A new hypothesis about the origin of uterine fibroids based on gene expression profiling with microarrays

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Aug;195(2):415-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.12.059. Epub 2006 Apr 25.

Abstract

This article will discuss some recent insights based on our microarray studies that have emphasized the role the extracellular matrix, transforming growth factor beta, and collagen structure in fibroid formation. These studies led to appreciation of molecular similarities between fibroids and keloids. Collectively, these observations suggest a model of fibroid development based on an abnormal response to tissue repair, resulting in disordered healing and formation of an altered extracellular matrix.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Extracellular Matrix / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Humans
  • Keloid / genetics
  • Leiomyoma / ethnology
  • Leiomyoma / genetics*
  • Leiomyoma / ultrastructure
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Uterine Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / ultrastructure
  • Wound Healing / physiology