Selective Estradiol Sensitivity in 12Z Human Endometriotic Epithelial Cell Line

Estradiol (E2) is a potent estrogen molecule that plays a crucial role in regulating numerous healthy and pathophysiological processes. To model estrogen-dependent cellular activities in vitro in a physiologically meaningful way, cells chosen for experimentation should exhibit sensitivity to E2. The 12Z human endometriotic epithelial cell line is gaining attention as a model for estrogen-dependent conditions, but its functional responsiveness to E2 has not been well characterized. For the passage range in the following study, we found that E2 does not statistically significantly influence 12Z proliferation, wound closure, or single-cell migration. However, 12Zs were selectively responsive to E2 in 3D migration models where the cells were physically confined. Upregulating ESR1, the primary mediator of estrogenic action, in the 12Zs did not enhance their functional E2 sensitivity. These results highlight the importance of verifying hormone responsiveness when using 12Z cells to model estrogen-dependent processes and conditions.