Role of microRNAs in embryo–endometrial interactions: biological functions and clinical applications

Abstract

The human endometrium and embryo both produce microRNAs (miRNAs), which are involved in various physiological activities. Accumulating evident suggested that endometrial miRNAs are regulated by steroid hormones that modulate endometrial functions, whereas embryo-derived miRNAs play vital roles in maternal–embryo communication. The aberrant expression of endometrium- or embryo-derived miRNAs can cause early pregnancy and gestational disorders, including repeated implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage, and pathological conditions such as endometriosis. miRNAs are, therefore, ideal candidates for conducting clinicopathological tests. Potential diagnostic and prognostic tests using miRNAs are under development; however, the therapeutic applications of miRNAs in regulating gestational disorders require further investigation.