Hox genes (HOX in humans), an evolutionary preserved gene family, are key determinants of embryonic development and cell memory gene program. Hox genes are organized in four clusters on four chromosomal loci aligned in 13 paralogous groups based on sequence homology (Hox gene network). During development Hox genes are transcribed, according to the rule of "spatio-temporal collinearity", with early regulators of anterior body regions located at the 3' end of each Hox cluster and the later regulators of posterior body regions placed at the distal 5' end. The onset of 3' Hox gene activation is determined by Wingless-type MMTV integration site family (Wnt) signaling, whereas 5' Hox activation is due to paralogous group 13 genes, which act as posterior-inhibitors of more anterior Hox proteins (posterior prevalence). Deregulation of HOX genes is associated with developmental abnormalities and different human diseases. Paralogous HOX13 genes (HOX A13, HOX B13, HOX C13 and HOX D13) also play a relevant role in tumor development and progression. In this review, we will discuss the role of paralogous HOX13 genes regarding their regulatory mechanisms during carcinogenesis and tumor progression and their use as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6562813 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cancers11050699 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
The hippocampus forms memories of our experiences by registering processed sensory information in coactive populations of excitatory principal cells or ensembles. Fast-spiking parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory neurons (PV INs) in the dentate gyrus (DG)-CA3/CA2 circuit contribute to memory encoding by exerting precise temporal control of excitatory principal cell activity through mossy fiber-dependent feed-forward inhibition. PV INs respond to input-specific information by coordinating changes in their intrinsic excitability, input-output synaptic-connectivity, synaptic-physiology and synaptic-plasticity, referred to here as experience-dependent PV IN plasticity, to influence hippocampal functions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSine oculis homeobox homolog family function in gastrointestinal cancer: Progression and comprehensive analysis.
World J Clin Oncol
January 2025
Department of The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China.
The sine oculis homeobox homolog (SIX) family, a group of transcription factors characterized by a conserved DNA-binding homology domain, plays a critical role in orchestrating embryonic development and organogenesis across various organisms, including humans. Comprising six distinct members, from to , each member contributes uniquely to the development and differentiation of diverse tissues and organs, underscoring the versatility of the SIX family. Dysregulation or mutations in genes have been implicated in a spectrum of developmental disorders, as well as in tumor initiation and progression, highlighting their pivotal role in maintaining normal developmental trajectories and cellular functions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Homeobox genes are highly conserved and play critical roles in brain development. Recently we have found that mammals have an additional fragment of approximately 20 amino acids in Emx1 and a poly-(Ala)6-7 in Emx2, compared to other amniotes. It has been shown that Emx1 and Emx2 have synergistic actions in the brain development.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Homeobox Transcription Factor NKX3.1 Displays an Oncogenic Role in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells.
Cancers (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Cancer Biology, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Stritch School of Medicine Health Sciences Division, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South First Avenue Building 112, Room 205, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
Background/objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. The increase in incidence rates of more advanced and aggressive forms of the disease year-to-year fuels urgency to find new therapeutic interventions and bolster already established ones. PCa is a uniquely targetable disease in that it is fueled by male hormones (androgens) that drive tumorigenesis via the androgen receptor or AR.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe HOX Gene Family's Role as Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarkers in Hematological and Solid Tumors.
Cancers (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
The HOX gene family encodes for regulatory transcription factors that play a crucial role in embryogenesis and differentiation of adult cells. This highly conserved family of genes consists of thirty-nine genes in humans that are located in four clusters, A-D, on different chromosomes. While early studies on the HOX gene family have been focused on embryonic development and its related disorders, research has shifted to examine aberrant expression of HOX genes and the subsequent implication in cancer prediction and progression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!