From Retrograde Menstruation to Endometriosis – A Possible Pathophysiological Role of L1, a Cell Adhesion and Migration Protein

Introduction: The L1 transmembrane glycoprotein regulating cell migration and adhesion is known to play an important role for the development of the nervous system. It is also present at high levels in several inflammatory and malignant disorders. L1 is highly expressed in uterine and ovarian carcinomas. High amounts of soluble L1 in blood samples of endometrial cancer patients are a marker for early recurrence and poor prognosis. The expression and cleavage of L1 seems to promote dissemination of tumor cells by enabling cell migration and adhesion. The cell-surface expressed L1 of tumor cells can be transformed…