Fundamental research into endometriosis: what areas, what avenues?

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory, and hormone-dependent gynecological disease, defined by the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, which is termed “ectopic.” This common disease can be responsible for infertility and painful symptoms that sometimes severely impair the quality of life of affected women. A better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the disease would make it possible to consider new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues. This article aims to make an inventory of knowledge in cellular and molecular biology and perspectives in different fields of basic research on endometriosis such as genetics, epigenetics, immunology, microbiota, and endocrine disruptors.