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Riaz MA, Mecha EO, Omwandho COA, Zeppernick F, Meinhold-Heerlein I, Konrad L. The Different Gene Expression Profile in the Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrium Sheds New Light on the Endometrial Seed in Endometriosis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1276. [PMID: 38927483 PMCID: PMC11201009 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The changes in endometrial cells, both in the eutopic endometrium of patients with and without endometriosis and in lesions at ectopic sites, are frequently described and often compared to tumorigenesis. In tumorigenesis, the concept of "seed and soil" is well established. The seed refers to tumor cells with metastatic potential, and the soil is any organ or tissue that provides a suitable environment for the seed to grow. In this systematic review (PRISMA-S), we specifically compared the development of endometriosis with the "seed and soil" hypothesis. To determine changes in the endometrial seed, we re-analyzed the mRNA expression data of the eutopic and ectopic endometrium, paying special attention to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We found that the similarity between eutopic endometrium without and with endometriosis is extremely high (~99.1%). In contrast, the eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis has a similarity of only 95.3% with the ectopic endometrium. An analysis of EMT-associated genes revealed only minor differences in the mRNA expression levels of claudin family members without the loss of other cell-cell junctions that are critical for the epithelial phenotype. The array data suggest that the changes in the eutopic endometrium (=seed) are quite subtle at the beginning of the disease and that most of the differences occur after implantation into ectopic locations (=soil).
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Assad Riaz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | | | | | - Felix Zeppernick
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Ivo Meinhold-Heerlein
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Lutz Konrad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
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Riaz MA, Kary FL, Jensen A, Zeppernick F, Meinhold-Heerlein I, Konrad L. Long-Term Maintenance of Viable Human Endometrial Epithelial Cells to Analyze Estrogen and Progestin Effects. Cells 2024; 13:811. [PMID: 38786035 PMCID: PMC11120542 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There are fewer investigations conducted on human primary endometrial epithelial cells (HPEECs) compared to human primary endometrial stromal cells (HPESCs). One of the main reasons is the scarcity of protocols enabling prolonged epithelial cell culture. Even though it is possible to culture HPEECs in 3D over a longer period of time, it is technically demanding. In this study, we successfully established a highly pure, stable, and long-term viable human conditionally reprogrammed endometrial epithelial cell line, designated as eCRC560. These cells stained positive for epithelial markers, estrogen and progesterone receptors, and epithelial cell-cell contacts but negative for stromal and endothelial cell markers. Estradiol (ES) reduced the abundance of ZO-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner, in contrast to the dose-dependent increase with the progestin dienogest (DNG) when co-cultured with HPESCs. Moreover, ES significantly increased cell viability, cell migration, and invasion of the eCRC560 cells; all these effects were inhibited by pretreatment with DNG. DNG withdrawal led to a significantly disrupted monolayer of eCRC560 cells in co-culture with HPESCs, yet it markedly increased the adhesion of eCRC560 to the human mesothelial MeT-5A cells. The long-term viable eCRC560 cells are suitable for in vitro analysis of HPEECs to study the epithelial compartment of the human endometrium and endometrial pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Assad Riaz
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Franziska Louisa Kary
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Alexandra Jensen
- Institute of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Clinic Fulda, 36043 Fulda, Germany;
| | - Felix Zeppernick
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Ivo Meinhold-Heerlein
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Lutz Konrad
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.L.K.); (F.Z.); (I.M.-H.)
