Human embryo implantation involves Syncytin-2/MFSD2A-mediated heterokaryon formation with maternal endometrium
Tomas E. J. C. Noordzij, Martina Celotti, Ruben van Esch, Lisa Sackmann, Adriana Martínez-Silgado, Franka de Jong, Hiromune Eto, Harry Begthel, Jeroen Korving, Theresa Maria Sommer, Gaby S. Steba, Nicolas C. Rivron, Esther B. Baart, Johan H. van Es, Hans C. Clevers, Katharina F. Sonnen
The paper shows that human embryo implantation involves Syncytin-2/MFSD2A-mediated cell fusion between blastoids and endometrial epithelial cells, preventing implantation when MFSD2A is knocked out.
bioRxiv · Dec 24, 2025 · PreprintDevelopmental Biology