Homeobox (HOX) Genes

Homeobox (HOX) genes encode a group of homeodomain-containing transcription factors. This gene family was initially described in Drosophila melanogaster, where it was shown to control segmental patterning during development. Homeodomains are also found in genes other than the HOX family, including transcription factors involved in developmental processes such as pluripotency and differentiation. In mammalian genomes, HOX genes are encoded from 4 clusters and are expressed in a temporal manner during development. In addition, the spatial developmental control of a particular HOX gene depends on its location within its cluster. Recently, their importance has been reemphasized by stem cell and cancer researchers. HOX genes have been identified as oncogenes as well as tumor suppressor genes, depending on the specific cancer under study. HOX gene dysregulation can also affect biological processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, and signal transduction during oncogenesis.

QIAGEN provides a broad range of assay technologies for homeobox gene research that enables analysis of gene expression and regulation, epigenetic modification, genotyping, and signal transduction pathway activation. Solutions optimized for homeobox gene studies include PCR array, miRNA, siRNA, mutation analysis, pathway reporter, chromatin IP, DNA methylation, and protein expression products.