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Semin Reprod Med 2017; 35(02): 173-180
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1599089
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

MicroRNAs and Endometriosis: Distinguishing Drivers from Passengers in Disease Pathogenesis

Warren B. Nothnick
1   Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 February 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Endometriosis is a disease common in women of reproductive age, characterized by pelvic pain and infertility. Despite its prevalence, the factors and mechanisms which contribute to the development and survival of ectopic lesions remain uncertain. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate posttranscriptional gene regulation which have been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of many diseases including that of endometriosis. This review summarizes the results of initial studies describing differentially expressed miRNAs between endometriotic lesion tissue and eutopic endometrium. Focus then moves toward discussion of studies on examining function of differentially expressed miRNAs to determine if they play a permissive role (driver of the disease) in events conducive to endometriosis progression/survival. Included in this discussion are the potential targets of these miRNAs and how their mis-expression may contribute to the disease. Limitations and challenges faced in studying miRNAs and endometriosis pathogenesis and recommendations to overcome these hurdles are presented at the end.

Keywords

endometriosis - pathogenesis - miRNA
 

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