Hugh Taylor, MD
Anita O'Keeffe Young Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyCards
Additional Titles
Chair, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
Chief , Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale New Haven Hospital
Administrative Support
Publications Overview
- 63 Publications
- 3,507 Citations
- 22 Yale Co-Authors
Additional Titles
Chair, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
Chief , Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale New Haven Hospital
Administrative Support
Publications Overview
- 63 Publications
- 3,507 Citations
- 22 Yale Co-Authors
Additional Titles
Chair, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
Chief , Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale New Haven Hospital
Administrative Support
Publications Overview
- 63 Publications
- 3,507 Citations
- 22 Yale Co-Authors
About
Titles
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
Biography
Dr. Taylor is the Anita O'Keeffe Young Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He is also Professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology at Yale University. His clinical interests include IVF, infertility, endometriosis, implantation, menopause, uterine anomalies and Asherman's syndrome.
Dr. Hugh Taylor received his undergraduate training at Yale University and received his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale. His postdoctoral training included a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as a fellowship in Molecular Biology, both at Yale.
Dr. Taylor is a board certified specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology. His clinical research centers on endometriosis and fibroids. His basic science research focuses on uterine development, endometriosis, endocrine disruption, and on stem cells. He is a recipient of ten National Institutes of Health research grants and directs The Yale Center for Reproductive Biology. Dr. Taylor has published more than 400 articles and in leading medical journals. He has served as president of the Society for Reproductive Investigation and president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in 2021. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.
Appointments
Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
ChairDualObstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
ProfessorPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
- Diabetes Research Center
- Discovery to Cure Internship
- Endometriosis Program
- Fertility Center
- Fertility Preservation Program
- Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics
- Improving Clinical Care for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
- In Vitro Fertilization Program
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Development
- Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
- Perimenopausal & Menopausal Therapy Program
- Pituitary Program
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
- Reproductive Physiology Group
- Reproductive Sciences
- Taylor Lab
- Yale Center for Genomic Health
- Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS)
- Yale Medicine
- Yale Stem Cell Center
- Yale Ventures
- Yale WRHR Advisory Committee
Education & Training
- Fellow
- Yale University School of Medicine (1998)
- Fellow
- Yale University School of Medicine (1996)
- Resident
- Yale-New Haven Hospital (1992)
- MD
- University of Connecticut (1988)
- BA
- Yale University, Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (1983)
Research
Overview
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
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Research at a Glance
Yale Co-Authors
Publications Timeline
Research Interests
Nina Stachenfeld, PhD
Yuping Zhou
Heping Zhang, PhD
Da Li
Hao Huang, MD, MPH
Jeffrey Bender, MD
Endometriosis
Publications
2024
Women with endometriosis in the United States: National Survey of Family Growth, 2011–2019
Al-Lami R, Taha S, Jalloul R, Taylor H. Women with endometriosis in the United States: National Survey of Family Growth, 2011–2019. Journal Of Endometriosis And Uterine Disorders 2024, 8: 100081. DOI: 10.1016/j.jeud.2024.100081.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNational Survey of Family GrowthAssociated with infertilityFamily GrowthRates of functional impairmentQuality of lifeNational surveyWeighted prevalencePrevalence of infertilityPain associated with endometriosisLongitudinal population-based studyAssociated with endometriosisPrevalence of endometriosisFunctional impairmentNationally representative samplePopulation-based studyDiminished quality of lifeLogistic regression analysisSample of womenCross-sectional studyCharacteristics of womenInfertile womenEndometriosisReproductive factorsU.S. womenAnalytic sampleTET3-overexpressing macrophages promote endometriosis
Lv H, Liu B, Dai Y, Li F, Bellone S, Zhou Y, Mamillapalli R, Zhao D, Venkatachalapathy M, Hu Y, Carmichael G, Li D, Taylor H, Huang Y. TET3-overexpressing macrophages promote endometriosis. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2024 PMID: 39141428, DOI: 10.1172/jci181839.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricConceptsDisease-associated macrophagesTET3 overexpressionHuman endometriosis lesionsPathophysiology of endometriosisPro-inflammatory cytokine productionChronic inflammatory diseaseReproductive age womenEndometriosis lesionsE3 ubiquitin ligasePathogenic macrophagesCytokine productionEndometriosisInflammatory diseasesTET3 knockdownEndometriosis progressionPathogenic contributorsLet-7 miRNA expressionAge womenMacrophagesMouse macrophagesTherapeutic targetUbiquitin ligaseTET3MiceDiseaseIs There an Association Between Endometriosis, Early Menopause, and Cardiovascular Disease?
