Collagen-binding α11 integrin expression in human myometrium and fibroids utilizing a novel RNA in situ probe.

Objective: Integrin α11β1 is a collagen receptor specific to fibroblasts that regulates myofibroblast differentiation. We sought to determine whether α11β1 is expressed in myometrium and fibroids and whether tissue expression varies.

Design: Comparison of α11 in human myometrium and fibroids using Western blot and RNA in situ hybridization.

Materials And Methods: Specimens were obtained from fibroid and myometrium. For Western blots, we used a polyclonal antibody to integrin α11. RNA in situ hybridization was performed using a custom RNA probe for α11 subunit.

Results: Myometrium and fibroids express α11 integrin, with expression 2-fold greater in fibroids. The RNA probe offers a more precise method compared to Western blot using polyclonal human antibody.

Conclusions: The difference in expression in myometrium and fibroids suggests that α11 is involved in the formation of myofibroblasts and fibroid development.