Homeobox Protein A11 (HOXA11)

HOXA11 is part of the A cluster on chromosome 7 and encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor which may regulate gene expression, morphogenesis, and differentiation. This gene is involved in the regulation of uterine development and is required for female fertility. Mutations in this gene can cause radio-ulnar synostosis with amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia.Hoxa11 increased collagen III expression and decreased Mmp2 expression.The findings were consistent with a pathway of extracellular matrix metabolism involving HOX11A, COL3A1, and MMP2.HOXA11 is essential for the development of the uterosacral ligaments, and suggested that women with pelvic organ prolapse may have weakened connective tissue due to changes in this signaling pathway.