriptome of healthy and infertile women at the single-cell level to consistently identify molecular signatures. Establishing consensus on physiological patterns in endometrial samples can aid in identifying deviations in infertile patients. A similar strategy has been used with great success in cancer research. However, large collaborative initiatives, international uniform protocols of sample collection and processing are crucial to ensure reliability and reproducibility. Overall, the proposed approach holds promise for an objective and accurate classification of endometrial-based infertility and has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.