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Semin Reprod Med 2000; 18(1): 081-090
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-13478
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

The Role of HOX Genes in the Development and Function of the Female Reproductive Tract

Hugh S. Taylor
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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ABSTRACT

HOX genes are a family of regulatory genes that encode transcription factors and are essential during embryonic development. These genes are highly conserved between species such that all metazoans possess a common genetic system for embryonic patterning. This system is conserved in the reproductive tract, where HOX genes are involved in the development of the müllerian system. The reproductive tract is unusual in that HOX genes continue to be expressed in the adult. HOX genes are essential both for appropriate reproductive tract development and for adult function. This article reviews the role of HOX genes in the development of the reproductive tract and the effect of HOX gene mutations on the development of the reproductive tract in both mice and humans. It then reviews the role and regulation of HOX genes in the adult function of the reproductive tract, specifically evidence that HOX genes are important for human endometrial development and receptivity.

KEYWORD

reproduction - homeobox genes - development

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