Aging-related Decidualization Defects of Endometrial Stromal Cells in Women with Advanced Maternal Age (Endo-Age)

• Applicant: Dr. Bianca Schröder-Heurich
• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology ; Gynaecology and Obstetrics
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 545611784

Female fertility declines with age. Although ovarian aging is an important factor in infertility, recent studies have emphasized the role of the aging endometrium in affecting reproductive health and fertility of women. Decidualization of the inner layer of the endometrium is characterized by the transition from endometrial stromal cells (ESC) to decidualized stromal cells (DSC), which is a crucial step for the endometrium to become receptive to the embryo. Defects in this process have been associated with decreased endometrial receptivity characterized by impaired endometrial stromal cell decidualization, likely contributing to infertility and pregnancy complications. Emerging evidence suggests that maternal age has an impact on the decidualization capacity of these cells. In our project, we will analyze if aging impairs the ability of ESC to decidualize, in terms of specific ESC functions and gene expression involved in the decidualization process. We aim to identify age-related decidualization defects by utilizing primary human ESC and DSC in vitro models from non-pregnant and pregnant women with advanced maternal age (AMA) compared to women with an optimal maternal age (OMA). Our project will provide novel insights into age-related decidualization defects. This will provide the basis for the development of decidua-based strategies for new diagnostic and preventive approaches for women with a decidualization defect and thus age-related impaired maternal reproductive health.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professorin Dr. Frauke von Versen-Höynck