The estrogen receptor α cistrome in human endometrium and epithelial organoids

Context Endometrial health is impacted by molecular processes that underlie estrogen responses. Objective To define estrogen regulation of endometrial function by integrating the estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) cistrome and transcriptome of endometrial biopsies taken from the proliferative and midsecretory phases of the menstrual cycle and hormonally stimulated endometrial epithelial organoids. Design ESR1 ChIPseq and RNAseq were performed on proliferative or mid-secretory endometrial biopsies and on hormone treated organoid cultures. Setting Endometrial samples were obtained from volunteers at outpatient research clinics for ChIPseq and for organoid culture. Patients or Other Participants Participants were fertile, reproductive aged women with normal cycle length, and without any history of infertility or irregular cycles. In total, 5 new endometrial biopsies obtained from 5 women were used in this study and were analyzed together with previously published cycle stage endometrial RNAseq data. Intervention(s) There were no interventions in this study. Main Outcome Measure(s) The cycle stage specific ESR1 binding sites and gene expression identification of human endometrium and organoid cultures were integrated with changes in gene expression. Results Genes with ESR1 binding in whole endometrium were enriched for chromatin modification and regulation of cell proliferation. The distribution of ESR1 binding sites in organoids was more distal to the gene promoter when compared to primary endometrium. Organoid estrogen/ESR1 candidate target genes impacted formation of cellular protrusions, and chromatin modification, Conclusions Analysis of the ESR1 cistromes and transcriptomes from endometrium and organoids provides important resources for understanding how estrogen impacts endometrial health and function.