Regeneration capacity of the endometrium: endometrial stem cells

Abstract

Endometrium has a high regenerative capacity between post-pubertal and pre-menopausal periods due to its proliferation and degeneration cycle which occur every month. Studies concerning the presence of stem cells that function in this structure have gradually increased in the last 10 years. Obtained results support the presence of stem cells in endometrium, but more studies are needed regarding specific cell surface markers to detect these cells. During this process, some specific cell surface markers, particularly related to endometrial stromal stem cells such as platelet derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-β) and sushi domain containing 2 (SUSD2), were also determined. Defining these cells more specifically may be a guide in understanding many endometrial pathologies, causes of which could not have been clarified exactly. In light of further studies, these data indicate that endometrial-derived stem cells will find utilization area in regenerative medicine.