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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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01-04-2014 | Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) seems to be regulated differently in endometriosis and the endometrium

Authors: J. Bartley, A. Jülicher, B. Hotz, S. Mechsner, H. Hotz

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) endows cells with migratory and invasive properties, a prerequisite for the establishment of endometriotic lesions. However, the role EMT might play in the pathophysiology of endometriosis is still unknown. Therefore, we examined five recognized markers for EMT in endometrium and endometriosis: E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Twist, Snail and Slug.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used for peritoneal, ovarian and rectovaginal endometriotic lesions (n = 27) and endometrium (n = 13). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was applied to tissue samples and primary cell cultures of endometriotic lesions (n = 9) and endometrium (n = 8).

Results

In endometriosis and endometrium E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Twist, Snail and Slug were expressed on protein and mRNA level. E-cadherin expression was strong in epithelial cells, but single E-cadherin-negative cells were frequently present in endometriosis. In endometriosis N-cadherin, Twist and Snail expression were upregulated in comparison with endometrium. The expression of E- and N-cadherin was inversely correlated, while that of N-cadherin and Twist was positively correlated.

Conclusion

This study strongly suggests that EMT may be regulated differently in endometriosis and the endometrium. Future research should further elucidate the regulation of EMT in the endometrium and endometriosis.

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Title: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) seems to be regulated differently in endometriosis and the endometrium
Authors: J. Bartley
A. Jülicher
B. Hotz
S. Mechsner
H. Hotz
Publication date: 01-04-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-3040-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) seems to be regulated differently in endometriosis and the endometrium

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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