Characterization of WNT7A expression in human endometrium and endometriotic lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the expression of WNT7A in human eutopic and ectopic endometrium.


METHODS
Experimental study using real-time polymerase chain reaction, laser microdissection, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence.


METHODS
University-based laboratory.


METHODS
Patients with and without endometriosis undergoing surgery for benign indications.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Relative expression values compared with housekeeping genes using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Detection of positive cells by immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization.


RESULTS
In endometriosis, statistically significant higher WNT7A mRNA expression was observed compared with eutopic endometrium. Expression of WNT7A was found in the luminal and glandular epithelial cells as well as stroma cells in endometrium and endometriosis by immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction of laser microdissected tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study suggest that WNT7A plays a role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
Gaetje
Regine
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany. gaetje@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Holtrich
Uwe
U
Karn
Thomas
T
Cikrit
Eva
E
Engels
Knut
K
Rody
Achim
A
Kaufmann
Manfred
M
D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D042282:Microdissection / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D012333:RNA, Messenger; C092778:WNT7A protein, human; D051153:Wnt Proteins