The role of HOX genes in the development and function of the female reproductive tract

HOX genes are a family of regulatory genes that encode transcription factor s and are essential during embryonic development. These genes are highly co nserved between species such that all metazoans possess a common genetic sy stem for embryonic patterning. This system is conserved in the reproductive tract, where HOX genes are involved in the development of the mullerian sy stem. The reproductive tract is unusual in that HOX genes continue to be ex pressed in the adult. HOX genes are essential both for appropriate reproduc tive tract development and for adult function. This article reviews the rol e 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 th e adult function of the reproductive tract, specifically evidence that HOX genes are important for human endometrial development and receptivity.