Telocytes in the female reproductive system: An overview of up-to-date knowledge

Abstract

Telocytes are emerging cell population localized in the stroma of numerous organs, characterized by a distinctive morphology - small cell body with very long, slender prolongations, termed telopodes. Those cells can be found in the whole female reproductive system: in the vagina, uterus, oviducts and ovaries, mammary glands and also in the placenta. In our review, we aim at complete and transparent revision of the current knowledge of telocytes' localization and function, enriched by the analysis of the possible future direction of development of their clinical applications. The function of telocytes in the reproductive system has not been fully elucidated yet; however, many researchers point at their role in the regulation of local microenvironment, myogenic contractile mechanism, bioelectrical signaling, immunomodulation and regulation of blood flow. Additionally, previous research suggests that telocytes might act as sex hormone level sensors and are connected with pregnancy maintenance. As the morphology and number of those cells change under pathological conditions, such as pre-eclampsia, endometriosis and ovarian failure, there is a chance that they may contribute to therapy of abovementioned conditions. The impact of telocytes on stem cells and angiogenesis has been proven in many organs, and may be useful in regenerative medicine of the female reproductive system. A recently found connection between the proliferation rate of breast cancer cells and stromal cells like telocytes might be a step forward to the management of mammary gland neoplasms.

Morphological and immunohistochemical phenotype of TCs in the intestinal bulb of Grass carp and their potential role in intestinal immunity

“…TCs are identified in a wide variety of organs from diverse species including mammals 8 – 11 , avian 12 , 13 , reptiles 14 , Amphibians 15 and aquatic species 16 , 17 and parasitic worm 18 . They are located in the trachea and lungs 19 , heart 20 and the blood vessels 21 , kidney, ureter, urinary bladder 22 , tongue 23 , oesophagus, stomach and small and large intestines 24 , liver , pancreas 14 , testis 25 , prostate 26 , efferent ductules 27 ovaries, oviducts, uterus, vagina, mammary glands and placenta 26 , spleen 8 , 28 .…”

Telocytes inhibited inflammatory factor expression and enhanced cell migration in LPS-induced skin wound healing models in vitro and in vivo

“…TCs have been suggested as a type of connecting cell dependent on its telopodes (Tps) and 3D structures, or through secreted mediators, connectors, or ligand receptor for interactions [20]. TCs are known to be involved in organ injury with the ability to promote proliferation and angiogenesis [21]. Our studies demonstrated the effect of TCs on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of HACAT cells, HDMECs, and L929 cells in the presence of LPS mainly mediated by improving HaCaTs migration and protecting them from LPS-induced apoptosis and cell death.…”

Presence, localization and morphology of TELOCYTES in developmental gonads of fishes

“…In the female reproductive system of human, the function of telocytes has not been fully elucidated yet; however, many researchers point at their role in the regulation of local microenvironment, myogenic contractile mechanism, bioelectrical signaling, immunomodulation, and regulation of blood flow. Additionally, previous research suggests that telocytes might act as sex hormone level sensors and are connected with pregnancy maintenance (Janas, Kucybała, Radoń‐Pokracka, & Huras, ). These data reinforce the idea that the telocytes also actively participate in ovary homeostasis and its remodeling throughout reproductive cycles in fish, promoting angiogenesis when necessary and the communication between the stromal and germinal compartments.…”