Factor Function References
EGR1 This transcription factor has been predicted as key factor for the decidualization of endometrial stromal cells. [10]
Atg16L1 This factor is vital for decidualization process, implantation, and overall mice fertility. This factor might also serve as potent mediator of successful implantation in women. [139]
WT1 During the process of decidualization this transcription factor up-regulates the expression of VLDLR in human endometrial cells which enhances their lipid accumulation. [140]
IRS2 Progesterone regulated IRS2 expression has been reported critical for appropriate insulin signaling for regulating the expression of genes and utilization of glucose that significantly support the process of decidualization for facilitating pregnancy. [137]
PRL (Prolactin) This decidualization marker when expressed prematurely in luteal phase has been found linked with recurrent implantation failure. [141]
FIP200 This protein serves as an essential agent for fertility, uterine receptivity, and decidualization suggesting autophagy as a main cellular pathway needed for uterine receptivity and endometrial stromal cell decidualization both in humans and mice. The lack of this protein causes abnormal progesterone signaling that leads to continual proliferation of uterine epithelium and impairs the process of decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells. [142]
HB-EGF This growth factor has been found greatly expressed in decidua and uterine luminal epithelium and essential for the implantation of embryo, decidualization process, and gestation. [143-146]
MSX1 and MSX2 These genes act as main mediators of BMP2-induced decidualization in women as well as mice since the reduced expression of these genes by little interfering RNAs highly diminishes in-vitro human stromal cell differentiation. [135]
PKM2 Pyruvate kinase M2 has been reported as a critical potential role-player during the process of decidualization in early gestation. [136]
Thrombin Thrombin causes extravasations of leukocytes, inflammation of endometrium, impairs the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells as well as endometrial support during early stage of pregnancy. [147]
CXCL16 The CXCL16/CXCR6 axis has been found as a contributor for the progression of decidualization of endometrial stromal cells via PI3K/PDK1/AKT/Cyclin D1 pathway activation which suggests the role of CXCL16 as an initiator of molecular crosstalk at maternal-fetal that augments the endometrial stromal cell decidualization. [148]
OPG OPG interaction with syndecan-1 mediates decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells by reducing phosphorylation of Akt. OPG expression has been found significantly lesser in the endometrium of RPL patients compared to that of with normal pregnancy during the first trimester. [149]
BMAL1 BMAL1 plays a useful role in the process of decidualization since its down-regulation in RPL causes decidualization impairment and abnormal invasion of trophoblasts via TIMP3 regulation and as a result predisposes women for RPL. [150]
CSDC2 This protein might serve as a regulatory factor in the development of decidua. [151]
MEIS1
This cofactor of HOXA10 has been found as an essential agent for human endometrial stromal cell decidualization.
[152]
PoFUT1
PoFUT1 play a crucial role in the decidualization of endometrium via regulating Notch 1 O-fucosylation. Moreover, lower poFUT1 levels have been reported in the uterine endometrial tissue of women that experienced miscarriage compared to those with early pregnancy.
[138]
Annexin A2 The defective expression of Annexin A2 has been found associated with impaired endometrial stromal cell decidualization and uterine microenvironment both of which are required for promoting implantation of embryo and placentation. [153]
SMAD1 and SMAD5 These transcriptional factors are found required for the redundantly acting cell surface receptors that via their concerted action regulate the BMP signaling receptor-complex responsible for the decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells. [8]
Prokineticin1 This factor participates in angiogenesis and regulation of decidualization and implantation processes. [119]