Homeobox, also known as HOX genes, are genes that determine organ and limb formation during early embryonic development. Frances R. Goodman writes in his article “Limb Malformations and the Human HOX Genes” that humans have 39 HOX genes which are organized into four clusters. They have their own roles in the development of the central nervous system, axial skeleton, genitalia, and limbs. The study of HOX genes can lead to the identities of a number of human malformations. According to Shane C. Quinonez and Jeffrey W. Innis’ article “Human HOX Gene Disorders,” HOX genes can act as both tumor growth suppressors and enhancers that lead to a variety of developmental disorders. Synpolydactyly, autism, pure hair and nail ectodermal dysplasia syndrome,
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The specific HOX genes help decipher the particular identity of the cancer cells. In the Journal of Ovarian Research, Zoe L. Kelley describes that during the early stages of development of the reproductive system, four HOX genes are needed. She further explains the specifics of each HOX gene’s purpose. HOXA9 controls growth of the fallopian tubes, HOXA10 controls the growth of the uterus, HOXA11 controls growth of the lower uterine segment and cervix, and HOXA13 controls growth of the upper segment of the vagina. If any one of these genes is not expressed correctly during the early stages of development, then this could be the first step in a malformation. Kelley, however, continues to explain that the gene HOXB7, which is a protein-coding gene, may be a greater tribute to the growth of the cancer itself. The over-expression of HOXB7 in OSE, or ovarian surface epithelial cells, is proven to upset the fibroblast growth. Kelly then goes on to explain an experiment performed to test the invasive properties of HOXB7. This particular study was conducted in 2006 by Yoriko Yamashita, an associate professor at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, using SKOV-3, which over-expressed the gene. The results concluded that HOXB7 does indeed have a cancer cell invasion quality when mutated. By being able to pinpoint one of the genes leading to this particular cancer, scientists can better understand where and why this mutation
The specific HOX genes help decipher the particular identity of the cancer cells. In the Journal of Ovarian Research, Zoe L. Kelley describes that during the early stages of development of the reproductive system, four HOX genes are needed. She further explains the specifics of each HOX gene’s purpose. HOXA9 controls growth of the fallopian tubes, HOXA10 controls the growth of the uterus, HOXA11 controls growth of the lower uterine segment and cervix, and HOXA13 controls growth of the upper segment of the vagina. If any one of these genes is not expressed correctly during the early stages of development, then this could be the first step in a malformation. Kelley, however, continues to explain that the gene HOXB7, which is a protein-coding gene, may be a greater tribute to the growth of the cancer itself. The over-expression of HOXB7 in OSE, or ovarian surface epithelial cells, is proven to upset the fibroblast growth. Kelly then goes on to explain an experiment performed to test the invasive properties of HOXB7. This particular study was conducted in 2006 by Yoriko Yamashita, an associate professor at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, using SKOV-3, which over-expressed the gene. The results concluded that HOXB7 does indeed have a cancer cell invasion quality when mutated. By being able to pinpoint one of the genes leading to this particular cancer, scientists can better understand where and why this mutation