HOX gene expression is altered in the endometrium of women with endometriosis

TLDR

HOXA10 and HOXA11 are homeobox transcription factors essential for embryonic development and implantation, with analogous roles in human endometrium. The study aimed to examine HOX gene expression in the endometrium of women with endometriosis. Quantitative Northern blot analysis was performed on endometrial samples from 40 normal cycling controls and 40 endometriosis patients. Endometriosis patients failed to exhibit the expected mid‑luteal rise in HOX gene expression, suggesting that aberrant HOX expression may contribute to infertility.

Abstract

HOXA10 and HOXA11 are homeobox genes that function as transcription factors essential to embryonic development. We have recently described a role for each of these two genes in regulating endometrial development in the adult during the course of a menstrual cycle. Both Hoxa10 and Hoxa11 are essential for implantation in the mouse and appear to play a similar role in women. To investigate the role of HOX genes in the endometrium of women with endometriosis, quantitative Northern blot analysis was performed on the endometrium of 40 normal cycling controls and 40 patients with documented endometriosis. Patients with endometriosis failed to show the expected mid-luteal rise in HOX gene expression as demonstrated in the controls. Aberrant HOX gene expression suggests that altered development of the endometrium at the molecular level may contribute to the aetiology of infertility in patients with endometriosis.