O-065 The naughty cells of the endometriumxx

AbstractStem/progenitor cells are the naughty cells of the endometrium! The term “naughty” has a number of connotations, one being immaturity which I will apply to the rare stem/progenitor cell populations hiding in the endometrium, where they have eluded scientists for so long. Despite their rarity, these immature cells have the capability of growing up and differentiating into the functional cells of the endometrium, producing their progenies in the process. The self-willed human endometrial epithelial progenitor cells (eEPC) and mesenchymal stem cells (eMSC) first revealed themselves through their clonogenic activity, shunning their mates and setting up clones of ce lls on their own. Their risqué production of identical copies of themselves ensures their continuity, much to the chagrin of their mature counterparts. They are sneaky and can produce large numbers of mature progeny, but rarely proliferate themselves preferring to take life easy and do little. They also spit out viability dyes (Hoechst) at a greater rate than mature endometrial cells to become Side Population (SP) cells.A number of approaches have been used to tame these naughty endometrial stem/progenitors. In order to determine the identity and location of these elusive cells, specific mark ers had to be found. The immature endometrial epithelial progenitor cells play tricks with the specific markers they express. For example, clonogenic eEPC are N-cadherin+, an epithelial mesenchymal transition marker, ...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research