Gene expression analysis of endometrium reveals progesterone resistance and candidate susceptibility genes in women with endometriosis

Endocrinology. 2007 Aug;148(8):3814-26. doi: 10.1210/en.2006-1692. Epub 2007 May 17.

Abstract

The identification of molecular differences in the endometrium of women with endometriosis is an important step toward understanding the pathogenesis of this condition and toward developing novel strategies for the treatment of associated infertility and pain. In this study, we conducted global gene expression analysis of endometrium from women with and without moderate/severe stage endometriosis and compared the gene expression signatures across various phases of the menstrual cycle. The transcriptome analysis revealed molecular dysregulation of the proliferative-to-secretory transition in endometrium of women with endometriosis. Paralleled gene expression analysis of endometrial specimens obtained during the early secretory phase demonstrated a signature of enhanced cellular survival and persistent expression of genes involved in DNA synthesis and cellular mitosis in the setting of endometriosis. Comparative gene expression analysis of progesterone-regulated genes in secretory phase endometrium confirmed the observation of attenuated progesterone response. Additionally, interesting candidate susceptibility genes were identified that may be associated with this disorder, including FOXO1A, MIG6, and CYP26A1. Collectively these findings provide a framework for further investigations on causality and mechanisms underlying attenuated progesterone response in endometrium of women with endometriosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Adult
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / genetics
  • Endometriosis / genetics*
  • Endometriosis / physiopathology*
  • Endometrium / physiology*
  • Female
  • Forkhead Box Protein O1
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / genetics
  • Leiomyoma / physiopathology
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Progesterone / physiology*
  • Retinoic Acid 4-Hydroxylase
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Uterine Neoplasms / genetics
  • Uterine Neoplasms / physiopathology

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • ERRFI1 protein, human
  • FOXO1 protein, human
  • Forkhead Box Protein O1
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Progesterone
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Retinoic Acid 4-Hydroxylase