Younis J, Taylor H. Is There an Association Between Endometriosis, Early Menopause, and Cardiovascular Disease? The Journal Of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2024, dgae508. PMID: 39083665, DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae508.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsEarly menopauseEndometriotic cystectomyNatural menopauseCardiovascular riskCardiovascular diseaseEndometriosis-associated pelvic painIncreased risk of cardiovascular diseaseLaparoscopically diagnosed endometriosisRisk of cardiovascular diseaseEarly natural menopauseLarge-scale cohort studyPelvic painOvarian reserveBilateral casesMenopause onsetMultiple surgeriesEndometriosisCohort studyHazard ratioIncreased riskMenopauseCystectomyRisk factorsEstimates of associationConfounding factorsMedical Management of Endometriosis in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Review of 91 Cases of Biopsy-Confirmed Endometriosis
Li H, Esencan E, Song Y, Taylor H, Cho Y, Vash-Margita A. Medical Management of Endometriosis in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Review of 91 Cases of Biopsy-Confirmed Endometriosis. Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology Canada 2024, 46: 102562. PMID: 38759792, DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2024.102562.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCombined oral contraceptivesBiopsy-proven endometriosisLNG-IUDManagement of endometriosisOral progestinInitial treatmentRetrospective chart review of womenChart review of womenMedical management of endometriosisProgestin-only formulationsLevonorgestrel intrauterine deviceReview of womenRetrospective chart reviewYoung adult patientsTertiary hospital systemPelvic painIntrauterine deviceOral contraceptivesTreatment regimensYounger patientsAdult patientsHormonal managementEndometriosisTreatment planningCurrent treatmentThe impact of ovarian endometrioma and endometriotic cystectomy on anti-Müllerian hormone, and antral follicle count: a contemporary critical appraisal of systematic reviews
Younis J, Taylor H. The impact of ovarian endometrioma and endometriotic cystectomy on anti-Müllerian hormone, and antral follicle count: a contemporary critical appraisal of systematic reviews. Frontiers In Endocrinology 2024, 15: 1397279. PMID: 38800489, PMCID: PMC11116636, DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1397279.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntral follicle countModerate to high-quality evidenceEndometriotic cystectomyOvarian reserveOvarian reserve measuresAnti-Mullerian hormoneLevel of evidenceOvarian endometriomaHigh-quality evidenceFollicle countImpact of ovarian endometriomasReproductive ageSystematic reviewEndometrioma per seImpact of endometriomaReserve measurementsSerum anti-Mullerian hormoneMonths post-surgeryBiomarker of choiceMeta-analysesEndometrioma diameterOvarian cystectomyComprehensive scoring systemBilateral casesUnilateral casesBone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes shuttle microRNAs to endometrial stromal fibroblasts that promote tissue proliferation /regeneration/ and inhibit differentiation
Bonavina G, Mamillapalli R, Krikun G, Zhou Y, Gawde N, Taylor H. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes shuttle microRNAs to endometrial stromal fibroblasts that promote tissue proliferation /regeneration/ and inhibit differentiation. Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2024, 15: 129. PMID: 38693588, PMCID: PMC11064399, DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03716-1.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsMiR-100-5pMiR-100MiR-21Transmission electron microscopyMiR-143MiR-143-3pMiR-21-5pEndometrial stromal fibroblastsStromal fibroblastsMicroRNAsExtracellular vesiclesElectron microscopyCell-free regenerative therapyNanoparticle tracking analysisMiRNAsBone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomesBone marrow-derived stem cellsMesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomesStem cell-derived exosomesDelivery of microRNAsMarrow-derived stem cellsAssociated with several signaling pathwaysMediators of tissue repairMethodsExtracellular vesiclesUnpaired t-testLinzagolix therapy versus a placebo in patients with endometriosis-associated pain: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 study (EDELWEISS 3)
