Gene expression profiles and functional characterization of human immortalized endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells

Objective: To determine whether immortalized endometriotic cells can be used as potential models to unravel pathophysiology/pathogenesis of endometriosis in humans. Design: In vitro study. Human immortalized endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells. Setting: College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Patient(s): Not applicable. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Gene expression pattern and prostaglandin E-2 production and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Result(s): Several genes associated with estrogen and progesterone biosynthesis and signaling, cell cycle regulation, extracellular matrix degradation, angiogenesis, cell growth and survival, cytokine production, and prostaglandin E-2 biosynthesis, transport, and signaling were expressed in human immortalized endometriotic cells. These endometriotic epithelial and stromal. cells exhibited migrating and invading potential, produced a high quantity of prostaglandin E-2, and showed higher matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloprotemase 9 activity compared to normal endometrial, epithelial, and stromal cells. Conclusion(s): Human immortalized endometriotic epithelial and stromal. cells could be used as ideal models to study the molecular and cellular aspects of endometriosis in humans.