Microphysiological Modeling of the Human Endometrium

Abstract

Since the beginning of clinical medicine, the human uterus has held the fascination of clinicians and researchers, given its critical role in the reproduction of our species. The endometrial lining provides residence for the embryo; however, this symbiotic interaction can be disrupted if the timing is not correct and the endometrium is not receptive. Diseases associated with the endometrium interfere with the reproductive process and cause a life-altering burden of pain and even death. With the advancement of technologies and new insights into the biology of the endometrium, much has been uncovered about the dynamic and essential changes that need to occur for normal endometrial function, as well as aberrations that lead to endometrial diseases. As expected, the more that is uncovered, the more the complexity of the endometrium is made evident. In this study, we bring together three areas of scientific advancement that remain in their infancy, but which together have the potential to mirror this complexity and enable understanding. Studies on induced pluripotent stem cells, threedimensional tissue mimics, and microfluidic culture platforms will be reviewed with a focus on the endometrium. These unconventional approaches will provide new perspectives and appreciation for the elegance and complexity of the endometrium.

Insulin exposed endometrial epithelial cells cultured in a microfluidic device alters transcripts involved in translation that may contribute to reduced implantation capacity of the endometrium

“…Our findings aimed to provide insight into this gap in knowledge through using a microfluidics approach. Microfluidics can also simulate shear stress and communications between cells, elucidating that the constant flow of maternal circulation within the endometria can be modelled effectively through the device [59]. In conclusion, our results indicate that insulin alters the transcriptional profile of the endometrial epithelial cells when cultured in a microfluidics device.…”

Stem Cells and the Endometrium: From the Discovery of Adult Stem Cells to Pre-Clinical Models

“…Additionally, there is no agreement on established markers and their characterization due to the complexity of the endometrium and the high likelihood of coexistence of several niches in other tissues [ 92 ]. In general, MSCs express varied cell surface markers such as CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, and/or CD105 and do not express CD14, CD34, CD45, and/or HLA-DR, nor is the expression of these epitopes clearly observed during transdifferentiation processes in other tissues [ 93 ].…”

Strategies for managing Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy: Since the classical experimental models to the new bioengineering approach

“…Microfluidic technology has emerged as a method to model reproductive organs in vitro and to assist in evaluating therapeutic solutions for endometrial pathologies (Campo et al, 2020). A microfluidic device included a coculture of primary human stromal and endothelial cells in which the hormonal changes occurring during the menstrual cycle were simulated (Gnecco et al, 2017); this approach allowed the study of the implication of the vascular endothelium during the decidualization process (Gnecco et al, 2017).…”