Regulation of Pregnancy: Evidence for Major Roles by the Uterine and Placental Kisspeptin/KISS1R Signaling Systems

Several studies provide strong evidence suggesting that in addition to central kisspeptin/KISS1R signaling, the peripheral uterine- and placental-based kisspeptin/KISS1R signaling systems are major regulators of pregnancy. Specifically, the evidence suggests that the uterine-based system regulates embryo implantation and decidualization, while both the uterine- and placental-based systems regulate placentation. Uterine kisspeptin and KISS1R regulate embryo implantation by controlling the availability of endometrial glandular secretions, like leukemia inhibitory factor, which are essential for embryo adhesion to the uterine epithelium. As for decidualization, the data suggest that decidualized stromal cells express KISS1R and secrete kisspeptin-inhibiting decidual cell motility and thereby indirectly regulate embryo and placental invasion of the uterus. Similarly, for placentation, placental kisspeptin and KISS1R negatively regulate extravillous trophoblast migration and invasion and thereby directly control placental invasion of the uterus. Having recognized a significant role for the uterine- and placental-based kisspeptin/KISS1R signaling systems regulating pregnancy, the future looks promising for the development of kisspeptin and KISS1R as prognostic and diagnostic markers of pregnancy disorders and the use of kisspeptin as a therapeutic agent in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as recurring implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preeclampsia.