Yuan, J; Deng, W; Cha, J; Sun, X; Borg, J; Dey, SK. Tridimensional visualization reveals direct communication between the embryo and glands critical for implantation. Nature Communications. 2018; 9(1).
The first evidence to show a direct interaction between gland and implantation chamber interaction. Without the role of glands, no implantation chamber could be formed.
Liang, X; Daikoku, T; Terakawa, J; Ogawa, Y; Joshi, AR; Ellenson, LH; Sun, X; Dey, SK. The uterine epithelial loss of Pten is inefficient to induce endometrial cancer with intact stromal Pten. PLoS genetics. 2018; 14(8).
This work showed that loss-of-function of Pten in both uterine epithelial and stromal compartment is necessary for initiation of endometrial cancer, although epithelial tissues become cancerous. Pten deletion in epithelia results in hyperplasia.
Alavattam, KG; Maezawa, S; Sakashita, A; Khoury, H; Barski, A; Kaplan, N; Namekawa, SH. Attenuated chromatin compartmentalization in meiosis and its maturation in sperm development. Nature Structural and Molecular Biology. 2019; 26(3):175-184.
From fathers to children, the delivery of hereditary information requires the careful packing of DNA in sperm. But just how nature packages this DNA to prepare offspring isn't clear. Using new technology to reveal the 3D organization of DNA in maturing male reproductive cells, the Namekawa laboratory revealed a crucial period in development that helps explain how fathers pass on genetic information to future generations.
Li, Y; Bian, F; Sun, X; Dey, SK. Mice missing cnr1 and Cnr2 show implantation defects. Endocrinology. 2019; 160(4):938-946.
Cnr1 has been shown to play a key role in female pregnancy. This work demonstrated that endocannabinoid signaling regulates implantation process by targeting endothelial CB2, encoded by Cnr2.
Deng, W; Yuan, J; Cha, J; Sun, X; Bartos, A; Yagita, H; Hirota, Y; Dey, SK. Endothelial Cells in the Decidual Bed Are Potential Therapeutic Targets for Preterm Birth Prevention. Cell Reports. 2019; 27(6):1755-1768.e4.
Identified LPS targets on endothelial TLR4 to trigger inflammation in the decidual bed and results in preterm birth. Endothelial-stromal cell cross-talk confers a homeostatic balance in pregnant uteri.