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Ntzeros K, Mavrogianni D, Mplontzos N, Soyhan N, Kathopoulis N, Papamentzelopoulou MS, Chatzipapas I, Protopapas A. Expression of ZEB1 in different forms of endometriosis: A pilot study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 286:121-125. [PMID: 37245357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a cellular process in which epithelial cells lose epithelial characteristics while acquire mesenchymal features, is believed to contribute to migration and invasion abilities of the endometriotic cells. Studies on gene expression of the transcription factor ZEB1, a crucial transcription factor of EMT, show that there is probably a modified expression in the endometriotic lesions. The aim of the study was to compare the expression levels of ZEB1 in types of endometriotic lesions with different biological behavior such as endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriotic nodules. STUDY DESIGN We have studied 19 patients with endometriosis and 8 patients with benign gynecological lesions without endometriosis. The endometriosis patient group included 9 women with only endometriotic cysts without deep infiltrating endometriotic lesion (DIE) and 10 women with DIE who had developed concurrent endometriotic cysts. The technique applied to investigate ZEB1 expression levels is Real-Time PCR. The results of the reaction were normalized by simultaneously investigating the expression of the house-keeping gene G6PD. RESULTS Analysis of the samples showed underexpression of ZEB1 in the eutopic endometrium of women with only endometriotic cysts when compared to normal endometrium. A tendency of higher ZEB1 expression, without reaching significant difference, was found between the endometriotic cysts and their paired eutopic endometrium. In women with DIE, no significant difference was found between their eutopic and normal endometrium. No significant difference was found between the endometriomas and DIE lesions. ZEB1 shows different expression profile in the endometriotic cysts of women with and without DIE when the cyst is compared to their paired eutopic endometrium. CONCLUSIONS It therefore appears that ZEB1 expression differs between different types of endometriosis. The expression levels of ZEB1 in the eutopic endometrium could affect the development of infiltrating lesions or not. However, the most important observation is the different ZEB1 expression profile of endometriomas between women with and without DIE. Although, they both share the same histologic characteristics, they show different ZEB1 expression indicating different pathogenetic mechanisms of endometriomas in cases with and without DIE. Therefore, future research on endometriosis should consider DIE and ovarian endometriosis as different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Ntzeros
- Gynecological Endoscopy Unit, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
| | - Despoina Mavrogianni
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Mplontzos
- Gynecological Endoscopy Unit, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Ntilay Soyhan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kathopoulis
- Gynecological Endoscopy Unit, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Myrto-Sotiria Papamentzelopoulou
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Chatzipapas
- Gynecological Endoscopy Unit, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Protopapas
- Gynecological Endoscopy Unit, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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Hu S, Sun Z, Li B, Zhao H, Wang Y, Yao G, Li X, Bian X, Li TC, Vankelecom H, Sun Y. iTRAQ-based Proteomic Analysis Unveils ACSL4 as a Novel Potential Regulator of Human Endometrial Receptivity. Endocrinology 2023; 164:6991315. [PMID: 36652382 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Competent endometrial receptivity is a prerequisite for successful embryo implantation. Identification of novel key molecules involved in endometrial receptivity is essential to better interpret human implantation and improve pregnancy rates in assisted reproduction treatment. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomics was performed to profile the proteomes of the prereceptive (luteinizing hormone [LH] + 2, n = 4) and receptive (LH + 7, n = 4) endometrial tissues. A total of 173 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between LH + 2 and LH + 7 endometrial samples were identified. Integrated analysis of the proteomic data and published transcriptomic data was performed to identify the concordant DEPs with differential expression at both the messenger RNA and protein levels. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed on concordant DEPs. We first identified 63 novel concordant DEPs and 5 hub proteins (ACSL4, ACSL5, COL1A1, PTGS1, and PLA2G4F) between LH + 2 and LH + 7 endometrial samples. ACSL4 was predominantly expressed in endometrial epithelial cells and its expression was significantly upregulated by progesterone in the LH + 7 endometrium and significantly downregulated in repeated implantation failure patients. Knockdown of ACSL4 in endometrial epithelial cells induced the downregulation of endometrial receptivity markers (HOXA10, COX2, and LIF) and the significant decrease of implantation rate during in vitro implantation analysis. This study provides the first gel-independent quantitative proteomes of the LH + 2 and LH + 7 human endometrium using iTRAQ technology. The identified concordant DEPs and hub proteins open a new avenue for future studies aimed at elucidating the underlying mechanisms governing endometrial receptivity. ACSL4 was identified as a novel regulatory molecule in the establishment of endometrial receptivity and might play important roles during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanggang Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Boyu Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Hanting Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Guangxin Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Xuejiao Bian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, Research Unit of Stem Cell Research, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yun Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
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Claudin-10 Expression Is Increased in Endometriosis and Adenomyosis and Mislocalized in Ectopic Endometriosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112848. [PMID: 36428908 PMCID: PMC9689821 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins, as the major components of tight junctions, are crucial for epithelial cell-to-cell contacts. Recently, we showed that in endometriosis, the endometrial epithelial phenotype is highly conserved, with only minor alterations. For example, claudin-11 is strongly expressed; however, its localization in the endometriotic epithelial cells was impaired. In order to better understand the role of claudins in endometrial cell-to-cell contacts, we analyzed the tissue expression and localization of claudin-10 by immunohistochemistry analysis and two scoring systems. We used human tissue samples (n = 151) from the endometrium, endometriosis, and adenomyosis. We found a high abundance of claudin-10 in nearly all the endometrial (98%), endometriotic (98−99%), and adenomyotic (90−97%) glands, but no cycle-specific differences and no differences in the claudin-10 positive endometrial glands between cases with and without endometriosis. A significantly higher expression of claudin-10 was evident in the ectopic endometrium of deep-infiltrating (p < 0.01) and ovarian endometriosis (p < 0.001) and in adenomyosis in the cases with endometriosis (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, we observed a shift in claudin-10 from a predominant apical localization in the eutopic endometrium to a more pronounced basal/cytoplasmic localization in the ectopic endometria of all three endometriotic entities but not in adenomyosis. Significantly, despite the impaired endometriotic localization of claudin-10, the epithelial phenotype was retained. The significant differences in claudin-10 localization between the three endometriotic entities and adenomyosis, in conjunction with endometriosis, suggest that most of the aberrations occur after implantation and not before. The high similarity between the claudin-10 patterns in the eutopic endometrial and adenomyotic glands supports our recent conclusions that the endometrium is the main source of endometriosis and adenomyosis.
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Mecha E, Makunja R, Maoga JB, Mwaura AN, Riaz MA, Omwandho COA, Meinhold-Heerlein I, Konrad L. The Importance of Stromal Endometriosis in Thoracic Endometriosis. Cells 2021; 10:180. [PMID: 33477657 PMCID: PMC7831500 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic endometriosis (TE) is a rare type of endometriosis, where endometrial tissue is found in or around the lungs and is frequent among extra-pelvic endometriosis patients. Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is the most common form of TE and is characterized by recurrent lung collapses around menstruation. In addition to histology, immunohistochemical evaluation of endometrial implants is used more frequently. In this review, we compared immunohistochemical (CPE) with histological (CPH) characterizations of TE/CP and reevaluated arguments in favor of the implantation theory of Sampson. A summary since the first immunohistochemical description in 1998 until 2019 is provided. The emphasis was on classification of endometrial implants into glands, stroma, and both together. The most remarkable finding is the very high percentage of stromal endometriosis of 52.7% (CPE) compared to 10.2% (CPH). Chest pain, dyspnea, right-sided preference, and diaphragmatic endometrial implants showed the highest percentages in both groups. No significant association was found between the recurrence rate and the various appearances of endometriosis. Sometimes in CPE (6.8%) and CPH (30.6%) no endometrial implants were identified underlining the importance of sensitive detection of endometriosis during and after surgery. We suggest that immunohistochemical evaluation should become mandatory and will improve diagnosis and classification of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezekiel Mecha
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (E.M.); (R.M.); (C.O.A.O.)
| | - Roselydiah Makunja
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (E.M.); (R.M.); (C.O.A.O.)
| | - Jane B. Maoga
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.B.M.); (A.N.M.); (M.A.R.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Agnes N. Mwaura
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.B.M.); (A.N.M.); (M.A.R.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Muhammad A. Riaz
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.B.M.); (A.N.M.); (M.A.R.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Charles O. A. Omwandho
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (E.M.); (R.M.); (C.O.A.O.)
- Deputy Vice Chancellor, Kirinyaga University, Kerugoya 10300, Kenya
| | - Ivo Meinhold-Heerlein
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.B.M.); (A.N.M.); (M.A.R.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Lutz Konrad
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.B.M.); (A.N.M.); (M.A.R.); (I.M.-H.)
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Konrad L, Dietze R, Riaz MA, Scheiner-Bobis G, Behnke J, Horné F, Hoerscher A, Reising C, Meinhold-Heerlein I. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Endometriosis-When Does It Happen? J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1915. [PMID: 32570986 PMCID: PMC7357060 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process of cell remodeling characterized by the gradual loss of the epithelial phenotype and progressive gain of a mesenchymal phenotype. EMT is not an all-or-nothing process, but instead a transition of epithelial to mesenchymal cells with intermediate cell states. Recently, EMT was described in endometriosis, and many EMT-specific pathways like Twist, Snail, Slug, Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1/2 (ZEB1/2), E/N-cadherin, keratins, and claudins are involved. However, as pointed out in this review, a comparison of the eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis yielded only subtle changes of these EMT markers. Furthermore, only very few alterations in cell-cell contacts could be found but without changes in the epithelial phenotype. This suggests only a partial EMT which is not a prerequisite for the detachment of endometrial cells and, thus, not critical for the first step(s) in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In contrast, the majority of changes in the EMT-related marker expression were found in the ectopic endometrium, especially in the three endometriotic entities, ovarian, peritoneal, and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), compared with the eutopic endometrium. In this review, we examine the most important EMT pathways described in endometriosis and propose that partial EMT might result from the interaction of endometrial implants with their surrounding microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Konrad
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.H.); (A.H.); (C.R.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Raimund Dietze
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Muhammad A. Riaz
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.H.); (A.H.); (C.R.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Georgios Scheiner-Bobis
- Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and -Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, 35390 Gießen, Germany;
| | - Judith Behnke
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatalogy, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Fabian Horné
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.H.); (A.H.); (C.R.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Alena Hoerscher
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.H.); (A.H.); (C.R.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Christoph Reising
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.H.); (A.H.); (C.R.); (I.M.-H.)
| | - Ivo Meinhold-Heerlein
- Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.A.R.); (F.H.); (A.H.); (C.R.); (I.M.-H.)
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Hoerscher A, Horné F, Dietze R, Berkes E, Oehmke F, Tinneberg HR, Meinhold-Heerlein I, Konrad L. Localization of claudin-2 and claudin-3 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium is highly similar. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 301:1003-1011. [PMID: 32140805 PMCID: PMC8222039 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05472-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Claudins as the major components of tight junctions are important in maintaining cell-cell integrity and thus function as a barrier. Dysregulation of the claudins is often associated with loss of the epithelial phenotype, a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which most often results in gain of migrative and invasive properties. However, the role of claudins in the endometrium or endometriosis has only rarely been examined. METHODS In this study, we investigated localization of claudin-2 and claudin-3 in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium with immunohistochemistry. A detailed quantification with HSCORE was performed for claudin-2 and claudin-3 in endometrium without endometriosis and in cases with endometriosis compared to the three endometriotic entities: peritoneal, ovarian, and deep-infiltrating endometriosis. RESULTS We found a preferential localization of both claudins in the glandular and the luminal epithelial cells in the endometrium with and without endometriosis. Quantification of localization of both claudins showed no differences in eutopic endometrium of control cases compared to cases with endometriosis. Furthermore, both claudins are localized highly similar in the ectopic compared to the eutopic endometrium, which is in clear contrast to previously published data for claudin-3. CONCLUSION From our results, we conclude that localization of claudin-2 and claudin-3 is highly stable in eutopic and ectopic endometrium without any loss of the epithelial phenotype and thus do not contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Hoerscher
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus Liebig University, University of Giessen, Feulgenstr. 10-12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Fabian Horné
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus Liebig University, University of Giessen, Feulgenstr. 10-12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raimund Dietze
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus Liebig University, University of Giessen, Feulgenstr. 10-12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Eniko Berkes
- Department of Gynecology, UKE Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Oehmke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus Liebig University, University of Giessen, Feulgenstr. 10-12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Ivo Meinhold-Heerlein
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus Liebig University, University of Giessen, Feulgenstr. 10-12, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lutz Konrad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus Liebig University, University of Giessen, Feulgenstr. 10-12, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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Horné F, Dietze R, Berkes E, Oehmke F, Tinneberg HR, Meinhold-Heerlein I, Konrad L. Impaired Localization of Claudin-11 in Endometriotic Epithelial Cells Compared to Endometrial Cells. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:1181-1192. [PMID: 30514158 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118811643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Claudins are the major components of tight junctions and are often deregulated in human cancer, permitting escape of cancer cells along with the acquisition of invasive properties. Similarly, endometrial cells also show invasive capabilities; however, the role of tight junctions in endometriosis has only rarely been examined. In this study, we analyzed the protein expression and localization of claudin-7 and claudin-11 in human eutopic and ectopic endometrium and endometrial cell lines. We identified claudin-7 primarily at the basolateral junctions of the glandular epithelial cells in eutopic endometrium as well as in the ectopic lesions in nearly all glands and cysts. Quantification of claudin-7 localization by HSCORE showed a slight increase in peritoneal and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) compared to eutopic endometrium. In contrast, claudin-11 was localized mainly in the apicolateral junctions in nearly all glandular epithelial cells of the eutopic endometrium. Interestingly, we observed a deregulation of claudin-11 localization to a basal or basolateral localization in ovarian (P < .001), peritoneal (P < .01), and DIE (P < .05) and a moderately decreased abundance in ovarian endometriosis. In endometrial cell lines, claudin-7 was only present in epithelial Ishikawa cells, and silencing by small-interfering RNA increased cell invasiveness. In contrast, claudin-11 could be demonstrated in Ishikawa and endometriotic 12Z and 49Z cells. Silencing of claudin-11 decreased invasiveness of 12Z slightly but significantly in 49Z. We suggest that although claudin-7 and claudin-11 can be found in nearly all eutopic and ectopic epithelial cells, the impaired localization of claudin-11 in ectopic endometrium might contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Horné
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raimund Dietze
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Eniko Berkes
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frank Oehmke
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | | | - Lutz Konrad
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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