Galectin-3 in endometrial small extracellular vesicles promotes cytotrophoblast cell fusion during the implantation phase.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) mediate intercellular communication by transporting microRNAs and proteins. Endometrial sEVs have been implicated in embryo implantation due to their content of implantation-related molecules; however, their precise functions and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify proteins in endometrial sEVs that contribute to embryo implantation and to clarify their functional significance.

Methods

Uterine fluid (UF) samples were collected from five women in each of the ovulatory and implantation phases. UF-derived sEVs (UF-sEVs) were isolated using a combination of size-exclusion chromatography and ultrafiltration, and their proteomic profiles were compared between phases. In parallel, hormone-treated Ishikawa

SUBMITTER: Ohara T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12831369 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature