Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders

A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Reproductive Cells and Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 17223

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Guest Editor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Interests: reproductive medicine, gynecology; cancer biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Gynecological disorders refer to health issues in the female reproductive organs, including the  uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina, and external genitalia. Gynecological diseases affect women’s life with significant morbidity and represent significant societal health and financial burdens. The associated etiologies are complex and generally not fully understood and our knowledge about the risk factors causing various gynecological disorders is limited. Therefore, better characterization and understanding of the cellular and molecular events driving gynecological diseases are critical to preventing and treating these women’s diseases. 

This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of the current developments and outline future prospectives in gynecological disorders, including ovary-related diseases (polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cysts, primary ovarian insufficiency, ovarian cancer), uterine diseases (endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, uterine cancers, such as endometrial cancer, leiomyosarcoma), breast cancer, as well as cervical and vaginal diseases, among others. We welcome submissions of original research, review articles, and short communication related to understanding the key molecules, biological pathways, genome, epigenome, and cell atlas in gynecological disorders. Submissions of topics in the field of basic and translational research are welcome.

Dr. Qiwei Yang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • uterus
  • ovary
  • breast
  • cervix
  • cancer
  • endometriosis
  • leiomyoma
  • adenomyosis
  • polycystic ovary syndrome
  • female infertility
  • pathways
  • cell atlas
  • transcriptome
  • epigenome

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 11313 KiB  
Article
Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers of Ovarian High-Grade Serous Carcinoma: A Preliminary Study Using Spatial Transcriptome Analysis and Multispectral Imaging
by Haeyoun Kang, Je-Gun Joung, Hyun Park, Min Chul Choi, Doohyun Koh, Ju-Yeon Jeong, Jimin Lee, Sook-Young Kim, Daun Jung, Sohyun Hwang and Hee Jung An
Cells 2025, 14(10), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14100681 - 8 May 2025
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a lethal malignancy, with most patients initially responding to chemotherapy but frequently experiencing recurrence. Previous studies primarily examined tumor characteristics using limited genetic markers or bulk RNA sequencing. Here, we used spatial transcriptomics via the GeoMx® platform, alongside multispectral [...] Read more.
Ovarian cancer is a lethal malignancy, with most patients initially responding to chemotherapy but frequently experiencing recurrence. Previous studies primarily examined tumor characteristics using limited genetic markers or bulk RNA sequencing. Here, we used spatial transcriptomics via the GeoMx® platform, alongside multispectral immune cell immunofluorescence (IF), to identify biomarkers associated with disease progression following first-line treatment of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). We identified several spatial biomarkers linked to non-recurrence, including elevated NKG7 expression in CD45+ immune cell regions (p = 0.0011) and higher TFPI2 and PIGR expression in tumor areas (p = 2.09 × 10−6), both associated with improved progression-free survival. Multispectral IF revealed significantly higher regulatory T cell (Treg) to CD8+ T cell ratios in the tumor nests and stroma of recurrent patients (p = 0.016, 0.048). Tregs were also found closer to cancer cells or macrophages than CD8+ T cells in recurrent tumors (p = 0.048), correlating with poor survival. Integrated analysis showed that immune cell density and immune pathway scores in the recurrent group positively correlated with cancer pathway scores, except for NF-κB. This comprehensive analysis revealed clues to interactions between different immune cells and identified biomarkers that may be useful for predicting recurrence of HGSC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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25 pages, 3833 KiB  
Article
Exploiting Cancer Dormancy Signaling Mechanisms in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Through Spheroid and Organoid Analysis
by Emily J. Tomas, Yudith Ramos Valdes, Jennifer Davis, Bart Kolendowski, Adrian Buensuceso, Gabriel E. DiMattia and Trevor G. Shepherd
Cells 2025, 14(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14020133 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1306
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) exhibits a unique mode of metastasis, involving spheroid formation in the peritoneum. Our research on EOC spheroid cell biology has provided valuable insights into the signaling plasticity associated with metastasis. We speculate that EOC cells modify their biology between [...] Read more.
