Expression of the transmembrane mucins, MUC1, MUC4 and MUC16, in normal endometrium and in endometriosis.

ABSTRACT:

Study question

Are the transmembrane mucins, MUC1, MUC4 and MUC16, differentially expressed in endometriosis compared with normal endometrium?

Summary answer

This study revealed that transmembrane mucin expression does not vary significantly in normal endometrium during the menstrual cycle and is not altered in endometriosis relative to the epithelial marker, cytokeratin-18 (KRT18).

What is known already

Increased serum levels of the transmembrane mucin fragments MUC1, MUC4 and MUC16 that normally dominate the apical surface of simple epithelia are found in several pathological conditions, including endometriosis. Altered mucin expression in gynecologic diseases may promote infertility or endometrial pathologies.

Study design, size, duration

This was a laborato

SUBMITTER: Dharmaraj N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4093996 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature