Expression of the novel gene embryo implantation factor 2 (EMO2) in the mouse uterus at the implantation sites.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify a novel implantation-related molecule and to examine EMO2 expression in the mouse uterus during the peri-implantation period.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Research laboratory.


METHODS
Adult ICR mice aged 6-8 weeks.


METHODS
Adult female mice were mated with fertile males to achieve pregnancy. Implantation was delayed by ovariectomizing pregnant mice on day 4 and administering P during days 5-7; implantation was then initiated by administering E(2). Pseudopregnant mice were obtained by mating females with vasectomized males.


METHODS
The tissue distribution of EMO2 mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and the uterine expression pattern of the EMO2 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
The full cDNA sequence of EMO2 was registered in GenBank (AY372183). EMO2 mRNA expression was observed in all mouse tissues tested. The expression of the EMO2 protein was predominately localized in decidual cells at the implantation site during days 5-6 of pregnancy, and its expression was induced by the active blastocyst and artificially induced decidualization.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data indicate that EMO2 may play a key role in the mouse embryo implantation process.
Sun
Zhaogui
Z
National Population and Family Planning Committee Key Laboratory of Contraceptives and Devices, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Su
Renwei
R
Yang
Zengming
Z
Shi
Huijuan
H
Liu
Chengquan
C
Wang
Jian
J
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D010052:Ovariectomy; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D011555:Pseudopregnancy / Q000503:physiopathology; D011817:Rabbits; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014599:Uterus / Q000502:physiology*; D014659:Vasectomy
D000906:Antibodies; C540861:EMO2 protein, mouse; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins