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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
09:15
Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
Published on: May 23, 2014
Modulation of integrin expression in endometrial stromal cells in vitro
C M Grosskinsky1, C W Yowell, J Sun
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Integrin expression in human endometrial cells is not affected by estrogen or progesterone. However, growth factors and cytokines significantly alter integrin levels, suggesting a role in early pregnancy interactions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cell adhesion
- Molecular endocrinology
Background:
- Integrins are crucial cell adhesion molecules with dynamic expression patterns in the endometrium.
- Understanding integrin regulation is key to comprehending endometrial receptivity during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation of integrin expression in human endometrial stromal cells.
- To determine the effects of steroid hormones, growth factors, and cytokines on integrin expression and function.
Main Methods:
- Cultured human endometrial stromal cells from the proliferative phase were used.
- Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry measured integrin subunit expression.
- Cell adhesion assays assessed binding to collagen, fibronectin, and vitronectin.
Main Results:
- Estrogen and progesterone did not alter integrin expression during decidualization.
- Epidermal growth factor, TGF-α, and TGF-β1 increased alpha 1 beta 1 integrin expression.
- Interleukin-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α showed a trend towards decreased alpha 6 subunit expression.
- Increased alpha 1 beta 1 expression correlated with enhanced collagen adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Endometrial integrin expression is regulated by growth factors and cytokines, not solely by estrogen and progesterone.
- These findings suggest a role for cytokines/growth factors, potentially from the trophoblast, in regulating endometrial receptivity.
- Integrins are likely involved in trophoblast-endometrium interactions during early pregnancy.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Integrins
Animal and protozoan cells do not have cell walls to help maintain shape and provide structural stability. Instead, these eukaryotic cells secrete a sticky mass of carbohydrates and proteins into the spaces between adjacent cells. This network of proteins and molecules is called an extracellular matrix or ECM.
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
01:15Activation of Integrins
Integrins bind ligands and transmit information from outside the cell to inside or vice-versa through an "outside-in signaling" or "inside-out signaling."
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.
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.
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...