Epithelial-trophoblast interactions in human embryo implantation: role for interleukin 11 and leukemia inhibitory factor [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Evdokia Dimitriadis (Principal investigator)

Brief description Infertility, spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia are major clinical problems. Female infertility is frequently due to implantation failure and many IVF embryos fail to implant. Appropriate development of the placenta is critical to the outcome of pregnancy and inadequate placentation can result in spontaneous abortion. However, if the pregnancy continues with a poorly developed placenta, the mother is likely to develop pre-eclampsia with subsequent major adverse outcomes for both mother and baby. Pre-clampsia is the most common cause of low birth weight infants and also of maternal death. Low birth weight, which is commonly an outcome of a pregnancy with pre-eclampsia, correlates with disorders later in life (including hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease and obesity). Interleukin (IL)-11 and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) are among very few molecules known to be critical for embryo implantation in the mouse. Their roles in human infertility are not well understood, although there is evidence that decreased LIF is associated with implantation failure in women. The distribution of these molecules within the uterus and placenta in primates suggests they have important roles in preparing the uterine lining for implantation and for development of a placenta in women. This project will examine how IL-11 and LIF that are locally produced at implantation sites affect the human uterus and the formation of the placenta. There is still no means of readily diagnosing endometrial infertility in women or of establishing whether the placenta is developing adequately. These studies will provide new critical information regarding the roles of these two molecules and their potential usefulness as targets for much- needed diagnostic and therapeutic tools for infertility and major diseases associated with pregnancy. Application of such new tests will produce lifelong benefits to the health of both the mother and child.

Funding Amount $AUD 495,667.61

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes New Investigator Grant