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Journal of Ovarian Research

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Novel three-dimensional in vitro models of ovarian endometriosis

Authors: Doerthe Brueggmann, Claire Templeman, Anna Starzinski-Powitz, Nagesh P Rao, Simon A Gayther, Kate Lawrenson

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. It affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. This chronic condition commonly leads to consequences such as pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, infertility and an elevated risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. Despite the prevalence of endometriosis and its impact on women’s lives, there are relatively few in vitro and in vivo models available for studying the complex disease biology, pathophysiology, and for use in the preclinical development of novel therapies. The goal of this study was to develop a novel three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model of ovarian endometriosis and to test whether it is more reflective of endometriosis biology than traditional two dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures.

Methods

A novel ovarian endometriosis epithelial cell line (EEC16) was isolated from a 34-year old female with severe endometriosis. After characterization of cells using in vitro assays, western blotting and RNA-sequencing, this cell line and a second, already well characterized endometriosis cell line, EEC12Z, were established as in vitro 3D spheroid models. We compared biological features of 3D spheroids to 2D cultures and human endometriosis lesions using immunohistochemistry and real-time semi-quantitative PCR.

Results

In comparison to normal ovarian epithelial cells, EEC16 displayed features of neoplastic transformation in in vitro assays. When cultured in 3D, EEC16 and EEC12Z showed differential expression of endometriosis-associated genes compared to 2D monolayer cultures, and more closely mimicked the molecular and histological features of human endometriosis lesions.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this represents the first report of an in vitro spheroid model of endometriosis. 3D endometriosis models represent valuable experimental tools for studying EEC biology and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

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Title: Novel three-dimensional in vitro models of ovarian endometriosis
Authors: Doerthe Brueggmann
Claire Templeman
Anna Starzinski-Powitz
Nagesh P Rao
Simon A Gayther
Kate Lawrenson
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-7-17

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Novel three-dimensional in vitro models of ovarian endometriosis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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