title: The Role of Hox Genes in Female Reproductive Tract Development, Adult Function, and Fertility.
abstract: HOX genes convey positional identity that leads to the proper partitioning and adult identity of the female reproductive track. Abnormalities in reproductive tract development can be caused by HOX gene mutations or altered HOX gene expression. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and other endocrine disruptors cause Müllerian defects by changing HOX gene expression. HOX genes are also essential regulators of adult endometrial development. Regulated HOXA10 and HOXA11 expression is necessary for endometrial receptivity; decreased HOXA10 or HOXA11 expression leads to decreased implantation rates. Alternation of HOXA10 and HOXA11 expression has been identified as a mechanism of the decreased implantation associated with endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, leiomyoma, polyps, adenomyosis, and hydrosalpinx. Alteration of HOX gene expression causes both uterine developmental abnormalities and impaired adult endometrial development that prevent implantation and lead to female infertility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520.
authors.forename: Hongling
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Du
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520.
authors.forename: Hugh S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000235:genetics*; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000235:genetics; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005801:Genes, Homeobox / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000196:embryology*; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000235:genetics*; D009095:Mullerian Ducts / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; C484298:HOXA11 protein, human; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C099959:homeobox protein HOXA13; C069634:HOXA10 protein, human; D011374:Progesterone