Endometriosis stem cell sources and potential therapeutic targets: literature review and bioinformatics analysis

Regen Med. 2021 Oct;16(10):949-962. doi: 10.2217/rme-2021-0039. Epub 2021 Sep 29.

Abstract

The stem cell origin theory of endometriosis (EMS) is a significant area of new research but the sources of this have yet to be adequately summarized. Existing treatments for EMS are commonly associated with a high recurrence rate; consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic measures for the future treatment of this disease from the view of stem cells and gene therapy. Recently, we described the evidence for the potential sources of EMS stem cells and other key molecules participating in the establishment of lesions, and predict the miRNAs that target these key genes via bioinformatics analysis for further research. This review highlights the origin of EMS stem cells and potential therapy targets.

Keywords: CXCL12/CXCR4; MMPs/TIMPs; VEGF/HIF-1α; endometriosis; stem cells; survivin (BIRC5); therapeutic targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Computational Biology
  • Endometriosis* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Stem Cells