title: Somatic stem cells and their dysfunction in endometriosis.
abstract: Emerging evidence indicates that somatic stem cells (SSCs) of different types prominently contribute to endometrium-associated disorders such as endometriosis. We reviewed the pertinent studies available on PubMed, published in English language until December 2014 and focused on the involvement of SSCs in the pathogenesis of this common gynecological disease. A concise summary of the data obtained from in vitro experiments, animal models, and human tissue analyses provides insights into the SSC dysregulation in endometriotic lesions. In addition, a set of research results is presented supporting that SSC-targeting, in combination with hormonal therapy, may result in improved control of the disease, while a more in-depth characterization of endometriosis SSCs may contribute to the development of early-disease diagnostic tests with increased sensitivity and specificity. Key message: Seemingly essential for the establishment and progression of endometriotic lesions, dysregulated SSCs, and associated molecular alterations hold a promise as potential endometriosis markers and therapeutic targets.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal ; Serviço de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Hospital de São Francisco Xavier , Lisbon , Portugal.
authors.forename: Dusan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Djokovic
authors.affiliation: Clínica Universitária de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal ; Departamento de Obstetrícia, Ginecologia e Medicina da Reprodução, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Norte , Lisbon , Portugal.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Calhaz-Jorge
keywords: drug target; endometriosis; endometriosis markers; pathogenesis; somatic stem cells