A new isoform of steroid receptor coactivator-1 is crucial for pathogenic progression of endometriosis

Endometriosis afflicts ~15% of women of reproductive age, causing pelvic pain, and is often associated with infertility. In a new study, Bert O'Malley and his colleagues now show that in response to TNF-α signaling, a unique isoform of SRC-1, an estrogen receptor coactivator, is elevated in endometriotic tissue, preventing the normal apoptosis of these cells. These results could explain the proliferation of these cells, while also further suggesting the antibody to TNF-α etanercept as a therapy for this condition.