Coordinated regulation of HOX gene expression in myometrium and uterine leiomyoma.
OBJECTIVE
To measure HOXA10 gene expression in uterine myometrium and leiomyoma throughout the menstrual cycle.


METHODS
HOXA10 gene expression was measured in paired myometrium and leiomyoma from the same uterus.


METHODS
University medical center.


METHODS
Thirty-one patients with leiomyoma.


METHODS
Collection of leiomyoma and myometrial tissue during hysterectomy.


METHODS
HOXA10 gene expression was analyzed by Northern analysis and quantified by laser densitometry.


RESULTS
Both myometrium and leiomyoma continued to express HOXA10 in the adult and menstrual cycle stage-specific regulation was evident in both tissues. During the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, HOXA10 expression decreased in both leiomyoma and myometrium. At all points in the menstrual cycle HOXA10 expression in leiomyoma was similar to expression in paired myometrium.


CONCLUSIONS
HOXA10 is expressed in both myometrium and leiomyoma. Coordinated regulation of this transcript factor suggests similar gene activation in both leiomyoma and myometrium. Diminished expression of HOXA10, a gene that normally causes differentiation, may allow increased growth resulting in the increased mitosis seen in the secretory phase. The identification of this developmental control gene in myometrium and leiomyoma may lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for growth and differentiation of these tissues.
Cermik
Dilek
D
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Arici
Aydin
A
Taylor
Hugh S
HS
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009215:Myometrium / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; C490289:VSX2 protein, human