Towards an Understanding of the Pathomechanisms of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are benign tumours affecting up to 80% of women of reproductive age. Although mutations in MED12 or HMGA2 account for the majority of UF occurrence, the processes by which these lead to UFs remain poorly understood. Here we present a comprehensive systems biology study, merging clinical, genetic, transcriptomic and proteomic information to better understand the patho-mechanisms underlying UF. Tissues from uterine fibroid patients were collected from 137 donors undergoing hysterectomy, myomectomy or TCRF at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, in accordance with guidelines under the ENDOX study (09/H0604/58). This study was supported by a grant within the Oxford-Bayer collaboration.