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Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Obtaining Cancer Stem Cell Spheres from Gynecological and Breast Cancer Tumors
Published on: March 1, 2020
Endometriosis and Stem Cell Trafficking
Nicola Pluchino1, Hugh S Taylor2
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Abstract:
Adult stem cells have a major role in endometrial physiology, remodeling, and repair, but they also have a critical role in the development and progression of endometriosis. Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSCs) engraft eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesions, showing stromal and epithelial fate. Nevertheless, circulating BMDSCs are in limited supply, and the presence of endometriosis depletes stem cells from the blood circulation, preventing their homing in the uterus. Furthermore, stem cells migrate from endometriotic lesion into the uterus, leading to a dysfunctional endometrium. Stem cell trafficking is a central feature of endometriosis. Understanding molecular mechanisms regulating cell mobility and engraftment in endometriosis may reveal new targets for treatment.
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