New research suggests that increasing the amount of certain developmental genes at precise times in the uterus might improve pregnancy rates from in vitro fertilization, which remain low at around 30 percent, according to a new study published in the journal Developmental Cell.
U.S. researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center have found that the genes Msx1 and Msx2 – which also play a role in organ formation during fetal development – are essential in making the uterus receptive to implanted embryos.
Working with genetically-engineered mice, the researchers found that the animals without an Msx1 gene had smaller-than-normal litters or no litters at all, while deleting both the Msx1 and Msx2 genes caused the mice to become completely infertile because the embryos failed to implant.
The researchers believe that by manipulating these genes with precise timing during the IVF process, they could improve chances of successful conception. Additionally, with further research, manipulation of the Msx genes could also be used to create non-steroidal contraceptives.
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