miRNA as biomarker for endometriosis

Endometriosis is defined as the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Patients suffering from endometriosis can be asymptomatic but typically present with pelvic pain, infertility or both. The gold standard for the diagnosis of endometriosis is by direct visualization during laparoscopy confirmed with histology of a lesion. The last decade our research group has worked on biomarkers for endometriosis and we were the first group to validate a panel of biomarkers that could discriminate between women with and without endometriosis. The final goal is the integration of the previously discovered biomarkers, the clinical patient characteristics and the miRNA biomarkers into one diagnostic model. In the discovery phase we will analyze miRNA expression in plasma from patients with and without endometriosis using next generation sequencing. In the second part of the project we will validate the expression of the 40 most differentially expressed miRNAs using RT-qPCR. Finally we will test which of the 40 selected miRNAs are disease specific. Since controlled experiments in endometriosis are not possible in humans, we will perform a randomized controlled experiment using the validated baboon model for endometriosis. In the third and final part of the project we want to develop a diagnostic model for endometriosis. We will do this in collaboration with the team of Professor Bart De Moor (ESAT, KU Leuven).