Hongling Du

Bone marrow derived cells engraft to the uterine endometrium and contribute to endometriosis. The mechanism by which these cells are mobilized and directed to the endometrium has not been previously characterized. We demonstrate that human …

HOX genes convey positional identity that leads to the proper partitioning and adult identity of the female reproductive track. Abnormalities in reproductive tract development can be caused by HOX gene mutations or altered HOX gene expressi…

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the latest developments in reproductive tract stem cell biology. RECENT FINDINGS: In 2004, two studies indicated that ovaries contain stem cells which form oocytes in adults and that can be cultured in vitro in…

Several recent findings in stem cell biology have resulted in new opportunities for the treatment of reproductive disease. Endometrial regeneration can be driven by bone marrow derived stem cells. This finding has potential implications for…

Calpains have been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis. Here, we identified Calpain5 as a target of HOXA10 transcriptional regulation in endometrial cells as well as its aberrant regulation in endometriosis. Histologically confirmed b…

The eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis demonstrates diminished endometrial receptivity and altered gene expression. It is unknown if the endometrium being defective gives rise to a predisposition toward endometriosis and infert…

Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) can differentiate into nonhematopoietic cells, suggesting that BMDCs may contribute to the maintenance of multiple tissues. Donor-derived bone marrow cells have been identified in human uterine endometrium.…