The role of HOX genes in human implantation.
The endometrium undergoes an ordered process of differentiation leading to receptivity to embryonic implantation. HOX genes direct this development in a fashion similar to that in which they direct embryonic development, including development of the reproductive tract. HOXA10 and HOXA11 expression increases during the menstrual cycle, increasing drastically in the midluteal phase, at the time of implantation. This expression is regulated by sex steroid hormones. This expression is necessary for implantation of the blastocyst as demonstrated by the decreased implantation rates in women with altered HOX expression. HOX genes are markers of endometrial receptivity. The possibility of augmenting HOX gene expression with gene therapy to improve implantation has promise for the future.
Eun Kwon
Hye
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 2008063, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Taylor
Hugh S
HS
D000818:Animals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C484298:HOXA11 protein, human; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C069634:HOXA10 protein, human