Uterine peristalsis and its roles in reproduction and gynecological disorders

Uterine peristalsis, a unique motility behavior in the non-pregnant uterus of female mammals and humans, plays critical roles in menstruation shedding, sperm and embryo transport, and implantation. Its hyperactivity has been associated with adenomyosis, endometriosis, and leiomyomas, resulting in dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, and pregnancy complications. However, the molecular mechanisms on the uterine peristalsis genesis and this contraction's roles on reproduction and gynecological disorders are poorly understood. We use genetic, imaging, and physiological approaches to identify the gene(s) in uterine smooth muscle cells required for uterine peristalsis generation and determine whether these genes contribute to or are responsible for adenomyosis.