Current understanding of endometrial stem cells

Somatic stem cells (SSCs) are defined as a rare population of undifferentiated cells residing in differentiated tissues and organs. Different studies and diverse approaches suggest the presence of SSCs in human and murine endometria. Owing to the lack of specific phenotypic markers to identify endometrial SSCs, they are defined by their functional properties. The embryological origin of the uterus and the putative implication of bone marrow in endometrial regeneration suggest their presumed mesenchymal origin. Nevertheless, more information is needed regarding the physiology of endometrial stem cells to understand the gynecological disorders associated with abnormal endometrial proliferation, such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer.