Multi‐Omics Data Reveal Estrogen‐Driven Dysregulation and Stromal‐Epithelial Signaling Alterations in Endometrial Polyps

E. Dong

ABSTRACT

Endometrial polyps (EPs) are common uterine lesions associated with abnormal uterine bleeding and infertility, yet their pathogenesis remains poorly defined. Here, we performed single‐cell RNA sequencing of normal endometrium, para‐polyp, and polyp tissues, identifying distinct cellular compositions and transcriptional programs. EPs showed enhanced estrogen signaling and increased epithelial proliferation, accompanied by decreased expression of cytokines and reduced T cell cytotoxicity. Notably, we observed epithelial subpopulations with elevated copy number variations and transcription factors associated with hyperplasia. Cell–cell communication analyzes revealed aberrant stromal‐epithelial crosstalk, characterized by upregulated WNT, IGF, and VEGF signaling originating from stromal cells. Spatial transcriptomic analyzes further demonstrated enhanced WNT signaling between stromal and epithelial compartments in endometrial cancer. In vitro glandular organoid models showed that epithelial transcriptional alterations contribute to polyp formation. These findings highlight a critical role of stromal‐epithelial interactions in EP development and suggest potential therapeutic targets.

Authors
Funding

the National Natural Science Foundation of China

32560179

the National Natural Science Foundation of China

32130034

the National Natural Science Foundation of China

82192874

Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects

202201AU070232

Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects

202501AT070168

Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects

202401CF070089

the National Key Research and Development Program of China

2022YFA1103100

Central Government Guidance Fund for Local Science and Technology Development

202407AB110013

The Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program

National Natural Science Foundation of China

32560179

National Natural Science Foundation of China

32130034

National Natural Science Foundation of China

82192874

National Key Research and Development Program of China

2022YFA1103100