Analysis of the Role of the Transcription Factor C/EBPbeta in Controlling Uterine Functions During Early Pregnancy
type: CreativeWork
description: Embryo implantation into the endometrium is a complex biological process involving the integration of steroid hormone signaling, endometrial tissue remodeling and maternal-fetal communications. A successful pregnancy is the outcome of the timely integration of these events during the early stages of implantation. The involvement of ovarian steroid hormones, estrogen (E) and progesterone (P), acting through their cognate receptors, is essential for uterine functions during pregnancy. The molecular mechanisms that control the process of implantation are undergoing active exploration. Through our recent efforts, we identified the transcription factor, CCAAT Enhancer Binding Protein Beta (C/EBPbeta) as a prominent target of estrogen and progesterone signaling in the uterus. The development of a C/EBPbeta-null mouse model, which is infertile, presented us with an opportunity to analyze the role of this molecule in uterine function. We discovered that C/EBPbeta functions in two distinct manners: (i) by acting as a mediator of E-induced proliferation of the uterine epithelium and (ii) by controlling uterine stromal cell differentiation, a process known as decidualization, during pregnancy. My studies have delineated important mechanisms by which E regulates C/EBPbeta expression to induce DNA replication and prevent apoptosis of uterine epithelial cells during E-induced epithelial growth. In subsequent studies, I analyzed the role of C/EBPbeta in decidualization and uncovered a unique mechanism by which C/EBPbeta regulates the synthesis of a unique laminin-containing extracellular matrix (ECM) that supports stromal cell differentiation and embryo invasion. In order to better define the role of laminin in implantation, we developed a laminin gamma1-conditional knockout mouse model. This is currently an area of ongoing investigation. The information gained from our analysis of C/EBPbeta function in the uterus provides new insights into the mechanisms of steroid hormone action…
abstract: Embryo implantation into the endometrium is a complex biological process involving the integration of steroid hormone signaling, endometrial tissue remodeling and maternal-fetal communications. A successful pregnancy is the outcome of the timely integration of these events during the early stages of implantation. The involvement of ovarian steroid hormones, estrogen (E) and progesterone (P), acting through their cognate receptors, is essential for uterine functions during pregnancy. The molecular mechanisms that control the process of implantation are undergoing active exploration. Through our recent efforts, we identified the transcription factor, CCAAT Enhancer Binding Protein Beta (C/EBPbeta) as a prominent target of estrogen and progesterone signaling in the uterus. The development of a C/EBPbeta-null mouse model, which is infertile, presented us with an opportunity to analyze the role of this molecule in uterine function. We discovered that C/EBPbeta functions in two distinct manners: (i) by acting as a mediator of E-induced proliferation of the uterine epithelium and (ii) by controlling uterine stromal cell differentiation, a process known as decidualization, during pregnancy. My studies have delineated important mechanisms by which E regulates C/EBPbeta expression to induce DNA replication and prevent apoptosis of uterine epithelial cells during E-induced epithelial growth. In subsequent studies, I analyzed the role of C/EBPbeta in decidualization and uncovered a unique mechanism by which C/EBPbeta regulates the synthesis of a unique laminin-containing extracellular matrix (ECM) that supports stromal cell differentiation and embryo invasion. In order to better define the role of laminin in implantation, we developed a laminin gamma1-conditional knockout mouse model. This is currently an area of ongoing investigation. The information gained from our analysis of C/EBPbeta function in the uterus provides new insights into the mechanisms of steroid hormone action…
author: Ramathal, Cyril Y.
language: eng
keywords: Biology, Molecular
date published: 2015-09-28T15:03:22Z
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:26:27Z
provider: University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/2142/86328