Francesco J. DeMayo, Ph.D.
Cell Biology
Identifying the key to the "Window of Receptivity" for embryo implantation
Francesco DeMayo, Ph.D., received the award for his research identifying the molecular
mechanisms regulating the ability of the uterus to support embryo implantation.
It has been long known through in vivo and in vitro studies that steroid hormones
regulation of uterine function by regulating communication between the epithelial
and stroma compartments of the endometrium. However, molecular mediator(s) for this
cellular cross talk have not been elucidated. Using microarray analysis Dr. DeMayo
identified the morphogen Indian hedgehog (Ihh), as progesterone regulated gene expressed
in the pre-implantation mouse uterus and a potential candidate for this function.
In order to investigate the role of Ihh in the uterus, Dr. DeMayo’s lab, in collaboration
the lab of Dr. John Lydon, generated a new and novel mouse model which allowed for
the conditional ablation of genes in female reproductive tissues. Using this innovative
experimental approachIhh was show to mediate the communication between the uterine
epithelium and stroma which is required to regulate the ability of the uterus to
support embryo attachment and implantation. This research has identified the molecular
mechanisms regulating the “window of receptivity” for embryo implantation. Using
this approach Dr. DeMayo has opened up the field of both murine and human endometrial
biology and these investigations will uncover both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches
to treating women’s disease of the uterus such as infertility, endometriosis and
endometrial cancer.
Dr. DeMayo’s nomination was based on the following publications:
Jeong JW, Lee KY, Kwak I, White LD, Hilsenbeck SG, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ."
Identification of murine uterine genes regulated in a ligand-dependent manner by
the progesterone receptor. ". Endocrinology. 2005 Aug;146(8):3490-505. Epub
2005 Apr 21.
Jeong JW, Kwak I, Lee KY, White LD, Wang XP, Brunicardi FC, O'Malley BW, DeMayo
FJ. "
The genomic analysis of the impact of steroid receptor coactivators ablation on
hepatic metabolism. ". Mol Endocrinol. 2006 May;20(5):1138-52.
Lee K, Jeong J, Kwak I, Yu CT, Lanske B, Soegiarto DW, Toftgard R, Tsai MJ, Tsai
S, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ "
Indian hedgehog is a major mediator of progesterone signaling in the mouse uterus.
". Nat Genet. 2006 Oct;38(10):1204-9.