Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of predicting endometrial receptivity for embryo implantation in a subject, the method comprising determining a level of podocalyxin in endometrial epithelial cells in the subject. The present invention also relates to methods of monitoring epithelial receptivity and improving epithelial receptivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing an infertility condition in a human female subject, the method comprising detecting pregnancy-related serine protease (PRSP) protein in a test sample taken from said subject at between 7 and 20 weeks into pregnancy; detecting PRSP protein in a test sample from a fertile control mammal taken within the same period; and comparing the PRSP protein in the test sample with the PRSP protein detected in the control sample, wherein a change in PRSP protein in the sample compared to the control sample is indicative of an infertility condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a serine protease, which is specifically expressed in association with embryo implantation and placentation in pregnant uterus in the evaluation of fertility and monitoring of early pregnancy, placental development and function, fetal development, parturition, and conditions such as pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, early abortion, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing an infertility condition in a human female subject, the method comprising detecting pregnancy-related serine protease (PRSP) protein in a test sample taken from said subject at between 7 and 20 weeks into pregnancy; detecting PRSP protein in a test sample from a fertile control mammal taken within the same period; and comparing the PRSP protein in the test sample with the PRSP protein detected in the control sample, wherein a change in PRSP protein in the sample compared to the control sample is indicative of an infertility condition.

Abstract: This invention relates to the role of the enzyme proprotein convertase 5/6 in pregnancy, and in particular to the detection or modulation of proprotein convertase 5/6 and its isoforms in the uterus. This enzyme is useful in the control of fertility, the monitoring of early pregnancy, and for the detection of uterine receptivity. The invention also relates to methods of screening for compounds which have the ability to modulate the activity or expression of proprotein convertase 5/6, which may be useful in regulating fertility in mammals. Novel forms of proprotein convertase 5/6 are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for diagnosing conditions characterized by altered expression of a pregnancy related serine protease (PRSP) protein in a mammal. Such conditions include infertility caused by an inability to achieve or sustain embryo implantation, an inability to sustain a pregnancy, early abortion, insufficient placentation, pre-eclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction. The methods include detecting expression of PRSP, such as SEQ ID NP33. Detection may be accomplished using a PRSP-specific antibody.

Abstract: This invention relates to the role of the enzyme proprotein convertase 5/6 in pregnancy, and in particular to the detection or modulation of proprotein convertase 5/6 and its isoforms in the uterus. This enzyme is useful in the control of fertility, the monitoring of early pregnancy, and for the detection of uterine receptivity. The invention also relates to methods of screening for compounds which have the ability to modulate the activity or expression of proprotein convertase 5/6, which may be useful in regulating fertility in mammals. Novel forms of proprotein convertase 5/6 are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a enzyme predicted to be a serine protease, which is specifically expressed in association with embryo implantation and placentation in pregnant uterus. The enzyme of the invention is useful in the evaluation of fertility and monitoring of early pregnancy, placental development and function, fetal development, parturition, and conditions such as pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, early abortion, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and cancers, and may provide a potential target for contraception. It may also be important in diseases of the heart, testis or ovary, and may play a role in muscle function, including cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, lung and the diaphragm. In addition the enzyme of the invention is useful in the screening of candidate drugs for fertility control or for treatment of fertility-related disorders.