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) exhibits a unique mode of metastasis, involving spheroid formation in the peritoneum. Our research on EOC spheroid cell biology has provided valuable insights into the signaling plasticity associated with metastasis. We speculate that EOC cells modify their biology between tumour and spheroid states during cancer dormancy, although the specific mechanisms underlying this transition remain unknown. Here, we present novel findings from direct comparisons between cultured EOC spheroids and organoids. Our results indicated that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity was significantly upregulated and protein kinase B (Akt) was downregulated in EOC spheroids compared to organoids, suggesting a clear differential phenotype. Through RNA sequencing analysis, we further supported these phenotypic differences and highlighted the significance of cell cycle regulation in organoids. By inhibiting the G2/M checkpoint via kinase inhibitors, we confirmed that this pathway is essential for organoids. Interestingly, our results suggest that specifically targeting aurora kinase A (AURKA) may represent a promising therapeutic strategy since our cells were equally sensitive to Alisertib treatment as both spheroids and organoids. Our findings emphasize the importance of studying cellular adaptations of EOC cells, as there may be different therapeutic targets depending on the step of EOC disease progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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20 pages, 8325 KiB  
Article
Unraveling the Role of Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Proteins in Human Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
by Qiwei Yang, Ali Falahati, Azad Khosh, Ricardo R. Lastra, Thomas G. Boyer and Ayman Al-Hendy
Cells 2024, 13(17), 1443; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13171443 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1752
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most common type of uterine sarcoma, associated with poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence, and metastasis. Currently, the molecular mechanism of the origin and development of uLMS is limited. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are involved in both [...] Read more.
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most common type of uterine sarcoma, associated with poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence, and metastasis. Currently, the molecular mechanism of the origin and development of uLMS is limited. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are involved in both physiological and pathological events. However, the role of BET proteins in the pathogenesis of uLMS is unknown. Here, we show for the first time that BET protein family members, BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4, are aberrantly overexpressed in uLMS tissues compared to the myometrium, with a significant change by histochemical scoring assessment. Furthermore, inhibiting BET proteins with their small, potent inhibitors (JQ1 and I-BET 762) significantly inhibited the uLMS proliferation dose-dependently via cell cycle arrest. Notably, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that the inhibition of BET proteins with JQ1 and I-BET 762 altered several critical pathways, including the hedgehog pathway, EMT, and transcription factor-driven pathways in uLMS. In addition, the targeted inhibition of BET proteins altered several other epigenetic regulators, including DNA methylases, histone modification, and m6A regulators. The connections between BET proteins and crucial biological pathways provide a fundamental structure to better understand uterine diseases, particularly uLMS pathogenesis. Accordingly, targeting the vulnerable epigenome may provide an additional regulatory mechanism for uterine cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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12 pages, 4440 KiB  
Article
Somatic MED12 Mutations in Myometrial Cells
by Yinuo Li, Huma Asif, Yue Feng, Julie J. Kim and Jian-Jun Wei
Cells 2024, 13(17), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13171432 - 27 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1136
Abstract
Over 70% of leiomyoma (LM) harbor MED12 mutations, primarily in exon 2 at c.130-131 (GG). Myometrial cells are the cell origin of leiomyoma, but the MED12 mutation status in non-neoplastic myometrial cells is unknown. In this study, we investigated the mutation burden of [...] Read more.
Over 70% of leiomyoma (LM) harbor MED12 mutations, primarily in exon 2 at c.130-131 (GG). Myometrial cells are the cell origin of leiomyoma, but the MED12 mutation status in non-neoplastic myometrial cells is unknown. In this study, we investigated the mutation burden of MED12 in myometrium. As traditional Sanger or even NGS sequencing may not be able to detect MED12 mutations that are lower than 0.1% in the testing sample, we used duplex deep sequencing analysis (DDS) to overcome this limitation. Tumor-free myometria (confirmed by pathology evaluation) were dissected, and genomic DNA from MED12 exon 2 (test) and TP53 exon 5 (control) were captured by customer-designed probe sets, followed by DDS. Notably, DDS demonstrated that myometrial cells harbored a high frequency of mutations in MED12 exon 2 and predominantly in code c.130-131. In contrast, the baseline mutations in other coding sequences of MED12 exon 2 as well as in the TP53 mutation hotspot, c.477-488 were comparably low in myometrial cells. This is the first report demonstrating a non-random accumulation of MED12 mutations at c.130-131 sites in non-neoplastic myometrial cells which provide molecular evidence of early somatic mutation events in myometrial cells. This early mutation may contribute to the cell origin for uterine LM development in women of reproductive age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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Review

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20 pages, 2108 KiB  
Review
The Role of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the Progression of Ovarian Cancer: Perspectives on Female Infertility
by Md Ataur Rahman, Maroua Jalouli, Sujay Kumar Bhajan, Mohammed Al-Zharani and Abdel Halim Harrath
Cells 2025, 14(6), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14060437 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 822
Abstract
