What is it about?
Our study shows that Negative Elongation Factor, or NELF, a protein complex involved in controlling RNA production, is needed in female reproductive processes. We selectively deleted NELF in the reproductive tract of female mice. Using this unique mouse model, we report a result of sterility, specifically related to the inability to properly regulate uterine functions during pregnancy. Additionally, we show that these findings are recapitulated in a model using human endometrial stroma cells (hESCs) from uterine samples grown in pertri dishes. Decreasing NELF also perturbs the ability of hESCs to undergo essential processes that establish pregnancy. Therefore, using these two model systems, we have demonstrated the importance of NELF in coordinating uterine responses essential for successful reproduction. Uterine dysfunctions underlie disease conditions including endometriosis, endometrial cancer and infertility, that greatly impact women’s health. Our findings reveal a role for NELF in endometrial function and have the potential to advance our understanding of these pathologies.
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Why is it important?
Our work points to one of many of the many molecular players that interact precisely to optimize the processes involved in pregnancy.
Perspectives
This study brought together collaborators with very different areas of expertise, leading to an increased understanding of molecular details involved in a key biological process.
Sylvia Hewitt
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Negative elongation factor is essential for endometrial function, The FASEB Journal, February 2019, Federation of American Societies For Experimental Biology (FASEB),
DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801752.
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