Journal Article

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

Mechsner, S, Jülicher, A, Hotz, H, Hotz, B, Bartley, J

2014

Overview

PurposeEpithelial–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.MethodsImmunohistochemistry 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).ResultsIn 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.ConclusionThis 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.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Endometriosis