Role of miRNAs in Normal Endometrium and in Endometrial Disorders: Comprehensive Review

The molecular responses to hormonal stimuli in the endometrium are modulated at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional stages. Any imbalance in cellular and molecular endometrial homeostasis may lead to gynecological disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in a wide variety of physiological mechanisms and their expression patterns in the endometrium are currently attracting a lot of interest. miRNA regulation could be hormone dependent. Conversely, miRNAs could regulate the action of sexual hormones. Modifications to miRNA expression in pathological situations could either be a cause or a result of the existing pathology. The complexity of miRNA actions and the diversity of signaling pathways controlled by numerous miRNAs require rigorous analysis and findings need to be interpreted with caution. Alteration of miRNA expression in women with endometriosis has been reported. Thus, a potential diagnostic test supported by a specific miRNA signature could contribute to early diagnosis and a change in the therapeutic paradigm. Similarly, specific miRNA profile signatures are expected for RIF and endometrial cancer, with direct implications for associated therapies for RIF and adjuvant therapies for endometrial cancer. Advances in targeted therapies based on the regulation of miRNA expression are under evaluation.

Automated summary

The molecular responses to hormonal stimuli in the endometrium are regulated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional stages. MicroRNAs play a role in physiological mechanisms, with their expression patterns in the endometrium being of interest. Alterations in miRNA expression in pathological situations can either cause or result from existing pathologies. Rigorous analysis is needed due to the complexity of miRNA actions and the diversity of signaling pathways controlled by miRNAs.