Converting of Myometrial Stem Cells to Tumor-Initiating Cells: Mechanism of Uterine Fibroid Development

Abstract

Stem-cell niche is composed of a group of cells within the specific anatomic location that function to maintain stem cells. The niche referring to a microenvironment is capable of generating extrinsic factors that modulate stem cell proliferation and fate determination [1]. During development, various niche factors act on stem cells to alter gene expression, and induce their proliferation or differentiation for the development of the fetus. The highly plastic state of the stem/progenitor cells during developmental and tissue maintenance permits the required flexibility for proper tissue formation and repair. Unfortunately, this plasticity also provides an opportunity for aberrant cellular reprogramming via epigenetic mechanisms due to inappropriate exposures to toxins [2]. The developmental adverse exposure can lead to persistent, life-long effects and resulting in a variety of diseases [3].