Donnez J, Becker C, Taylor H, Herrera F, Donnez O, Horne A, Paszkowski M, Petraglia F, Renner S, Patel A, Boolell M, Bestel E, Dolmans M. Linzagolix therapy versus a placebo in patients with endometriosis-associated pain: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 study (EDELWEISS 3). Human Reproduction 2024, 39: 1208-1221. PMID: 38648863, PMCID: PMC11144970, DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae076.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricConceptsNon-menstrual pelvic painAdd-back therapyEndometriosis-associated painPelvic painMonths of therapyPhase 3 studyGedeon RichterData monitoring boardDaily doseStatistically significant reductionPlacebo groupDouble-blindRoche DiagnosticsTreatment of endometriosis-associated painHormonal add-back therapyRates of hot flushesReduce dysmenorrheaGonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonistRisk of bone lossDATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT:Overall pelvic painPublished phase 2Hypoestrogenic side effectsMonitoring boardCompared to placeboAuthors’ Reply
Group T, Canis M, Abbott J, Abrao M, Al-Jefout M, Bedaiwy M, Benagiano G, Burns K, Carmona F, Chapron C, Critchley H, de Ziegler D, Falcone T, Fazleabas A, Ferrero S, Garcia-Velasco J, Gargett C, Greaves E, Griffith L, Habiba M, Harada T, Hull M, Kaufman Y, Issacson K, Khan K, Kim M, Koninckx P, Lessey B, Martin D, Matsuzaki S, Mishra G, Osuga Y, Petraglia F, Popov A, Roman H, Romano A, Seckin T, Saounders P, Somigliana E, Guo S, Taylor H, Vercellini P, Vigano P, Johnson N. Authors’ Reply. Journal Of Minimally Invasive Gynecology 2024, 31: 624-626. PMID: 38641049, DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2024.04.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchHeterozygous ZNHIT3 variants within the 17q12 recurrent deletion region are associated with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster Hauser (MRKH) syndrome
Brakta S, Du Q, Chorich L, Hawkins Z, Sullivan M, Ko E, Kim H, Knight J, Taylor H, Friez M, Phillips J, Layman L. Heterozygous ZNHIT3 variants within the 17q12 recurrent deletion region are associated with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Molecular And Cellular Endocrinology 2024, 589: 112237. PMID: 38599276, DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112237.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCNV regionsDetect intragenic deletionsSingle nucleotide variantsRecurrent deletion regionsC-terminal regionSequencing of familiesGenome sequenceNucleotide variantsProtein expression in vitroLXXLL sequenceMissense variantsDeleted regionChromosome 17q12Exome sequencingGenetic approachesIntragenic deletionsTruncating variantsSanger sequencingSplice variantsMolecular basisHeterozygous variantsStopgain variantsZNHIT3Steroid hormone bindingExpression in vitroHigh NaCl Concentrations in Water Are Associated with Developmental Abnormalities and Altered Gene Expression in Zebrafish
Seli D, Prendergast A, Ergun Y, Tyagi A, Taylor H. High NaCl Concentrations in Water Are Associated with Developmental Abnormalities and Altered Gene Expression in Zebrafish. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences 2024, 25: 4104. PMID: 38612913, PMCID: PMC11012806, DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074104.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsNaCl concentrationGene expressionIncreasing NaCl concentrationATM signaling pathwayUninflated swim bladderSwim bladder developmentHigh NaCl concentrationsEmbryo growthAssociated with developmental abnormalitiesSwim bladderLarval stageEarly embryo growthEmbryonic deathDevelopmental abnormalitiesSignaling pathwayDevelopment of zebrafishGenes SHHCalcium chlorideGenesSodium chlorideE3 mediumStages of developmentZebrafish embryosAffected ecosystemsPotassium chloride
Clinical Trials
Current Trials
Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cells Mobilization for treatment of Asherman's syndrome, Atrophic endometrium, and Recurrent implantation failure
HIC ID2000026217RolePrincipal InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date04/30/2023Recruiting ParticipantsGenderFemaleAge18 years - 40 yearsFibroids and Unexplained Infertility Treatment with Epigallocatechin Gallate; A Natural CompounD in Green Tea (FRIEND)
HIC ID2000032075RolePrincipal InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date05/31/2025Recruiting ParticipantsHealthy women and women with Endometriosis volunteers needed
HIC ID2000022193RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date08/30/2025Recruiting ParticipantsGenderFemaleAge18 years - 45 yearsPre-IVF Treatment With a GnRH Antagonist in Women With Endometriosis (PREGnant)
