News | Researchers Create a Cellular Atlas of Endometriosis to Deepen Understanding of the Disease
A research team at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles announced a major advance: a cellular atlas of endometriosis. The study reveals molecular characteristics of the disease and may support improved treatment. Endometriosis is a gynecologic condition affecting 10% of women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining appears in abnormal locations such as the ovaries, pelvis, and even the lungs. The study was led by Dr. Kate Lawrenson, associate professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biomedical Sciences and director of the Women’s Cancer Research Program at Cedars-Sinai.
Current Landscape: Overlooked “Invisible Pain”
Despite its substantial effects, endometriosis has long been overlooked by medicine and society. It often causes chronic pain, infertility, and other systemic symptoms, including gastrointestinal dysfunction and heightened pain sensitivity. Dr. Lawrenson said endometriosis research has been underfunded because the disease is sex-specific and because women’s health concerns have historically received limited attention. As women’s health gains recognition, however, the field has an opportunity for change.
Current Treatment: The Challenge of Slow Progress
Current endometriosis treatment relies mainly on hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, to suppress lesion growth. Side effects and limited effectiveness can be frustrating for patients. Surgery can remove or ablate lesions, but recurrence rates reach 50%. Dr. Lawrenson said endometriosis is a chronic disease requiring long-term care, and future treatment may combine pelvic-floor rehabilitation, psychological therapy, and lifestyle interventions.
Research Breakthrough: Single-Cell Genomics Maps the Disease
Dr. Lawrenson’s team used single-cell genomics to create a cellular atlas of endometriosis. They found significant differences between ovarian endometriosis lesions, or endometriomas, and pelvic lesions and identified different hormonal responses among lesion cells. The study also showed for the first time how genetic mutations affect gene expression in endometriosis cells, helping lesions alter the environments they invade.
Research Outlook: New Possibilities for Diagnosis and Treatment
The study lays a foundation for identifying new diagnostic markers and treatments. Dr. Lawrenson said the team will focus on two clinical needs: developing precise diagnostic tools that combine lifestyle, genetic, and family-history information, and testing new therapies to correct abnormal lesion-cell behavior. The team also plans to expand its research to examine the molecular characteristics of patients without pain and of adolescents.
Dr. Lawrenson emphasized that research in this field requires interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusion of diverse patient populations to ensure treatments are broadly applicable and precise.
News | Researchers Create a Cellular Atlas of Endometriosis to Deepen Understanding of the Disease
News | Researchers Create a Cellular Atlas of Endometriosis to Deepen Understanding of the Disease
A research team at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles announced a major advance: a cellular atlas of endometriosis. The study reveals molecular characteristics of the disease and may support improved treatment. Endometriosis is a gynecologic condition affecting 10% of women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining appears in abnormal locations such as the ovaries, pelvis, and even the lungs. The study was led by Dr. Kate Lawrenson, associate professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biomedical Sciences and director of the Women’s Cancer Research Program at Cedars-Sinai.
Current Landscape: Overlooked “Invisible Pain”
Despite its substantial effects, endometriosis has long been overlooked by medicine and society. It often causes chronic pain, infertility, and other systemic symptoms, including gastrointestinal dysfunction and heightened pain sensitivity. Dr. Lawrenson said endometriosis research has been underfunded because the disease is sex-specific and because women’s health concerns have historically received limited attention. As women’s health gains recognition, however, the field has an opportunity for change.
Current Treatment: The Challenge of Slow Progress
Current endometriosis treatment relies mainly on hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, to suppress lesion growth. Side effects and limited effectiveness can be frustrating for patients. Surgery can remove or ablate lesions, but recurrence rates reach 50%. Dr. Lawrenson said endometriosis is a chronic disease requiring long-term care, and future treatment may combine pelvic-floor rehabilitation, psychological therapy, and lifestyle interventions.
Research Breakthrough: Single-Cell Genomics Maps the Disease
Dr. Lawrenson’s team used single-cell genomics to create a cellular atlas of endometriosis. They found significant differences between ovarian endometriosis lesions, or endometriomas, and pelvic lesions and identified different hormonal responses among lesion cells. The study also showed for the first time how genetic mutations affect gene expression in endometriosis cells, helping lesions alter the environments they invade.
Research Outlook: New Possibilities for Diagnosis and Treatment
The study lays a foundation for identifying new diagnostic markers and treatments. Dr. Lawrenson said the team will focus on two clinical needs: developing precise diagnostic tools that combine lifestyle, genetic, and family-history information, and testing new therapies to correct abnormal lesion-cell behavior. The team also plans to expand its research to examine the molecular characteristics of patients without pain and of adolescents.
Dr. Lawrenson emphasized that research in this field requires interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusion of diverse patient populations to ensure treatments are broadly applicable and precise.
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