Progesterone-driven stabilization of hybrid E/M states in amniotic epithelial cells enhances regeneration and immune modulatory capacities.

ABSTRACT: Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) plays a pivotal role in development, regeneration, and disease progression. In this study, we demonstrate that progesterone (P4) delays EMP in amniotic epithelial cells (AECs), promoting the emergence of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes. These hybrid cells co-express E and M traits and exhibit distinct surface markers. Compared to fully M, hybrid AECs display enhanced collective migration, upregulation of stemness transcription factors, and enhanced immunomodulatory properties in vitro and in vivo. Their regenerative potential was validated by in vitro tendon differentiation on PLGA-fleeces and in an ovine tendon injury model, where the transplantation of hybrid AECs accelerated early regeneration. This effect was a

SUBMITTER: Canciello A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12933622 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature