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The Role of HOX Genes in Human Implantation
Author(s) -
EUN KWON HYE,
TAYLOR HUGH S.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1335.001
Subject(s) - hox gene , endometrium , blastocyst , embryo , andrology , biology , embryogenesis , gene , embryonic stem cell , gene expression , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , endocrinology , genetics
A bstract : 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.