Mechanical homeostasis is altered in uterine leiomyoma.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
OBJECTIVE: Uterine leiomyoma produce an extracellular matrix (ECM) that is abnormal in its volume, content, and structure. Alterations in ECM can modify mechanical stress on cells and lead to activation of Rho-dependent signaling and cell growth. Here we sought to determine whether the altered ECM that is produced by leiomyoma was accompanied by an altered state of mechanical homeostasis. STUDY DESIGN: We measured the mechanical response of paired leiomyoma and myometrial samples and performed immunogold, confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: Leiomyoma were significantly stiffer than matched myometrium. The increased stiffness was accompanied by alteration of the ECM, cell shape, and cytoskeleton in leiomyoma, compared with myometrial samples from the same uterus. Levels of AKAP13, a protein that is known to activate Rho, were increased in leiomyoma compared to myometrium. AKAP13 was associated with cytoskeletal filaments of immortalized leiomyoma cells. CONCLUSION: Leiomyoma cells are exposed to increased mechanical loading and show structural and biochemical features that are consistent with the activation of solid-state signaling.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Rogers, R; Norian, J; Malik, M; Christman, G; Abu-Asab, M; Chen, F; Korecki, C; Iatridis, J; Catherino, WH; Tuan, RS; Dhillon, N; Leppert, P; Segars, JH
Published Date
- April 2008
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 198 / 4
Start / End Page
- 474.e1 - 474.11
PubMed ID
- 18395046
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC2696475
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1097-6868
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.11.057
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States