15 years of transcriptomic analysis on endometrial receptivity: what have we learnt?

Over the course of the last four decades, IVF has allowed an increasing number of infertile couples the chance to conceive. Considering the extensive research and advances in ART, too many IVF attempts still do not result in a successful pregnancy [ 1 , 2 ]. Embryo implantation is a crucial event in the establishment of a pregnancy. It is now clear that embryo implantation relies upon cross-talk and synchronicity between the implanting embryo and a receptive endometrium [ 3 ]. This embryo-maternal cross-talk involves an elaborate and coordinated network of communication via timely released embryonic, maternal-derived signals, and well-targeted actions [ 4 ]. If the clinical and culture conditions to obtain a “good quality” embryo are well advanced today, ER remains the last barrier in ART. When a high-quality embryo is transferred, impaired uterine receptivity is believed to be one of the major reasons behind failure of the establishment of pregnancy [ 5 , 6 ].