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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Mouse Model of Surgically-induced Endometriosis by Auto-transplantation of Uterine Tissue
Published on: January 6, 2012
Estradiol-dependent uterine leiomyomas in transgenic mice
B Romagnolo1, T Molina, G Leroy
1Institut Cochin de Génétique Moléculaire (ICGM), INSERM U129, Faculté Cochin-Port Royal, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Uterine leiomyomas are a major health problem for women of reproductive age. The molecular biology of these tumors is poorly understood partly because of the lack of relevant animal models. We have produced transgenic mice expressing the simian virus 40 T antigen driven by the promoter of the Calbindin-D9K (CaBP9K) gene and either -1,000 or -117 bp of regulatory sequences so as to establish in vivo, uterine smooth muscle tumor models. Six transgenic mouse lines were obtained. Leiomyomas developed in all of them, with an almost complete penetrance of the phenotype. The smooth muscle tumors arose in different parts of the female reproductive tract. Leiomyomas usually developed in the corpus of the uterus, but one mouse line developed leiomyomas in the horn of the uterus, and another in the vagina. The CaBP9K regulatory sequences directing the expression of the Tag gene possess an estradiol responsive element, and accordingly, development of the tumors was strictly under the control of estrogen. Expression of the Tag gene is not only necessary for the initiation of the tumor but also for its development and maintenance. These transgenic mouse models should be useful for studying the pathobiology of uterine leiomyomas and could be instrumental in designing new therapeutic approaches to this disease.
Insights
Researchers developed new mouse models for uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids. These models, driven by estrogen, will help study fibroid development and test new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age.
- Understanding their molecular biology is hindered by a lack of suitable animal models.
- This study addresses the need for in vivo models to study fibroid development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and characterize novel transgenic mouse models for studying uterine leiomyomas.
- To investigate the role of estrogen in the development and maintenance of these tumors.
- To provide a platform for exploring new therapeutic strategies for uterine leiomyomas.
Main Methods:
- Generated transgenic mice expressing simian virus 40 T antigen under the control of the Calbindin-D9K (CaBP9K) gene promoter.
- Utilized different lengths of CaBP9K regulatory sequences (-1,000 bp or -117 bp).
- Observed tumor development, location, and estrogen dependency in the resulting mouse lines.
Main Results:
- Six transgenic mouse lines developed uterine leiomyomas with high penetrance.
- Tumors appeared in various locations within the female reproductive tract (corpus, horn, vagina).
- Tumor development was strictly dependent on estrogen, mediated by an estradiol-responsive element in the CaBP9K promoter.
Conclusions:
- The developed transgenic mice serve as effective in vivo models for uterine leiomyomas.
- These models facilitate the study of fibroid pathobiology and estrogen's role.
- They offer a valuable tool for preclinical testing of novel therapeutic approaches for uterine leiomyomas.
