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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
09:15
Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
Published on: May 23, 2014
Adult stem cells in the endometrium
Caroline E Gargett1, Hirotaka Masuda
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia. caroline.gargett@monash.edu
Molecular Human Reproduction
|July 15, 2010
Summary
Human endometrial stem cells, including epithelial, mesenchymal, and endothelial types, are key to uterine regeneration. Their dysfunction may drive diseases like endometriosis and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Stem cell research
- Gynecology
Background:
- Adult stem cell activity has been identified in the human endometrium.
- Potential endometrial stem/progenitor cells include epithelial, mesenchymal, and endothelial cell candidates.
- These cells are implicated in the rapid endometrial regeneration post-menstruation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of evidence for endometrial stem/progenitor cells.
- To explore their roles in endometrial physiology and proliferative diseases.
- To discuss current challenges and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective isolation of endometrial mesenchymal stem-like cells (eMSC) as CD146(+)PDGF-Rβ(+) cells.
- Detection of epithelial progenitor cells via colony-forming unit assays.
- Identification of endometrial endothelial progenitor cells as side population cells.
Main Results:
- eMSC are found as perivascular cells in both basalis and functionalis.
- Epithelial progenitor cells are postulated to reside in the basalis gland bases.
- Endometrial endothelial progenitor cells can differentiate into endometrial epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells.
- Evidence suggests a potential bone marrow contribution to endometrial stem cells.
Conclusions:
- Endometrial stem/progenitor cells are crucial for understanding endometrial physiology and diseases.
- These cells likely play a role in the initiation of endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
- Further research into endometrial stem cell biology may reveal new therapeutic targets for proliferative disorders.
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