The International Journal of Developmental Biology

Int. J. Dev. Biol. 58: 71 - 74 (2014)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.140086ms

Vol 58, Issue 2-3-4

Special Issue: Embryo Implantation

Embryo implantation - coordination of maternal and embryonic adaptations

Editorial | Published: 10 July 2014

Michael J. Soares

Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA

Abstract

Viviparity is the process of a fertilized egg growing and developing within the mother (Amoroso, 1968). The process has inherent benefits, including a level of protection from predators and need-based delivery of nutrients. The oppor-tunity of the embryo to develop within the female reproductive tract is met with many challenges. These challenges are addressed with specializations within the embryo and uterus and an elaborate system of controls. Research has fo-cused on the female reproductive tract and its transformation into a safe haven facilitating embryonic and fetal devel-opment and on the extraembryonic specializations derived from the embryo. Collectively these events comprise em-bryo implantation. Coordination of parallel processes in maternal and embryonic compartments is a necessity. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Developmental Biology provides a forum for a talented group of experi-mentalists actively pursuing research addressing a range of scientific questions related to embryo implantation.

Keywords

Embryo implantation

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