Wnt genes and endocrine disruption of the female reproductive tract: a genetic approach

Reproductive tract development and function is regulated by circulating ste roid hormones. In the mammalian female reproductive tract, estrogenic compo unds direct many aspects of cytodifferentiation including uterine gland for mation, smooth muscle morphology, and epithelial differentiation. While it is clear that these hormones act through their cognate nuclear receptors, i t is less clear what signaling events follow hormonal stimulation that gove rn cytodifferentiation. Recent advances in molecular embryology and cancer cell biology have identified the Wnt family of secreted signaling molecules . Discussed here are recent advances that point to a definitive role during uterine development and adult function for one member of the Wnt gene fami ly, Wnt-7a. In addition, recent data is reviewed that implicates Wnt-7a der egulation in response to pre-natal exposure to the synthetic estrogenic com pound, DES. These advances point to an important role for the Wnt gene fami ly in various reproductive tract pathologies including cancer. (C) 1999 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.