Ex Vivo Reconstruction of Human Endometrium and Metabolic Adaptations in Embryo Implantation

Up to date, there are no adequate models available that would enable detailed investigation of human embryo-maternal communication; thus, previous research has been relying on animal experiments or simplified cell cultures. This project aims to reconstruct a reproducible and physiologically relevant model of complex tissue architecture of endometrium - inner lining of uterus; and combine it with human embryonic cell line-derived embryo-like structures in blastocyst stage, blastoids. This will open a wide interdisciplinary field of studying various factors influencing human conception and early embryo development and researchers will gain from better understanding of metabolic regulation of these processes. Results could later be translated to clinical practice through improving medical managing of patients whose infertility is associated with metabolic diseases. This could lead to increased pregnancy rates contributing to societal and economic improvements in Estonia and worldwide.