Hugh Taylor, MD
Anita O'Keeffe Young Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology; Chair, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences; Chief , Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale New Haven Hospital
Research & Publications
Biography
News
Extensive Research Description
Endometriosis is characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrium outside of the uterus. It is a common and debilitating disease, causing pain or infertility in approximately 10% of reproductive age women. We have identified several novel mechanisms that lead to and regulate this disease. Our group has demonstrated a role for stem cells, epigenetics and micro RNA in this disease. We have also identified several novel markers of endometriosis and therapies to treat the disease.
Endometrial renewal in each menstrual cycle depends on a small pool of tissue-specific stem cells. These endogenous stem cells allow the rapid regeneration of the endometrium necessary to support pregnancy. My laboratory continues to explore the role of adult stem cells from the endometrium and their role in pathophysiology. We were the first to identify an exogenous source of stem cells that contribute to endometrial regeneration. Bone marrow and other tissues contribute stem cells to the circulation that can engraft and repair the uterus; these cells have proven to be useful in the treatment of Asherman’s syndrome in an animal model. Further, some of these cells remain as multipotent stem cells in the uterine endometrium and can be readily obtained in a simple office biopsy. The cells display remarkable plasticity and we have been able to differentiate them into insulin producing cells, neuronal cells, cartilage as well as other cell types. We have used these differentiated cells in regenerative medicine and have demonstrated their effectiveness in animal models of diseases including diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.
The laboratory also studies uterine development. We were the first to describe the molecular mechanism by which the Mullerian duct differentiates into different components of the adult female reproductive track. Differential expression of HOX genes directs segments of the Mullerian duct to take on distinct developmental identities, resulting in the axial differentiation of the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina. Perturbation of this process leads to uterine developmental anomalies and infertility. We have examined the role of endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) and diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the developing female reproductive system. These agents and other environmental estrogens disturb the axial patterning of the female reproductive tract altering development and adult reproductive performance. We have demonstrated that this is largely accomplished by epigenetic reprogramming driven by these compounds.
Many of the same genes that are used in uterine development are subsequently used in cyclic endometrial development in adults. We have characterized the role of HOXA10 in endometrial development and receptivity to embryo implantation. This gene is required for fertility and abnormally expressed in several forms of infertility, leading to failed implantation and pregnancy loss.
We also conduct clinical and translational work on the menopause. We have a particular interest in the effects of menopausal hormone therapies on the endometrium.
Reproductive endocrinology; Discovery to cure
Coauthors
Research Interests
Endometriosis
Selected Publications
- The impact of air pollution and endocrine disruptors on reproduction and assisted reproductionSeli D, Taylor H. The impact of air pollution and endocrine disruptors on reproduction and assisted reproduction. Current Opinion In Obstetrics & Gynecology 2023, 35: 210-215. PMID: 36924404, DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000868.
- Effects of androgen excess and body mass index on endothelial function in women with polycystic ovary syndromeBerbrier D, Leone C, Adler T, Bender J, Taylor H, Stachenfeld N, Usselman C. Effects of androgen excess and body mass index on endothelial function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal Of Applied Physiology 2023, 134: 868-878. PMID: 36861670, DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00583.2022.
- Problems in evaluating the health impacts of radio frequency radiationBen Ishai P, Davis D, Taylor H, Birnbaum L. Problems in evaluating the health impacts of radio frequency radiation. Environmental Research 2023, 243: 115038. PMID: 36863648, DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115038.
- Clinical applications of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues: a broad impact on reproductive medicineSaleh F, Taylor H. Clinical applications of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues: a broad impact on reproductive medicine. F&S Reports 2023, 4: 83-87. PMID: 37223759, PMCID: PMC10201293, DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.01.008.
- Wireless technologies, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and children: Identifying and reducing health risksDavis D, Birnbaum L, Ben-Ishai P, Taylor H, Sears M, Butler T, Scarato T. Wireless technologies, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and children: Identifying and reducing health risks. Current Problems In Pediatric And Adolescent Health Care 2023, 53: 101374. PMID: 36935315, DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374.
