The emergence of molecular gynecology: homeobox and Wnt genes in the female reproductive tract

Reproductive tissues respond to steroid hormones and thus are particularly vulnerable to the effects of exogenous steroid 'mimic' compounds (endocrine disrupters). One such endocrine disrupter, diethylstilbestrol (DES), is li nked to gynecological cancers and changes in uterine structure that reduce or completely abrogate reproductive competence. Until recently, little was known about the identity of target genes and signaling pathways involved in pathologies linked to endocrine disrupters such as DES, We outline genetic , cellular and molecular roles for patterning genes, with emphasis on homeo box and Wnt genes. There is evidence that changes in the expression of Wnt and homeogenes underlie many of the defects induced by DES, Data obtained f rom murine systems will likely apply to a broad spectrum of gynecological p athologies involving abnormal cell behaviors ranging from fibroids to malig nant tumors. Knowledge garnered from modern molecular genetics should lead to progress in the emerging field of molecular gynecology. (C) 2000 John Wi ley & Sons, Inc.