Taurine is essential for mouse uterine luminal fluid resorption during implantation window via the SCNN1A and AQP8 signaling.

Abstract

Uterine fluid homeostasis during peri-implantation is crucial for successful embryo implantation. Taurine (Tau) plays a crucial role in regulating osmotic pressure and ion transport. However, the precise mechanisms underlying Tau-mediated regulation of uterine fluid homeostasis during peri-implantation in mice remain unclear. In this study, we generated a Tau-deficient mouse model by administering Tau-free diet to Csad knockout (Csad-/-) mice to block endogenous Tau synthesis and exogenous Tau absorption (Csad-/--Tau free). Our findings demonstrated that Csad-/-Tau free mice with diminished level of Tau exhibited decreased rates of embryo implantation and impaired fertility. Further analysis revealed that the expression of Scnn1a was down-regulated during the implantation window, while Aqp8 was upregulated in Csad-/-Tau free mice, leading to uterine luminal fluid retention and defects in luminal closure, resulting in failed embryo implantation. Additionally, it was also found that E2 inhibited uterine Csad expression and Tau synthesis, while P4 promoted them. Therefore, our findings suggest that ovarian steroid hormones regulate Csad expression and Tau synthesis, thereby affecting release and resorption of uterine luminal fluid, ultimately impacting embryo implantation success.