AIF-1 Modulates Endometrial Stromal Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration via Mitochondrial Function

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Medicine

Background:

• Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological condition characterized by endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
• Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
• The molecular mechanisms regulating ESC behavior in endometriosis remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1) in regulating endometrial stromal cell (ESC) proliferation, invasion, and migration.
• To determine the impact of AIF-1 on mitochondrial function in ESCs from patients with endometriosis.
• To explore AIF-1 as a potential therapeutic target for endometriosis.

Main Methods:

• Collected ectopic and normal endometrial tissues; isolated and cultured ESCs.
• Utilized siRNA for AIF-1 knockdown and plasmid vectors for overexpression.
• Performed qRT-PCR, Western blot, CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell, scratch, ATP, and mitochondrial membrane potential assays.

Main Results:

• AIF-1 expression was significantly upregulated in ectopic ESCs compared to controls.
• AIF-1 overexpression enhanced ESC proliferation and invasion while reducing apoptosis.
• AIF-1 modulated mitochondrial function, including DNA copy number, membrane potential, and ATP levels.

Conclusions:

• AIF-1 is crucial for ESC proliferation, invasion, and migration in endometriosis, partly by modulating mitochondrial function.
• The AIF-1 pathway represents a potential therapeutic target for endometriosis management.