Translocator protein expression and localization in human endometrium and endometriosis

Posted November 8, 2024

The group of researchers from the INCT Hormona Research Center at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) conducted a study in an attempt to identify a tissue marker of endometriosis capable of assisting in the diagnosis of the superficial type of the disease, which cannot be detected by conventional imaging (ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging). According to the general coordinator of the INCT Hormona Center in Minas Gerais, Dr. Fernando Marcos dos Reis, the team chose TSPO, a type of receptor capable of capturing fluorine-18-labeled molecules and emitting signals captured during positron emission tomography (PET).

According to the article, the protein is located mostly in neurons and inflammatory sites outside the brain, and the researchers hypothesized that it might also be expressed in the endometrium (the tissue lining the inside of the uterus) and endometrial-like tissue, being a target for molecular imaging of endometriosis.

The study included 28 women with endometriosis and 11 endometriosis-free controls. TSPO mRNA expression was assessed by quantitative reverse-transcription real-time PCR, while protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody anti-human TSPO.

According to Dr. Fernando, in the long term, the study can contribute to improving the quality of life of women with endometriosis. “This study is still considered basic and is still a long way from translating into benefits for patients. However, if it leads to a new diagnostic method capable of detecting foci of superficial endometriosis, especially at an early stage of disease development, this can speed up the start of treatment and provide pain relief,” he says. “Many women suffer from intense pain for several years until they find out that endometriosis is the cause,” the expert says.

Also according to Dr. Fernando, the study concluded that TSPO is present in endometriosis and, therefore, the research team will be able to move on to the next stage and evaluate whether PET scan using TSPO ligand will have the potential to assist in the diagnosis of endometriosis.

The article “Translocator protein expression and localization in human endometrium and endometriosis: A potential target for a noninvasive diagnosis?” can be read in full at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38511230/