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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Isolation of Mouse Endometrial Epithelial and Stromal Cells for In Vitro Decidualization
Published on: March 2, 2017
The mesenchymal-epithelial transition during in vitro decidualization.
Xiu-Hong Zhang1, Xuan Liang, Xiao-Huan Liang
1School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China.
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|January 11, 2013
Summary
Decidualization, a key reproductive process, involves changes in cell characteristics. This study suggests that mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) may occur during decidualization, altering cell markers and shape.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cellular differentiation
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for development and cancer.
- Decidualization transforms endometrial stromal cells into decidual cells.
- The role of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in decidualization is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if decidualization involves MET.
- To analyze changes in mesenchymal and epithelial markers during decidualization.
- To observe morphological changes in cultured uterine stromal cells.
Main Methods:
- Cultured human uterine stromal cells were induced to decidualize in vitro.
- Expression levels of mesenchymal markers (snail, vimentin) and epithelial markers (E-cadherin, cytokeratin) were assessed.
- Cell morphology was observed during the in vitro decidualization process.
Main Results:
- Decidualization led to decreased expression of snail and vimentin.
- Decidualization resulted in increased expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin.
- Stromal cells undergoing in vitro decidualization exhibited a change from elongated to polygonal, epithelium-like shapes.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) may be involved in the process of decidualization.
- Decidualization is associated with a shift from mesenchymal to epithelial cell characteristics.
- This study provides evidence for MET occurring during the transformation of endometrial stromal cells.
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