Autophagy Protein Beclin-1 Essential for Pregnancy Establishment

Beclin-1-mediated autophagy acts as a molecular switch that governs the early uterine morphogenetic program by maintaining the endometrial progenitor stem cells.

Researchers looked to understand the role the Beclin-1 protein plays in the reprogramming of endometrial cells, which is important for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Understanding this process may provide new insights into fertility-associated problems in women.

The endometrium is the mucous membrane lining the uterus. It undergoes cyclical remodeling Throughout a woman's reproductive life. It thickens during the menstrual cycle in preparation for embryo implantation and later sheds during menstruation when there is no fertilization.

New Sights into Uterine Remodeling During Pregnancy

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions are investigating little-known factors directing uterine remodeling. The findings reported in the journal Developmental Cell show that autophagy protein Beclin-1 governs endometrial remodeling and the establishment of pregnancy in animal models by regulating autophagy, a natural process that digests and recycles cellular components.

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‘Beclin-1-dependent autophagy, but not apoptosis is shown to be a major player in uterine remodeling and the establishment of pregnancy.’

In the first part of this study, researchers found that Beclin-1 is essential for the establishment of pregnancy in mouse models. When they removed Beclin-1 specifically from uterine cells, the uteri did not develop properly, and this led to infertility caused by reduced uterine receptivity and failed embryo implantation.

In addition, molecular analysis of uteri revealed that Beclin-1 is necessary for the endometrial programming of stem cells that leads to the development of uterine glands and other structures that are essential for uterine maturation.

They also studied the mechanism by which Beclin-1 regulates uterine development. Beclin-1 is known to regulate two distinct natural processes called autophagy and apoptosis which help maintain many normal functions in organisms.

Protein Beclin-1: Major Player in Uterine Remodeling and Pregnancy

The disabling apoptosis in the presence of Beclin-1did does not alter the normal remodeling of the uterus and gland development. Importantly, restoring only Beclin-1-driven autophagy, but not apoptosis, promoted normal uterine remodeling.

Uterus Bioengineering Using Stem Cells May Help Treat Endometriosis
Endometriosis could soon be treated using stem cells (iPS cells) that can be induced to produce healthy uterine cells to replace the diseased tissue. A bioengineered uterus could be developed in the future, using this strategy.

After birth, the uterus goes through a multistep process of development that is required for successful pregnancies in the future. Any deficiencies along this process can have a ripple effect on the ability to conceive and for the pregnancy to succeed.

The findings have encouraged the researchers to explore the possibility of developing practical applications both in the field of contraceptives and infertility.

Non-invasive Technique To Identify Fetal Growth Restriction in Uterus
The 3D-MRI helps diagnose FGR and estimates of birth weight using structural MRI images of the placental architecture in vivo.

Source-Eurekalert

Diabetes During Pregnancy May Up Risk of Heart Disease in Children
Children born to diabetic mothers exhibit increased rates of early-onset heart disease, depending on the extent of exposure to diabetes in the uterus. It could be prevented by treating diabetic women before pregnancy.