title: Endocrine regulation of HOX genes.
abstract: Hox genes have a well-characterized role in embryonic development, where they determine identity along the anteroposterior body axis. Hox genes are expressed not only during embryogenesis but also in the adult, where they are necessary for functional differentiation. Despite the known function of these genes as transcription factors, few regulatory mechanisms that drive Hox expression are known. Recently, several hormones and their cognate receptors have been shown to regulate Hox gene expression and thereby mediate development in the embryo as well as functional differentiation in the adult organism. Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, retinoic acid, and vitamin D have been shown to regulate Hox gene expression. In the embryo, the endocrine system directs axial Hox gene expression; aberrant Hox gene expression due to exposure to endocrine disruptors contributes to the teratogenicity of these compounds. In the adult, endocrine regulation of Hox genes is necessary to enable such diverse functions as hematopoiesis and reproduction; endocrinopathies can result in dysregulated HOX gene expression affecting physiology. By regulating HOX genes, hormonal signals utilize a conserved mechanism that allows generation of structural and functional diversity in both developing and adult tissues. This review discusses endocrine Hox regulation and its impact on physiology and human pathology.
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208063, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8063, USA.
authors.forename: Gaurang S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Daftary
authors.forename: Hugh S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol / Q000009:adverse effects; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005801:Genes, Homeobox; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000502:physiology; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D039661:Integrin beta3 / Q000378:metabolism; D008731:Methoxychlor / Q000633:toxicity; D010636:Phenols / Q000633:toxicity; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000378:metabolism; D018078:Receptors, Prostaglandin E / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000502:physiology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000502:physiology; D000099260:Empty Spiracles Homeobox Proteins; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
chemical_list: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; D039661:Integrin beta3; D008731:Methoxychlor; D010636:Phenols; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D018078:Receptors, Prostaglandin E; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014212:Tretinoin; D014807:Vitamin D; D000099260:Empty Spiracles Homeobox Proteins; C069634:HOXA10 protein, human; C006780:bisphenol A; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds