title: An in vitro model for the study of human implantation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Implantation remains the rate-limiting step for the success of in vitro fertilization. Appropriate models to study the molecular aspects of human implantation are necessary in order to improve fertility.
  
  
  METHODS
  First trimester trophoblast cells are differentiated into blastocyst-like spheroids (BLS) by culturing them in low attachment plates. Immortalized human endometrial stromal cells and epithelial cells (ECC-1) were stably transfected with GFP or tdTomato. Co-culture experiments were monitored using Volocity imaging analysis system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This method demonstrates attachment and invasion of BLS, formed by trophoblast cells, into stromal cells, but not to uterine epithelial cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have developed an in vitro model of uterine implantation. The manipulation of this system allows for dual color monitoring of the cells over time. Additionally, specific compounds can be added to the culture media to test how this may affect implantation and invasion. This model is a helpful tool in understanding the complexity of human implantation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
authors.forename: Jennie C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Holmberg
authors.forename: Severina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haddad
authors.forename: Vera
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wünsche
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Paulomi B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Aldo
authors.forename: Yulia
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gnainsky
authors.forename: Irit
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Granot
authors.forename: Nava
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dekel
authors.forename: Gil
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mor
mesh_terms: D001755:Blastocyst / Q000166:cytology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011247:Pregnancy; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000166:cytology; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins