Nuclear pore complex proteins mark the implantation window in human endometrium.
Nucleolar channel systems (NCSs) are membranous organelles appearing transiently in the epithelial cell nuclei of postovulatory human endometrium. Their characterization and use as markers for a healthy receptive endometrium have been limited because they are only identifiable by electron microscopy. Here we describe the light microscopic detection of NCSs using immunofluorescence. Specifically, the monoclonal nuclear pore complex antibody 414 shows that NCSs are present in about half of all human endometrial epithelial cells but not in any other cell type, tissue or species. Most nuclei contain only a single NCS of uniform 1 microm diameter indicating a tightly controlled organelle. The composition of NCSs is as unique as their structure; they contain only a subset each of the proteins of nuclear pore complexes, inner nuclear membrane, nuclear lamina and endoplasmic reticulum. Validation of our robust NCS detection method on 95 endometrial biopsies defines a 6-day window, days 19-24 (+/-1) of an idealized 28 day cycle, wherein NCSs occur. Therefore, NCSs precede and overlap with the implantation window and serve as potential markers of uterine receptivity. The immunodetection assay, combined with the hitherto underappreciated prevalence of NCSs, now enables simple screening and further molecular and functional dissection.
Guffanti
Elisa
E
Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Kittur
Nupur
N
Brodt
Z Nilly
ZN
Polotsky
Alex J
AJ
Kuokkanen
Satu M
SM
Heller
Debra S
DS
Young
Steven L
SL
Santoro
Nanette
N
Meier
U Thomas
UT
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015415:Biomarkers; D003944:Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000502:physiology*; D022022:Nuclear Pore / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010215:Papio; D011247:Pregnancy; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015415:Biomarkers