MiR-183 impeded embryo implantation by regulating Hbegf and Lamc1 in mouse uterus

Embryo implantation plays a decisive role in pregnancy. While in the process of implantation, microRNA (miRNA) is an important regulatory factor in the post transcriptional level. However, the role of many miRNAs in embryo implantation remained unknown. In this study, microRNA-183 (miR-183) was found differentially expressed in mouse uterus during implantation. In vivo treatment of miR-183 agomir in the uterine horn before implantation could eliminate the number of implantation site. The localization of miR-183 in mouse uteri gradually changed from epithelial to stromal layer in early pregnancy. Mice implantation models demonstrated that the decrease of miR-183 was mainly caused by maternal factors. Loss and gain function of miR-183 in endometrial cell lines showed that miR-183 could inhibit cell migration, invasion and apoptosis. MiR-183 could inhibit embryo implantation by binding Heparin-Binding EGF-like growth factor (Hbegf) and Laminin gamma one (Lamc1), which were key genes in embryo apposition and penetration. All these evidences indicate that miR-183 plays an important role during embryo implantation. This study provides new insights into the functions of miR-183 during embryo implantation and the development of contraceptive drugs in early pregnancy.