Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting 10–15% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, often leading to pain, inflammation, and infertility. A crucial but often underexplored aspect of endometriosis is angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which allows these misplaced tissues to grow and survive.
This project focuses on understanding how blood vessels form in endometriotic lesions and tissues and how this process supports disease progression. By studying the interaction between different types of cells in a controlled laboratory environment, we want to reveal mechanisms that could lead to more effective, non-hormonal treatments for endometriosis through the use of plant extracts.
In order to comprehend how endometriotic tissues can live and flourish outside their typical uterine environment, the natural tissue microenvironment is replicated accurately by using a 3D cell culture model, to which extracellular matrix factors (primarily Matrigel and collagen 1) are added. We are dedicated to creating a sophisticated in vitro (lab-based) model that utilizes primary stromal and epithelial cells. They are cultured with endothelial cells that play a key role in blood vessel formation. All of this ensures an optimal cell survival and functionality of the cells outside the body. Furthermore, we investigate essential biological processes in these 3D models to evaluate angiogenesis, immune cell interactions, hormonal responses, and sequencing at the single-cell level.
Sitting at the crossroads of cell biology, immunology, and bioinformatics, and using advanced 3D cell culture and sequencing technologies, this research approach aims at uncovering the complex mechanisms driving endometriosis. In the long run, it has the potential to provide a platform for drug testing and could help to improve treatments and the quality of life of women affected by endometriosis.