Complex regulation of decidualization: a role for cytokines and proteases--a review.
Decidualization of the endometrial stroma is a precondition for successful establishment of pregnancy. While the local molecular mechanisms driving decidualization are still largely unknown, a number of autocrine/paracrine factors have been identified as differentiation factors in this process. These include the cytokines, interleukin 11, activin A and monoclonal non-specific suppressor factor beta (MNSFbeta). Furthermore, locally produced proteases, including proprotein convertase 6 and matrix metalloproteinases, enable expansion of the tissue and processing of regulatory molecules. This article reviews recent work from our laboratory on the roles of these factors in decidualization.
Salamonsen
L A
LA
Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 5152, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia. lois.salamonsen@med.monash.edu.au
Dimitriadis
E
E
Jones
R L
RL
Nie
G
G
D028341:Activins / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology*; D003656:Decidua / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000276:immunology; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D028322:Inhibin-beta Subunits / Q000502:physiology; D017370:Interleukin-11 / Q000502:physiology; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D011247:Pregnancy; D013491:Suppressor Factors, Immunologic / Q000502:physiology
D016207:Cytokines; D017370:Interleukin-11; D013491:Suppressor Factors, Immunologic; C422405:activin A; C072169:monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor; D028341:Activins; D028322:Inhibin-beta Subunits; D010450:Endopeptidases; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases