Compressive Force Induces Differential Gene Expression in Uterine Fibroids

Patient-matched cells were isolated from women undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for the treatment of uterine fibroids. Samples from five women with no hormonal modulation within three months of surgery were used for this study.

Spheroids fabricated from fibroid or myometrial cells were embedded in agarose hydrogels and exposed to compressive force for seven days. RNA sequencing was performed to identify genes and signaling pathways altered in fibroids in response to compression.