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MGST3 Promotes Endometriosis Progression by Suppressing Ferroptosis
Yubing Hu1,2, Lei Zhang1,3, Litong Zhu1
1Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Women and Children's Medical Center, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518047, Guangdong, China.
Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics
|June 3, 2026
Summary
Microsomal glutathione S-transferase 3 (MGST3) is overexpressed in endometriosis, promoting cell invasion and survival by inhibiting ferroptosis. This suggests MGST3 as a potential therapeutic target for endometriosis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Endometriosis (EMs) is a condition marked by ectopic endometrial cell growth and invasion.
- Current treatments for EMs have limitations, including high recurrence rates and adverse effects.
- Ectopic lesions in EMs exhibit resistance to ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death pathway, despite iron overload.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and functional role of microsomal glutathione S-transferase 3 (MGST3) in endometriosis.
- To determine if MGST3 influences the invasive phenotype and survival of ectopic endometrial cells.
- To explore the potential of MGST3 as a therapeutic target for EMs.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays using immortalized human ectopic endometrial stromal cells.
- In vivo studies utilizing a murine model of endometriosis.
- Analysis of MGST3 expression levels in ectopic endometrial tissues.
- Assessment of cell invasion, apoptosis, and ferroptosis markers.
Main Results:
- MGST3 expression was significantly elevated in ectopic endometrial cells compared to controls.
- MGST3 overexpression enhanced the invasive capabilities and inhibited apoptosis of endometrial stromal cells.
- In vivo treatment with a non-specific inhibitor (GSTO-IN-2) reduced ectopic lesion growth and altered ferroptosis markers.
Conclusions:
- MGST3 overexpression contributes to ferroptosis resistance and survival phenotypes in endometriosis.
- MGST3 may play a regulatory role in ferroptosis within ectopic endometrial cells.
- MGST3 warrants further investigation as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for endometriosis.
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