Embryonic miRNA profiles of normal and ectopic pregnancies.

Our objective was to investigate the miRNA profile of embryonic tissues in ectopic pregnancies (EPs) and controlled abortions (voluntary termination of pregnancy; VTOP). Twenty-three patients suffering from tubal EP and twenty-nine patients with a normal ongoing pregnancy scheduled for a VTOP were recruited. Embryonic tissue samples were analyzed by miRNA microarray and further validated by real time PCR.

Complete method to obtain, culture, and transfer mouse blastocysts nonsurgically to study implantation and development.

Objective: To illustrate an efficient, complete, step-by-step protocol for studying implantation in mice.

Design: Video presentation of an animal model for research in reproductive biology.

Animal(s): Mouse (Mus musculus).

MicroRNA: key gene expression regulators.

MicroRNAs, also called miRNAs, are small 19-22 nucleotide (nt) sequences of noncoding RNA that work as endogenous epigenetic gene expression regulators. They are transcribed as large primary miRNAs or pre-miRNAs by RNA polymerase II and III, and are subsequently processed by the ribonucleases Drosha and Dicer to give rise to their mature forms. These mature miRNAs are then incorporated into the RISC complex (RNA-induced silencing complex) where they bind to the 3'-UTR mRNA complementary region, which induces their degradation or inhibits their translation, resulting in gene silencing.

miRNA signature and Dicer requirement during human endometrial stromal decidualization in vitro.

Decidualization is a morphological and biochemical transformation of endometrial stromal fibroblast into differentiated decidual cells, which is critical for embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment. The complex regulatory networks have been elucidated at both the transcriptome and the proteome levels, however very little is known about the post-transcriptional regulation of this process. miRNAs regulate multiple physiological pathways and their de-regulation is associated with human disorders including gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis and preeclampsia.