Endometrial epithelial cell gene expression

The term "Endometrial epithelial cell gene expression" refers to the collection of genes and their expression patterns in endometrial epithelial cells, which line the inner surface of the uterus and play critical roles in endometrial function, regeneration, and disease. Gene expression profiling in these cells is used to study molecular signaling pathways, to identify subpopulations (e.g., SSEA-1+, SOX9+, and LGR5+ cells), and to understand cell heterogeneity, hormone regulation, progenitor functions, and pathological changes in reproductive and malignant disorders, including endometrial cancer and endometriosis. Endometrial epithelial cell gene expression is widely analyzed to understand the biology of normal endometrium and disease states such as endometrial cancer, endometriosis, and responses to hormones (estrogen, progesterone, glucocorticoids). Key marker genes and pathways characterized include SSEA-1, SOX9, LGR5, AXIN2, and hormone receptors (ER, PR). Subpopulations defined by their gene expression profiles inform our understanding of cell renewal, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. However, this term does not describe a single molecule, receptor, enzyme, or druggable protein, and thus cannot be defined as a "target" in the context of therapeutic intervention or drug development. Gene expression data inform the discovery of possible therapeutic or diagnostic targets, but are not targets themselves.