Homeobox, or HOX genes are genes that determine organ and limb formation during early embryonic development. Frances R. Goodman writes in Limb Malformations and the Human HOX Genes that humans have 39 HOX genes that are organized into four clusters that have their own roles in the development of the central nervous system, axial skeleton, genitalia, and limbs. HOX genes were first discovered through mutation in fruit flies, which led to further research with HOX genes in other vertebrates. The studies of HOX genes can lead to discoveries and to the identities of human malformations associated with them. According to Shane C. Quinonez and Jeffrey W. Innis in Human HOX gene Disorders, HOX genes can act as both tumor growth suppressors or as enhancers thus leading to developmental disorders. Synpolydactyly, autism, pure hair and nail ectodermal dysplasia syndrome, and ovarian cancer are all linked to HOX gene mutations.
HOX genes were first recognized through mutations in fruit flies. Mo Costandi comments in her article The Role …show more content…
The author of an article on Autism Speaks summarizes a research project conducted by Dr. Patricia Rodier and her colleagues Dr. Christopher Stodgell and Roland D. Ciaranello on the study of autistic children. They specifically studied the HOXA1 gene. This gene is present in early brain development. The researches found that there was a variant in the HOXA1 gene and that this was the first variant in any mammalian species. To test whether or not the HOXA1 gene directly correlated with autism the researchers ran a study. They studied the transmission rates of the gene in affected and unaffected children with autism and compared them with the genes of their parents. The results concluded that a high increase in the transmission of the gene to affected offspring proved that HOXA1 does play a role in autism or is at least an autism susceptible
HOX genes were first recognized through mutations in fruit flies. Mo Costandi comments in her article The Role …show more content…
The author of an article on Autism Speaks summarizes a research project conducted by Dr. Patricia Rodier and her colleagues Dr. Christopher Stodgell and Roland D. Ciaranello on the study of autistic children. They specifically studied the HOXA1 gene. This gene is present in early brain development. The researches found that there was a variant in the HOXA1 gene and that this was the first variant in any mammalian species. To test whether or not the HOXA1 gene directly correlated with autism the researchers ran a study. They studied the transmission rates of the gene in affected and unaffected children with autism and compared them with the genes of their parents. The results concluded that a high increase in the transmission of the gene to affected offspring proved that HOXA1 does play a role in autism or is at least an autism susceptible