부산대학교 도서관

Embryo implantation into the uterus marks a key transition in mammalian development. In mice, implantation is mediated by the trophoblast and is accompanied by a morphological transition from the blastocyst to the egg cylinder. However, the roles of trophoblast‐uterine interactions in embryo morphogenesis during implantation are poorly understood due to inaccessibility in utero and the remaining challenges to recapitulate it ex vivo from the blastocyst. Here, we engineer a uterus‐like microenvironment to recapitulate peri‐implantation development of the whole mouse embryo ex vivo and reveal essential roles of the physical embryo‐uterine interaction. We demonstrate that adhesion between the trophoblast and the uterine matrix is required for in utero‐like transition of the blastocyst to the egg cylinder. Modeling the implanting embryo as a wetting droplet links embryo shape dynamics to the underlying changes in trophoblast adhesion and suggests that the adhesion‐mediated tension release facilitates egg cylinder formation. Light‐sheet live imaging and the experimental control of the engineered uterine geometry and trophoblast velocity uncovers the coordination between trophoblast motility and embryo growth, where the trophoblast delineates space for embryo morphogenesis. Synopsis: The implantation of mouse embryos into the uterus triggers a morphological transition from the blastocyst to the egg cylinder. Here, engineering and live imaging approaches reveal insights into the regulation of peri‐implantation development by the physical embryo‐uterine environment. Hydrogel‐based uterus‐like microenvironment recapitulates peri‐implantation development of the whole mouse embryo ex vivo.Integrin‐mediated adhesion between the trophoblast and the uterine matrix facilitates tension release in trophectoderm.Adhesion‐mediated tension release is required for in utero‐like transition of the blastocyst to the egg cylinder.Trophoblast delineates space to accommodate peri‐implantation morphogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]