HIC ID2000027121RolePrincipal InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date09/30/2024Recruiting ParticipantsGenderFemaleAge18 years - 38 yearsEndoGene
HIC ID2000025275RolePrincipal InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date06/30/2025Recruiting Participants
Academic Achievements and Community Involvement
honor Elected Member
National AwardAssociation of American PhysiciansDetails03/08/2024United Statesactivity President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Professional OrganizationsPresidentDetails03/02/2020 - 01/01/2021honor Distinguished Scientist Award
International AwardSociety for Gynecologic InvestigationDetails02/02/2020United Statesactivity President of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation
Professional OrganizationsPresidentDetails03/08/2017 - 03/14/2018honor National Academy of Medicine
International AwardDetails06/15/2016United States
Clinical Care
Overview
Hugh S. Taylor, MD, chair of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, is internationally known for his studies on endometriosis. He combines the latest medical therapies with surgeries when needed to provide optimal care for women with pain or infertility related to endometriosis, a common, painful condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus.
“It’s a fascinating, but troubling disease. We don’t know what causes the lining of the uterus to grow outside it, but we’re doing research to find out why,” Dr. Taylor says. “Women can go 10 years before they are diagnosed, and we are doing a lot to speed that up.”
Another specialized condition for which Dr. Taylor receives referrals from around the country is for women with a very thin endometrium, which makes embryo implantation difficult. “These women aren’t getting pregnant, and we think the problem is not the eggs or the embryo, but that the uterus isn’t receptive to those embryos,” explains Dr. Taylor.
Complicated medical problems and the opportunity to truly help patients drew Dr. Taylor to obstetrics and gynecology. “There are so many unsolved problems that affect people from birth through the rest of their life. If you can make an impact during pregnancy or around the time of birth, you can change the whole trajectory of someone’s life,” he says. “It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to make such a difference.”
Dr. Taylor has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the nation’s highest honors in the fields of health and medicine. He is an active researcher and has been funded by the National Institutes of Health continuously for more than 20 years. A professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences; and of molecular, cellular and development biology at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Taylor is also chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Clinical Specialties
Fact Sheets
Female Infertility
Learn More on Yale MedicineMenopause
Learn More on Yale MedicineSurrogacy
Learn More on Yale MedicineEndometriosis
Learn More on Yale Medicine
Board Certifications
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
- Certification Organization
- AB of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Latest Certification Date
- 2020
- Original Certification Date
- 2002
Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Certification Organization
- AB of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Latest Certification Date
- 2020
- Original Certification Date
- 1999
Yale Medicine News
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News
- August 14, 2024Source: Yale News
Researchers Find a Way to Target the Inflammation of Endometriosis
- July 25, 2024
Yale Ob/Gyn-Yale New Haven Hospital Ranks, Again, as a Top Provider
- July 11, 2024
Women’s Health Research at Yale Announces 2024 Pilot Project Program Awards
- July 01, 2024
2024 Ob/Gyn Research and Graduation Day
Get In Touch
Contacts
Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
PO Box 208063
New Haven, CT 06520-8063
United States
Administrative Support
Locations
Patient Care Locations
Are You a Patient? View this doctor's clinical profile on the Yale Medicine website for information about the services we offer and making an appointment.
Events
Everyone Eric Winer, MD - Hugh Taylor, MD - Kutluk Oktay, MD, PhD, FACOG - Katherine Rotker, MD - Maryam Lustberg, MD, MPH - Asher Marks, MD - Aydin Arici, MD - Rozalyn Levine Rodwin, MD - Layla Van Doren, MD, MBA - Lakshmanan Krishnamurti, MD - Veda Giri, MD - Nancy Borstelmann