An IFNT/FOXO1/PTGS2 axis regulates prostaglandin F2 synthesis in goat uterus during early pregnancy

In ruminants, IFN-tau (IFNT) regulates the production of prostaglandins (PG) in the endometrium, which is crucial for conceptus adhesion. However, the related molecular regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), a member of the FOXO subfamily of transcription factors, is known to be important for mouse implantation and decidualization. In this study, we determined the spatiotemporal expression profile of FOXO1 in goat endometrium during early pregnancy. FOXO1 was highly expressed in the glandular epithelium since the onset of conceptus adhesion (d 16 of pregnancy). Then, we validated that FOXO1 could bind to the promoter of prostaglandinendoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and increase its transcription. And the expression profile of PTGS2 was similar to that of FOXO1 in the peri-implantation uterus. Moreover, IFNT could upregulate the levels of FOXO1 and PTGS2 in goat uterus and primary endometrial epithelium cells (EEC). In EEC, the inwith the levels of IFNT and FOXO1. Altogether, we synthesis of PGF2 alpha but not prostaglandin E2 in goat uterine glands. These findings contribute to better understanding the function of FOXO1 in the reproductive implantation of small ruminants.