Embryonic signals mediate extracellular vesicle biogenesis and trafficking at the embryo-maternal interface

Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coated nanoparticles secreted by almost all cell types in living organisms. EVs, as paracrine mediators, are involved in intercellular communication, immune response, and several reproductive events, including the maintenance of pregnancy. Using a domestic animal model (Sus scrofa) with an epitheliochorial, superficial type of placentation, we focused on EV biogenesis pathway at the embryo-maternal interface, when the embryonic signaling occurs for maternal recognition and the maintenance of pregnancy.Results Transmission electron microscopy was used during early pregnancy to visualize EVs and apocrine and/or merocrine pathways of secretion. Immunofluorescent staining localized proteins responsible for EV biogenesis and cell polarization at the embryo-maternal interface. The expression profiles of genes involved in biogenesis and the secretion of EVs pointed to the possible modulation of endometrial expression by embryonic signals. Further in vitro studies showed that factors of embryonic origin can regulate the expression of the ESCRT-II complex and EV trafficking within endometrial luminal epithelial cells. Moreover, miRNA-mediated rapid negative regulation of gene expression was abolished by delivered embryonic signals.Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that embryonic signals are potent modulators of ESCRT-dependent EV-mediated secretory activity of the endometrium during the critical stages of early pregnancy.

Automated summary

In this study, EVs were observed at the embryo-maternal interface through transmission electron microscopy, and different secretion pathways were identified. It was found that embryonic signals can regulate the biogenesis and secretion of EVs, as well as the gene expression in endometrial cells. These findings highlight the important role of embryonic signals in modulating endometrial secretory activity during early pregnancy.