FUT7 antisense sequence inhibits the expression of FUT7/sLeX and adhesion between embryonic and uterine cells

Implantation is a complex developmental event that is initiated by recognition and adhesion of the embryo to the endometrial epithelium. sLeX is an oligosaccharide antigen acting as the ligand of L-selectin, and is stage-specifically expressed in the endometrial epithelium. The adhesion system mediated by L-selectin and sLeX oligosaccharide plays an important role in this process. FUT7 is a key enzyme for sLeX synthesis, and the regulation of sLeX through FUT7 may influence maternal-fetal recognition. In this study, we observed the effect of FUT7 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on the expression of FUT7 and sLeX, as well as adhesion in an in vitro implantation model consisting of the human uterine epithelial cell line RL95-2 and the human embryonic cell line JAR. Results showed that the expression of FUT7 was significantly decreased, compared with controls, after FUT7 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide transfection into RL95-2 cells, as determined by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and indirect immunofluorescence. Synthesis of sLeX was also decreased, consistent with the FUT7 decrease, as shown by indirect immunofluorescence. The adhesion of embryonic cells to uterine epithelial cells was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) compared with the control. These data indicate that the use of a FUT7 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide can cause a significant reduction of both FUT7 and sLeX antigen, and thereby inhibit the adhesion of embryo cells to endometrium. This approach may provide a new way to regulate reproduction.