Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
Published on: May 23, 2014
Nesfatin-1 expressed in human endometrial stromal cell line (THESC) stimulates decidualization through FAK/PI3K/AKT
1Department of Biohealth Convergence, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women's University, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the expression and functional role of nesfatin-1, a peptide hormone traditionally associated with appetite regulation, in the human endometrium. Specifically, we examined its presence and regulatory potential in the human endometrial stromal cell line, THESC cells, focusing on the process of endometrial decidualization, which is critical for implantation and pregnancy maintenance. We found that nesfatin-1 and its binding sites were expressed in THESC cells. Furthermore, nesfatin-1 protein expression decreased after treatment with 17β-estradiol but increased upon exposure to progesterone, indicating an influence of sexsteroid hormones on nesfatin-1 expression. Notably, administration of nesfatin-1 protein to THESC cells resulted in significant upregulation of genes associated with decidualization, such as insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and prolactin. In addition, our research showed that nesfatin-1 promotes decidualization through the activation of the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings underscore the central role of nesfatin-1 in endometrial decidualization, and suggest its potential utility in the development of new treatments to improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
MAPK Signaling Cascades
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Activation of Integrins
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...

