YAP1 regulates endometrial receptivity by promoting the plasma membrane transformation and proliferation of bovine endometrial epithelial cells

Plasma membrane transformation (PMT) during early pregnancy (EP) is a widely observed phenomenon across species, but its role in cows remains understudied. Yes1-associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1) plays a vital role in human embryo implantation and uterine development. However, its relationship with PMT in bovine endometrium remains unclear. This study aims to explore the potential influence of YAP1 on PMT and the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells. We observed PMT-related changes in the endometrium of cows during EP, characterized by reduced morphometry scores and increased fully developed pinopodes. The epithelial marker cadherin-1 (CDH1, also known as E-cadherin) expression decreased, while the mesenchymal marker vimentin (VIM) expression increased. Additionally, YAP1 expression was up-regulated and activated in the endometrial epithelium during EP. Interferon-tau (IFNT) potentially promoted PMT-related changes and activated YAP1. The knockdown of YAP1 diminished the effect of IFNT on PMT. At the same time, overexpression of YAP1 might enhance PMT-related changes and promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of bovine endometrial epithelial cells (bEECs). Our findings suggest that YAP1 is activated during EP and may regulate endometrial receptivity by promoting PMT and cell proliferation.