Transdifferentiations and heterogeneity in the stromal niches of uterine leiomyomas

Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2018;59(3):663-672.

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids (UFs), are benign smooth muscle cells tumors, the most frequent tumors in women. Even though UFs are monoclonal tumors, they contain a heterogeneous and versatile cells population. There are scarce proofs about the processes of transdifferentiation that might occur in UFs, modify the tumor microenvironment and support blood and lymph vessels formation. The stromal niches of the UFs harbor cells with angiogenic∕lymphangiogenic, as well as with vasculogenic∕lymphvasculogenic potential, which belong to a phenotypic continuum between the endothelial and mesenchymal lineages. Within these niches, the expressions of CD44 and podoplanin were less investigated and regarded as markers of such processes of transdifferentiation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transdifferentiation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / blood supply
  • Leiomyoma / pathology*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Stem Cell Niche*
  • Stromal Cells / pathology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology*