Abstract
Somatic stem cells (SSCs) are defined as a rare population of undifferentiated cells residing in differentiated tissues and organs. Different studies and diverse approaches suggest the presence of SSCs in human and murine endometria. Owing to the lack of specific phenotypic markers to identify endometrial SSCs, they are defined by their functional properties. The embryological origin of the uterus and the putative implication of bone marrow in endometrial regeneration suggest their presumed mesenchymal origin. Nevertheless, more information is needed regarding the physiology of endometrial stem cells to understand the gynecological disorders associated with abnormal endometrial proliferation, such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
This work has been financed by grant SAF 2008–02048 from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PI:CS), and by PROMETEO/2008/163 from the Regional Valencian Ministry of Education. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.