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Endometriosis and Stem Cell Trafficking

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Abstract

Adult stem cells have a major role in endometrial physiology, remodeling, and repair, but they also have a critical role in the development and progression of endometriosis. Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSCs) engraft eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesions, showing stromal and epithelial fate. Nevertheless, circulating BMDSCs are in limited supply, and the presence of endometriosis depletes stem cells from the blood circulation, preventing their homing in the uterus. Furthermore, stem cells migrate from endometriotic lesion into the uterus, leading to a dysfunctional endometrium. Stem cell trafficking is a central feature of endometriosis. Understanding molecular mechanisms regulating cell mobility and engraftment in endometriosis may reveal new targets for treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA

    Nicola Pluchino MD, PhD & Hugh S. Taylor MD

Authors
  1. Nicola Pluchino MD, PhD
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  2. Hugh S. Taylor MD
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Correspondence to Hugh S. Taylor MD.

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Pluchino, N., Taylor, H.S. Endometriosis and Stem Cell Trafficking. Reprod. Sci. 23, 1616–1619 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719116671219

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