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Updated: May 23, 2026
Establishing 3D Endometrial Organoids from the Mouse Uterus
Published on: January 6, 2023
Three-dimensional cultures of human endometrial cells on Matrigel mimic in vivo morphology
Hai-yan Zhu1, Jun-xia Wang, Xiao-mei Tong
1Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.
Background:
The regulation of endometrial physiology and morphogenesis by the paracrine effectors has been well established using in vivo studies. A more complete understanding of the endometrial function has been delayed due, in part, to a lack of appropriate culture models. In this study, we aimed to simulate the in vivo three-dimensional (3-D) growth pattern of endometrial cells using a 3-D in vitro culture system.
Methods:
Isolated endometrial epithelial cells, stromal cells and RL95-2 cells were seeded into culture chambers coated with the extracellular matrix Matrigel and observed using light microscopy. Fluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the morphology.
Results:
Depending on the culture conditions, epithelial cells and RL95-2 cells formed multicellular structures on Matrigel; stromal cells remained individually distinguishable or grew together to form 3-D lattice-like structures.
Conclusions:
Matrigel provided a good microenvironment for culturing endometrial cells. The cells cultured in the Matrigel-coated chambers closely resembled those seen in vivo.
