Transcriptomic Patterns in Endometriosis: From Molecular Mechanisms to Biomarker Potential-A Mini-Review
Keywords:
endometriosis, transcriptomics, mRNA, microRNA, long non-coding RNA, biomarkersAbstract
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, frequently associated with pelvic pain and infertility. Advances in high-throughput transcriptomic technologies have enabled comprehensive profiling of both coding and non-coding RNAs, yielding novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this complex condition. Differential expression analyses consistently reveal aberrant regulation of mRNAs involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and hormone receptor signaling. In parallel, microRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized as crucial post-transcriptional regulators that contribute to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell survival, and immune dysregulation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) further complicate this landscape by functioning as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), sequestering miRNAs and indirectly modulating gene expression networks. The integration of these transcriptomic patterns suggests the existence of intricate, interconnected regulatory networks that drive lesion establishment and progression. Furthermore, circulating RNAs in serum and plasma show considerable promise as non-invasive biomarkers, while RNA-targeted interventions may represent novel therapeutic avenues. This mini-review synthesizes current knowledge on transcriptomic alterations in endometriosis, highlighting their diagnostic potential, mechanistic significance, and future implications for precision medicine.