- Assessing the Hepatic Safety of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) in Reproductive-Aged WomenSiblini H, Al-Hendy A, Segars J, González F, Taylor H, Singh B, Flaminia A, Flores V, Christman G, Huang H, Johnson J, Zhang H. Assessing the Hepatic Safety of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) in Reproductive-Aged Women. Nutrients 2023, 15: 320. PMID: 36678191, PMCID: PMC9861948, DOI: 10.3390/nu15020320.
- Linzagolix With and Without Hormonal Add-Back Therapy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids: Two Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 TrialsDonnez J, Taylor H, Stewart E, Bradley L, Marsh E, Archer D, Al-Hendy A, Petraglia F, Watts N, Gotteland J, Bestel E, Terrill P, Loumaye E, Humberstone A, Garner E. Linzagolix With and Without Hormonal Add-Back Therapy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids: Two Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Trials. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 2022, 77: 741-742. DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000001113.
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonists Revolutionizing GynecologyEsencan E, Taylor H. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonists Revolutionizing Gynecology. Obstetrics And Gynecology 2022, 140: 917-919. PMID: 36357969, DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005012.
- Risk of Repeat Laparoscopy Following Surgical Diagnosis of Endometriosis: Effects of Hysterectomy, Oophorectomy, & Psychiatric DiseasePondugula N, Sayeed S, de Queiroz Campos G, Li H, Taylor H, Cho Y. Risk of Repeat Laparoscopy Following Surgical Diagnosis of Endometriosis: Effects of Hysterectomy, Oophorectomy, & Psychiatric Disease. Journal Of Minimally Invasive Gynecology 2022, 29: s36. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2022.09.118.
- Endometriosis-associated infertility: From pathophysiology to tailored treatmentBonavina G, Taylor H. Endometriosis-associated infertility: From pathophysiology to tailored treatment. Frontiers In Endocrinology 2022, 13: 1020827. PMID: 36387918, PMCID: PMC9643365, DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1020827.
- ASSESSMENT OF PATIENT-REPORTED PAIN RELIEF IN TREATED ENDOMETRIOSIS PATIENTS: FINDINGS FROM A REAL-WORLD STUDY IN THE UNITED STATESSurrey E, Xu Y, Frakes E, Scott M, Lee L, Piercy J, Taylor H. ASSESSMENT OF PATIENT-REPORTED PAIN RELIEF IN TREATED ENDOMETRIOSIS PATIENTS: FINDINGS FROM A REAL-WORLD STUDY IN THE UNITED STATES. Fertility And Sterility 2022, 118: e223-e224. DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.08.634.
- EFFECT OF MICRORNAS THAT ARE LINKED TO ENDOMETRIOSIS ON HEPATIC GENE EXPRESSIONMamillapalli R, Mangla A, Taylor H. EFFECT OF MICRORNAS THAT ARE LINKED TO ENDOMETRIOSIS ON HEPATIC GENE EXPRESSION. Fertility And Sterility 2022, 118: e8. DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.08.038.
- O-306 LINZAGOLIX FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS-ASSOCIATED PAIN: SAFETY RESULTS FROM EDELWEISS 3, A PHASE 3, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIALDonnez J, Taylor H, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Catherino W, Bestel E, Gotteland J, Humberstone A, Moore L, Garner E. O-306 LINZAGOLIX FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS-ASSOCIATED PAIN: SAFETY RESULTS FROM EDELWEISS 3, A PHASE 3, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL. Human Reproduction 2022, 37: deac105.103. DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac105.103.
- Fertilization and ImplantationArkfeld C, Taylor H. Fertilization and Implantation. 2022, 79-107. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99596-6_4.
- Endothelial (Dys)function in Women With Androgen Excess Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Effects of Body Composition and Ethinyl Estradiol SupplementationBerbrier D, Leone C, Adler T, Bender J, Taylor H, Stachenfeld N, Usselman C. Endothelial (Dys)function in Women With Androgen Excess Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Effects of Body Composition and Ethinyl Estradiol Supplementation. The FASEB Journal 2022, 36 DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.s1.0r847.
