Fractalkine research group
Dr. Katalin Sipos
Group activities
Endometrial receptivity and the process of implantation are influenced by a number of components. Among these, our research group is investigating the possible relationship between fractalkine, certain inflammatory cytokines and iron metabolism. There are two main types of fractalkine, membrane-bound and soluble. It is found in many cell types, including endometrium and trophoblast cells. Our experiments are carried out in two main lines: in vitro cell culture models and human serum samples. In the former case, endometrial and trophoblast cells are studied in monoculture and in co-culture. This will allow us to investigate the effects of proteins involved in receptivity and engraftment, of certain cytokines, and of changes in iron levels on the cells separately, and to see how the two cell types influence each other's function. The role of fractalkine in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines, certain factors involved in engulfment and components of iron metabolism has been demonstrated in our experiments. Human blood samples are provided by women undergoing in vitro fertilization. From these serum samples it is possible to determine the levels of soluble fractalkine, several cytokines and indicators of iron metabolism regulation. It is hoped that this will provide an opportunity to explore the relationship between these parameters and implantation success. The signal value of monitoring iron levels during pregnancy has long been known, but less attention has been paid to the relationship between implantation and current maternal iron status. If appropriate iron levels can significantly increase implantation success, we will have an indicator that is relatively easy to change in a positive direction.
