The uterine expression of SEC63 gene is up-regulated at implantation sites in association with the decidualization during the early pregnancy in mice.
BACKGROUND
Sec63 is a key component of the protein translocation machinery in the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and involved in the post-translation processing of secretory proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the expression pattern of SEC63 gene in mouse uterus during the early pregnancy.


METHODS
Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were used to evaluate the alteration in levels of uterine SEC63 gene expression during the peri-implantation period in mice. Further, both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to examine the spatial localization of SEC63 gene expression in mouse uterine tissues. The presence of Sec63 protein in human uterine tissue was also detected by immunohistochemical analysis. Statistical analysis was carried out using Tukey test.


RESULTS
Uterine SEC63 gene expression was up-regulated and predominantly localized in mouse decidual cells during days 5-8 of pregnancy. More interestingly, Sec63 protein was also detected in human decidua of 10-week pregnancy, whereas was not observed in human endometrial tissues both at proliferative and secretory phases of menstrual cycle.


CONCLUSIONS
The pattern of SEC63 gene expression is consistent with a possible role for SEC63 in decidualization.
Su
Ren-wei
RW
School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, PR China. foolishwolfsu@yahoo.com.cn
Sun
Zhao-gui
ZG
Zhao
Yue-chao
YC
Chen
Qiu-ju
QJ
Yang
Zeng-ming
ZM
Li
Run-sheng
RS
Wang
Jian
J
D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D018832:Molecular Chaperones; D010057:Oviducts / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D015854:Up-Regulation; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D018832:Molecular Chaperones; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; C487464:SEC63 protein, human