Edinburgh Napier University

  Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually-transmitted infection in the world, and is associated with miscarriage, pre-term birth and infertility. However, the understanding of the mechanisms through which infection leads to pregnancy failure is poor. Successful embryo implantation requires the progesterone dependent differentiation of endometrial stromal cells into secretory cells. We recently determined that Chlamydia inhibits and prevents the action of progesterone on uterine cells, however we do not yet understand the mechanisms through which this occurs. Using an in vitro system of endometrial decidualisation, this project will determine the pathways underpinning the effects of Chlamydia infection on steroid responsiveness of the endometrium.