A hypoxia-induced Rab pathway regulates embryo implantation by controlled trafficking of secretory granules

Significance In many mammalian species, embryo implantation and processes of early pregnancy occur in a hypoxic environment. However, the mechanisms underlying maternal adaptation to hypoxia during early pregnancy remain unclear. This work has uncovered an important mechanism in mammalian reproduction and development by identifying maternal secretory granules that mediate molecular dialogue between the maternal tissue compartments during early pregnancy. This dialogue, which is the molecular basis of adaptation to hypoxia, is critical for embryo implantation and establishment of pregnancy.