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FOXL2 in human endometrium: hyperexpressed in endometriosis
Laura Governini1, Patrizia Carrarelli1, Ana Luiza Lunardi Rocha2
1Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|February 13, 2014
Summary
FOXL2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels remain stable during the menstrual cycle in both healthy and endometriosis patients. However, FOXL2 is overexpressed in endometriosis lesions, suggesting its role in the disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular endocrinology
- Gynecologic pathology
Background:
- The role of the transcription factor FOXL2 in endometrial function and its potential involvement in endometriosis pathogenesis remain incompletely understood.
- Endometriosis is a complex gynecologic condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and protein localization of FOXL2 mRNA in the endometrium of healthy women and patients with endometriosis throughout the menstrual cycle.
- To evaluate FOXL2 mRNA and protein expression in endometriotic lesions.
- To explore a potential correlation between FOXL2 and activin A mRNA expression in endometriosis.
Main Methods:
- Endometrial tissue samples were collected from healthy women (n=52) and women with endometriosis (n=31) via hysteroscopy.
- Endometriotic lesion tissues were obtained from patients (n=38) through laparoscopy.
- FOXL2 gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR, and protein localization was determined by immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- FOXL2 mRNA expression showed no significant changes between the proliferative and secretory phases in the eutopic endometrium of both healthy controls and endometriosis patients.
- FOXL2 protein was localized in stromal and glandular cells of the endometrium and colocalized with SUMO-1.
- FOXL2 mRNA expression was significantly higher (3-fold) in endometriotic lesions compared to healthy endometrium (P < .01), with a positive correlation found between FOXL2 and activin A mRNA in endometriosis (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- FOXL2 mRNA expression and protein localization are consistent throughout the endometrial cycle in eutopic endometrium.
- The observed overexpression of FOXL2 in endometriotic lesions suggests its potential role as a transcriptional regulator involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
- The association between FOXL2 and activin A expression may be significant in the development of endometriosis.