- Incidence of Alopecia in Treatment of Women With Uterine Fibroids: Results of Two Phase 3 Trials of Linzagolix [A104]Al-Hendy A, Taylor H, Catherino W, Stewart E, Bestel E, Garner E. Incidence of Alopecia in Treatment of Women With Uterine Fibroids: Results of Two Phase 3 Trials of Linzagolix [A104]. Obstetrics And Gynecology 2022, 139: 30s-30s. DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000826736.08037.1b.
- Quality of Life Improvements in Women with Uterine Fibroids: Results of Two Phase 3 Trials with Linzagolix [A107]Al-Hendy A, Bradley L, Taylor H, Catherino W, Humberstone A, Garner E. Quality of Life Improvements in Women with Uterine Fibroids: Results of Two Phase 3 Trials with Linzagolix [A107]. Obstetrics And Gynecology 2022, 139: 31s-31s. DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000826748.26150.66.
- Post-treatment Efficacy and Safety Follow-up in Women with Uterine Fibroids Treated for 52 Weeks With Linzagolix [A108]Taylor H, Donnez J, Bestel E, Humberstone A, Garner E. Post-treatment Efficacy and Safety Follow-up in Women with Uterine Fibroids Treated for 52 Weeks With Linzagolix [A108]. Obstetrics And Gynecology 2022, 139: 31s-32s. DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000826752.16466.97.
- Obesity and reproduction: a committee opinionMedicine P, Penzias A, Azziz R, Bendikson K, Falcone T, Hansen K, Hill M, Jindal S, Kalra S, Mersereau J, Reindollar R, Shannon C, Steiner A, Tanrikut C, Taylor H, Yauger B. Obesity and reproduction: a committee opinion. Fertility And Sterility 2021, 116: 1266-1285. PMID: 34583840, DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.08.018.
- ASSOCIATION BETWEEN URINARY TRICLOSAN LEVELS AND AGE OF MENARCHE: ANALYSES OF NHANES (2003-2016) DATABeroukhim G, Kayani J, Taylor H, Pal L. ASSOCIATION BETWEEN URINARY TRICLOSAN LEVELS AND AGE OF MENARCHE: ANALYSES OF NHANES (2003-2016) DATA. Fertility And Sterility 2021, 116: e406. DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.07.1084.
- Effects of Oral vs Transdermal Estrogen Therapy on Sexual Function in Early Postmenopause: Ancillary Study of the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS)Taylor HS, Tal A, Pal L, Li F, Black DM, Brinton EA, Budoff MJ, Cedars MI, Du W, Hodis HN, Lobo RA, Manson JE, Merriam GR, Miller VM, Naftolin F, Neal-Perry G, Santoro NF, Harman SM. Effects of Oral vs Transdermal Estrogen Therapy on Sexual Function in Early Postmenopause: Ancillary Study of the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS). JAMA Internal Medicine 2017, 177: 1471-1479. PMID: 28846767, PMCID: PMC5710212, DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.3877.
- Treatment of Endometriosis-Associated Pain with Elagolix, an Oral GnRH AntagonistTaylor HS, Giudice LC, Lessey BA, Abrao MS, Kotarski J, Archer DF, Diamond MP, Surrey E, Johnson NP, Watts NB, Gallagher JC, Simon JA, Carr BR, Dmowski WP, Leyland N, Rowan JP, Duan WR, Ng J, Schwefel B, Thomas JW, Jain RI, Chwalisz K. Treatment of Endometriosis-Associated Pain with Elagolix, an Oral GnRH Antagonist. New England Journal Of Medicine 2017, 377: 28-40. PMID: 28525302, DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1700089.
- A polymorphism in a let‐7 microRNA binding site of KRAS in women with endometriosisGrechukhina O, Petracco R, Popkhadze S, Massasa E, Paranjape T, Chan E, Flores I, Weidhaas JB, Taylor HS. A polymorphism in a let‐7 microRNA binding site of KRAS in women with endometriosis. EMBO Molecular Medicine 2012, 4: 206-217. PMID: 22307873, PMCID: PMC3376847, DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201100200.
- Novel Therapies Targeting EndometriosisTaylor HS, Osteen KG, Bruner-Tran KL, Lockwood CJ, Krikun G, Sokalska A, Duleba AJ. Novel Therapies Targeting Endometriosis. Reproductive Sciences 2011, 18: 814-823. PMID: 21693775, PMCID: PMC4046304, DOI: 10.1177/1933719111410713.
- Derivation of Insulin Producing Cells From Human Endometrial Stromal Stem Cells and Use in the Treatment of Murine DiabetesSantamaria X, Massasa EE, Feng Y, Wolff E, Taylor HS. Derivation of Insulin Producing Cells From Human Endometrial Stromal Stem Cells and Use in the Treatment of Murine Diabetes. Molecular Therapy 2011, 19: 2065-2071. PMID: 21878900, PMCID: PMC3222529, DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.173.
- Treatment with bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, causes regression of endometriosis in a mouse model.Kulak J, Fischer C, Komm B, Taylor HS. Treatment with bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, causes regression of endometriosis in a mouse model. Endocrinology 2011, 152: 3226-32. PMID: 21586552, PMCID: PMC3138238, DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1010.
- Endometrial stem cell transplantation restores dopamine production in a Parkinson’s disease modelWolff EF, Gao X, Yao KV, Andrews ZB, Du H, Elsworth JD, Taylor HS. Endometrial stem cell transplantation restores dopamine production in a Parkinson’s disease model. Journal Of Cellular And Molecular Medicine 2011, 15: 747-755. PMID: 20406327, PMCID: PMC2998585, DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2010.01068.x.
- Maternal Ghrelin Deficiency Compromises Reproduction in Female Progeny through Altered Uterine Developmental ProgrammingMartin JR, Lieber SB, McGrath J, Shanabrough M, Horvath TL, Taylor HS. Maternal Ghrelin Deficiency Compromises Reproduction in Female Progeny through Altered Uterine Developmental Programming. Endocrinology 2011, 152: 2060-2066. PMID: 21325042, PMCID: PMC3075930, DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1485.
- Cigarette smoke inhibits recruitment of bone-marrow-derived stem cells to the uterusZhou Y, Gan Y, Taylor HS. Cigarette smoke inhibits recruitment of bone-marrow-derived stem cells to the uterus. Reproductive Toxicology 2010, 31: 123-127. PMID: 20955787, PMCID: PMC3207965, DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.10.007.
- Implantation failure: molecular mechanisms and clinical treatmentCakmak H, Taylor HS. Implantation failure: molecular mechanisms and clinical treatment. Human Reproduction Update 2010, 17: 242-253. PMID: 20729534, PMCID: PMC3039220, DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmq037.
- Bisphenol‐A exposure in utero leads to epigenetic alterations in the developmental programming of uterine estrogen responseBromer JG, Zhou Y, Taylor MB, Doherty L, Taylor HS. Bisphenol‐A exposure in utero leads to epigenetic alterations in the developmental programming of uterine estrogen response. The FASEB Journal 2010, 24: 2273-2280. PMID: 20181937, PMCID: PMC3230522, DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-140533.
- WT1 represses HOX gene expression in the regulation of gynaecologic tumour histologic typeAndikyan V, Taylor HS. WT1 represses HOX gene expression in the regulation of gynaecologic tumour histologic type. Journal Of Cellular And Molecular Medicine 2009, 13: 4522-4531. PMID: 19017365, PMCID: PMC3107857, DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00574.x.
- Hypermethylation of Homeobox A10 by in Utero Diethylstilbestrol Exposure: An Epigenetic Mechanism for Altered Developmental ProgrammingBromer JG, Wu J, Zhou Y, Taylor HS. Hypermethylation of Homeobox A10 by in Utero Diethylstilbestrol Exposure: An Epigenetic Mechanism for Altered Developmental Programming. Endocrinology 2009, 150: 3376-3382. PMID: 19299448, PMCID: PMC2703508, DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0071.
- Experimental Murine Endometriosis Induces DNA Methylation and Altered Gene Expression in Eutopic Endometrium1Lee B, Du H, Taylor HS. Experimental Murine Endometriosis Induces DNA Methylation and Altered Gene Expression in Eutopic Endometrium1. Biology Of Reproduction 2008, 80: 79-85. PMID: 18799756, PMCID: PMC2804809, DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.070391.
- HOXA11 is critical for development and maintenance of uterosacral ligaments and deficient in pelvic prolapseConnell KA, Guess MK, Chen H, Andikyan V, Bercik R, Taylor HS. HOXA11 is critical for development and maintenance of uterosacral ligaments and deficient in pelvic prolapse. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2008, 118: 1050-1055. PMID: 18274672, PMCID: PMC2242622, DOI: 10.1172/jci34193.
- Demonstration of Multipotent Stem Cells in the Adult Human Endometrium by In Vitro ChondrogenesisWolff EF, Wolff AB, Hongling Du, Taylor HS. Demonstration of Multipotent Stem Cells in the Adult Human Endometrium by In Vitro Chondrogenesis. Reproductive Sciences 2007, 14: 524-533. PMID: 17959881, DOI: 10.1177/1933719107306896.
- Contribution of Bone Marrow‐Derived Stem Cells to Endometrium and EndometriosisDu H, Taylor HS. Contribution of Bone Marrow‐Derived Stem Cells to Endometrium and Endometriosis. Stem Cells 2007, 25: 2082-2086. PMID: 17464086, DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2006-0828.
- Differential Cell-Specific Modulation of HOXA10 by Estrogen and Specificity Protein 1 Response ElementsMartin R, Taylor MB, Krikun G, Lockwood C, Akbas GE, Taylor HS. Differential Cell-Specific Modulation of HOXA10 by Estrogen and Specificity Protein 1 Response Elements. The Journal Of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2007, 92: 1920-1926. PMID: 17311863, DOI: 10.1210/jc.2006-1694.
- Xenoestrogen exposure imprints expression of genes (Hoxa10) required for normal uterine developmentSmith CC, Taylor HS. Xenoestrogen exposure imprints expression of genes (Hoxa10) required for normal uterine development. The FASEB Journal 2006, 21: 239-246. PMID: 17093138, DOI: 10.1096/fj.06-6635com.
- Endometrial Cells Derived From Donor Stem Cells in Bone Marrow Transplant RecipientsTaylor HS. Endometrial Cells Derived From Donor Stem Cells in Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients. JAMA 2004, 292: 81-85. PMID: 15238594, DOI: 10.1001/jama.292.1.81.
- Transcriptional Repression of Peri-Implantation EMX2 Expression in Mammalian Reproduction by HOXA10Troy PJ, Daftary GS, Bagot CN, Taylor HS. Transcriptional Repression of Peri-Implantation EMX2 Expression in Mammalian Reproduction by HOXA10. Molecular And Cellular Biology 2003, 23: 1-13. PMID: 12482956, PMCID: PMC140663, DOI: 10.1128/mcb.23.1.1-13.2003.
Clinical Trials
| Conditions | Study Title |
|---|---|
| Diseases of the Cardiovascular System; Mental Health & Behavioral Research; Women's Health | Healthy women and women with Endometriosis volunteers needed |
| Women's Health | Pre-IVF Treatment With a GnRH Antagonist in Women With Endometriosis (PREGnant) |
| Other Endocrine System; Other Female Genital | Endometrium and Metabolism |
| Women's Health | Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cells Mobilization for treatment of Asherman's syndrome, Atrophic endometrium, and Recurrent implantation failure |
| EndoGene | |
| Women's Health | Fibroids and Unexplained Infertility Treatment with Epigallocatechin Gallate; A Natural CompounD in Green Tea (FRIEND) |