Differing endometrial expression of calcium modulating transient receptor potential channels

Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have increased the live birth success rate, but there is still a significant implantation failure rate. Epithelial cell calcium homeostasis is tightly regulated by mechanisms that include activation of the TRP channel superfamily of 9 families including TRPC (Canonical). TRPCs are located on the cell membrane and act as receptor-operated channels (ROC), whilst cytosolic localization of these channels indicates their role as store-operated channels (SOC): both ROCs and SOCs are key players in the regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis. TRPC 1–4 and 6 expression in the bovine reproductive tract has been reported; these receptors exhibit hormone modulation and calcium dysregulation can lead to menstrual disturbances, suggesting that TRPC receptors may modulate calcium in the human endometrium and affect implantation and fertility.