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) is crucial in the progression of ovarian cancer, especially in influencing its tumor microenvironment and promoting pathogenic pathways that worsen female infertility. In hypoxic settings, HIF-1α is stabilized and activates the transcription of genes associated with angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, epithelial-to-mesenchymal [...] Read more.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) is crucial in the progression of ovarian cancer, especially in influencing its tumor microenvironment and promoting pathogenic pathways that worsen female infertility. In hypoxic settings, HIF-1α is stabilized and activates the transcription of genes associated with angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and therapeutic resistance. Angiogenesis and glycolytic reprogramming mediated by HIF-1 tumor proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Its dysfunction concurrently impairs ovarian homeostasis, undermining follicular growth, hormone synthesis, and the ovarian vascular network, consequently contributing to infertility. Moreover, HIF-1α induces persistent inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting an environment damaging to reproductive health. Due to its dual function in ovarian cancer growth and infertility, HIF-1α is a potential therapeutic target. Strategies including small molecule inhibitors and nanoparticle-mediated delivery of drugs possess the potential to reduce HIF-1α activity, hence reducing cancer progression while protecting fertility. This review seeks to clarify the molecular basis of HIF-1α in ovarian cancer and its effects on female infertility, providing insights into novel treatment approaches that target both controlling the disease and preserving fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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23 pages, 1883 KiB  
Review
Molecular Basis of Impaired Decidualization in the Eutopic Endometrium of Endometriosis Patients
by Alejandra Monserrat Retis-Resendiz, Sandra Karen Gómez-Suárez, Elizabeth García-Gómez and Edgar Ricardo Vázquez-Martínez
Cells 2025, 14(5), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14050326 - 21 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 692
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. A common feature of this pathology is the impaired decidualization of endometrial stromal cells, a critical process that prepares the uterus for embryo implantation. This decidualization [...] Read more.
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. A common feature of this pathology is the impaired decidualization of endometrial stromal cells, a critical process that prepares the uterus for embryo implantation. This decidualization defect has been mechanistically linked to progesterone resistance in endometriotic lesions. However, the presence and underlying mechanisms of decidualization defects in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis remain controversial. The aim of the present study is to integrate and discuss molecular evidence from both in vivo and in vitro studies examining decidualization alterations in the eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis. Multiple studies have demonstrated impaired decidualization in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis. These alterations have been reported on multiple genes, signaling pathways, and epigenetic processes. However, additional functional studies are warranted to elucidate whether these decidualization defects directly contribute to endometriosis-associated infertility. A better understanding of the decidualization process and its dysregulation in endometriosis will not only advance the development of targeted fertility treatments but also facilitate the design of more effective therapeutic strategies for managing this chronic condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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22 pages, 1949 KiB  
Review
Mapping Human Uterine Disorders Through Single-Cell Transcriptomics
by Sandra Boldu-Fernández, Carolina Lliberos, Carlos Simon and Aymara Mas
Cells 2025, 14(3), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14030156 - 21 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1813
Abstract
Disruptions in uterine tissue function contribute to disorders such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial cancer, and fibroids, which all significantly impact health and fertility. Advances in transcriptomics, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing, have revolutionized uterine biological research by revealing the cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms [...] Read more.
Disruptions in uterine tissue function contribute to disorders such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial cancer, and fibroids, which all significantly impact health and fertility. Advances in transcriptomics, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing, have revolutionized uterine biological research by revealing the cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms underlying disease states. Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have mapped endometrial and myometrial cellular landscapes, which helped to identify critical cell types, signaling pathways, and phase-specific dynamics. Said transcriptomic technologies also identified stromal and immune cell dysfunctions, such as fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transitions and impaired macrophage activity, which drive fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and lesion persistence in endometriosis. For endometrial cancer, scRNA-seq uncovered tumor microenvironmental complexities, identifying cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes and immune cell profiles contributing to progression and therapeutic resistance. Similarly, studies on adenomyosis highlighted disrupted signaling pathways, including Wnt and VEGF, and novel progenitor cell populations linked to tissue invasion and neuroinflammation, while single-cell approaches characterized smooth muscle and fibroblast subpopulations in uterine fibroids, elucidating their roles in extracellular matrix remodeling and signaling pathways like ERK and mTOR. Despite challenges such as scalability and reproducibility, single-cell transcriptomic approaches may have potential applications in biomarker discovery, therapeutic target identification, and personalized medicine in gynecological disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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31 pages, 2904 KiB  
Review
The Estrogen–Immune Interface in Endometriosis
by Emily Greygoose, Pat Metharom, Hakan Kula, Timur K. Seckin, Tamer A. Seckin, Ayse Ayhan and Yu Yu
Cells 2025, 14(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14010058 - 6 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2224
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecologic condition characterized by the growth of endometrium-like stroma and glandular elements outside of the uterine cavity. The involvement of hormonal dysregulation, specifically estrogen, is well established in the initiation, progression, and maintenance of the condition. Evidence also highlights the [...] Read more.
Endometriosis is a gynecologic condition characterized by the growth of endometrium-like stroma and glandular elements outside of the uterine cavity. The involvement of hormonal dysregulation, specifically estrogen, is well established in the initiation, progression, and maintenance of the condition. Evidence also highlights the association between endometriosis and altered immune states. The human endometrium is a highly dynamic tissue that undergoes frequent remodeling in response to hormonal regulation during the menstrual cycle. Similarly, endometriosis shares this propensity, compounded by unclear pathogenic mechanisms, presenting unique challenges in defining its etiology and pathology. Here, we provide a lens to understand the interplay between estrogen and innate and adaptive immune systems throughout the menstrual cycle in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Estrogen is closely linked to many altered inflammatory and immunomodulatory states, affecting both tissue-resident and circulatory immune cells. This review summarizes estrogenic interactions with specific myeloid and lymphoid cells, highlighting their implications in the progression of endometriosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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18 pages, 304 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Stress and the NLRP3 Inflammasome: Focus on Female Fertility and Reproductive Health
by Efthalia Moustakli, Sofoklis Stavros, Periklis Katopodis, Charikleia Skentou, Anastasios Potiris, Periklis Panagopoulos, Ekaterini Domali, Ioannis Arkoulis, Theodoros Karampitsakos, Eleftheria Sarafi, Theologos M. Michaelidis, Athanasios Zachariou and Athanasios Zikopoulos
Cells 2025, 14(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14010036 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1465
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential component of innate immunity, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome [...] Read more.
Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential component of innate immunity, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is one of the major mediators of inflammatory responses, and its activation is closely linked to oxidative stress. This interaction contributes to a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization potential, and impaired embryo development. In the ovarian milieu, oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation interact intricately, and their combined effects on oocyte competence and reproductive outcomes are significant. The aims of this review are to examine these molecular mechanisms and to explore therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activity, with the goal of enhancing female fertility and improving clinical outcomes in reproductive health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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21 pages, 3455 KiB  
Review
Autophagy and Female Fertility: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Emerging Therapies
by Abdel Halim Harrath, Md Ataur Rahman, Sujay Kumar Bhajan, Anup Kumar Bishwas, MD. Hasanur Rahman, Saleh Alwasel, Maroua Jalouli, Sojin Kang, Moon Nyeo Park and Bonglee Kim
Cells 2024, 13(16), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13161354 - 14 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4213
Abstract
Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved cellular mechanism essential for maintaining internal stability, plays a crucial function in female reproductive ability. In this review, we discuss the complex interplay between autophagy and several facets of female reproductive health, encompassing pregnancy, ovarian functions, gynecologic malignancies, endometriosis, [...] Read more.
Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved cellular mechanism essential for maintaining internal stability, plays a crucial function in female reproductive ability. In this review, we discuss the complex interplay between autophagy and several facets of female reproductive health, encompassing pregnancy, ovarian functions, gynecologic malignancies, endometriosis, and infertility. Existing research emphasizes the crucial significance of autophagy in embryo implantation, specifically in the endometrium, highlighting its necessity in ensuring proper fetal development. Although some knowledge has been gained, there is still a lack of research on the specific molecular impacts of autophagy on the quality of oocytes, the growth of follicles, and general reproductive health. Autophagy plays a role in the maturation, quality, and development of oocytes. It is also involved in reproductive aging, contributing to reductions in reproductive function that occur with age. This review explores the physiological functions of autophagy in the female reproductive system, its participation in reproductive toxicity, and its important connections with the endometrium and embryo. In addition, this study investigates the possibility of emerging treatment approaches that aim to modify autophagy, using both natural substances and synthetic molecules, to improve female fertility and reproductive outcomes. Additionally, this review intends to inspire future exploration into the intricate role of autophagy in female reproductive health by reviewing recent studies and pinpointing areas where current knowledge is lacking. Subsequent investigations should prioritize the conversion of these discoveries into practical uses in the medical field, which could potentially result in groundbreaking therapies for infertility and other difficulties related to reproduction. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the many effects of autophagy on female fertility would not only further the field of reproductive biology but also open new possibilities for diagnostic and treatment methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gynecological Disorders)
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