Autophagy Genes and Signaling Pathways in Endometrial Decidualization and Pregnancy Complications Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Autophagy key to pregnancy? Review finds it aids decidualization, embryo development—enhances success. #Autophagy #ReproductiveHealth

Goudarzi ST¹ ; Vousooghi N¹ ; Verdi J¹ ; Mehdizadeh A² ; Aslaniankalkhoran L^{3, 4} ; Yousefi M⁴
Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology Published:2024

Abstract

Autophagy is a process that occurs in almost all eukaryotic cells and this process is controlled by several molecular processes. Its biological roles include the provision of energy, the maintenance of cell homeostasis, and the promotion of aberrant cell death. The importance of autophagy in pregnancy is gradually becoming recognized. In literature, it has been indicated that autophagy has three different effects on the onset and maintenance of pregnancy: embryo (embryonic development), feto-maternal immune crosstalk, and maternal (decidualization). In humans, proper decidualization is a major predictor of pregnancy accomplishment and it can be influenced by different factors. This review highlights the genes, pathways, regulation, and function of autophagy in endometrial decidualization and other involved factors in this process. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.