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Molecular Regulation of Müllerian Development by Hox Genes
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA
Address for correspondence: Hongling Du and Hugh S. Taylor, 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. Voice: 203-785-4005; fax: 203-785-7819. hugh.taylor{at}yale.edu
HOX genes are a family of regulatory molecules that encode conserved transcription factors controlling aspects of morphogenesis and cell differentiation during normal embryonic development. All metazoans possess a common genetic system for embryonic patterning, and this system is also used in the reproductive tract. Hox genes are also expressed in the adult uterus. Hox genes are essential both for the development of müllerian tract in the embryonic period and adult function. Sex steroids regulate Hox gene expression during embryonic and endometrial development in the menstrual cycle. EMX2 and ß3-integrin acting downstream of Hoxa10 gene are likely involved in both these developmental processes. This article reviews the role and molecular regulation of Hox genes in reproductive tract development.
Key Words: Hox • homeobox genes • reproduction • development This article has been cited by other articles:
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