Growth factor induced proliferation, migration, and lumen formation of rat endometrial epithelial cells in vitro

J Reprod Dev. 2016 Jun 17;62(3):271-8. doi: 10.1262/jrd.2015-158. Epub 2016 Mar 4.

Abstract

Endometrial modulation is essential for the preservation of normal uterine physiology, and this modulation is driven by a number of growth factors. The present study investigated the mitogenic, motogenic, and morphogenic effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on rat endometrial epithelial (REE) cells. The REE cells were isolated and cultured and then characterized based on their morphology and their expression of epithelial cell markers. The MTT assay revealed that EGF and HGF induce proliferation of REE cells. Consistent with increased proliferation, we found that the cell cycle regulatory factor Cyclin D1 was also upregulated upon EGF and HGF addition. REE cell migration was prompted by EGF, as observed with the Oris Cell Migration Assay. The morphogenic impact of growth factors on REE cells was studied in a three-dimensional BD Matrigel cell culture system, wherein these growth factors also increased the frequency of lumen formation. In summary, we show that EGF and HGF have a stimulatory effect on REE cells, promoting proliferation, cell migration, and lumen formation. Our findings provide important insights that further the understanding of endometrial regeneration and its regulation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cyclin D1 / metabolism
  • Endometrium / metabolism*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Cyclin D1
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor