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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
Published on: May 23, 2014
Characterization of side-population cells in human normal endometrium
Kiyoko Kato1, Momoko Yoshimoto, Keiji Kato
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Division of Molecular and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan. kkatoh@bioreg.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|February 7, 2007
Summary
Human endometrial side-population (SP) cells possess progenitor cell capabilities, regenerating both gland and stroma-like cells. This study identifies the phenotype of these unique endometrial stem cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Stem Cell Research
- Gynecology
Background:
- The human endometrium exhibits significant regenerative capacity, suggesting the presence of adult stem cells.
- Side-population (SP) cells, identified by low Hoechst 33342 dye staining via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), represent a potential stem or progenitor cell population in adult tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize side-population (SP) cells from the human endometrium.
- To investigate the progenitor cell properties of these endometrial SP cells.
Main Methods:
- Human endometrial cells were obtained via enzymatic digestion from hysterectomy specimens.
- Cells were stained with Hoechst 33342 dye, with or without verapamil, and analyzed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
Main Results:
- Side-population (SP) cells were identified within normal human endometrial cell populations.
- The majority of SP cells were found in the CD9(-)CD13(-) fraction.
- These SP cells demonstrated long-term repopulating potential, generating both gland (CD9(+)) and stroma (CD13(+))-like cells. CD9(-)CD13(-) cells also produced gland- or stroma-like cells.
Conclusions:
- Side-population (SP) cells in the human endometrium function as progenitor cells.
- This research provides the first reported phenotype of SP cells derived from normal human endometrial tissue.
