Interplay between Misplaced Müllerian-Derived Stem Cells and Peritoneal Immune Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Figure 1

Hoxa and Wnt interplay mechanism. Hox—homeobox protein: this gene is part of the A cluster on chromosome 7 and encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor that may regulate gene expression, morphogenesis, and differentiation. More specifically, it may function in fertility, embryo viability, and regulation of hematopoietic lineage commitment. Wnt—wingless-type: this gene is involved in the development of the anterior-posterior axis in the female reproductive tract and also plays a critical role in uterine smooth muscle pattering and maintenance of adult uterine function. BMP—bone morphogenetic protein: the protein encoded by this gene is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family which is part of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. The superfamily includes large families of growth and differentiation factors. Please refer to chapters 5 (Role of Hoxa genes), 6 (Role of Wnt genes), and 7 (Hoxa and Wnt dynamic interplay) for extensive explanation.