Homeobox protein Hox-B6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB6 gene. [5] [6] [7]
This gene is a member of the Antp homeobox family and encodes a protein with a homeobox DNA-binding domain. It is included in a cluster of homeobox B genes located on chromosome 17. The encoded protein functions as a sequence-specific transcription factor that is involved in development, including that of lung and skin, and has been localized to both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Altered expression of this gene or a change in the subcellular localization of its protein is associated with some cases of acute myeloid leukemia and colorectal cancer. [7]
HOXB6 gene is only expressed in erythroid progenitor cells, which are the precursor to red blood cells used for transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. During development, the formation of the HOX gene factor happens in the first stages of fetal development, namely soon after the establishment of the mesoderm, which is the “middle layer” of the future embryo. However, HOXB6 is only expressed once the undifferentiated stem cells of the embryo distinguish themselves into the erythpoietic phase. The research has shown that HOXB6 is not expressed in hematopoietic stem cells located in the red bone marrow, which are the precursor cells to all types of blood cells, or primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursor to cells passed on in each generation. [8] Since it is a transcriptional factor, HOXB6 regulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation) using mRNA as the basis for certain protein productions. The specific gene factor for erythrogenesis has relatively been unobserved in the scientific community, and no known diseases have been associated with a defect HOXB6 gene. However, it has been shown in correlation with major skeletal deformations. [9]
HOXB6 is a structural protein that has been shown to influence the growth and differentiation of the different blood lineages. This gene has also been shown to encourage the growth of granulocytes and monocytes, but at the cost of other blood cells. HOXB6 has the ability to cause the indefinite proliferation of murine marrow cells, as well as expand hematopoietic stem cells. When expressed abnormally, HOXB6 displays many characteristics of a potent oncoprotein. An oncoprotein can cause the transformation of a normal cell into a tumor cell. Overexpression of HOXB6, along with the addition of MEIS1 protein, has been implicated in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Acute myeloid leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells, specifically the leukocytes. The chromosomal irregularity most frequently seen in HOXB6 AML is a reappearing interstitial deletion of chromosome 2. Fundamental HOXB6 expression stops myeloid differentiation and debilitates erythropoiesis, megakaryopoiesis, and lymphopoiesis. [10]
Homeobox protein Hox-B7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB7 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-A10 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXA10 gene.
Homeobox D10, also known as HOXD10, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the HOXD10 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-A11 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXA11 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB5 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB4 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC8 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-A7 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXA7 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB1 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB2 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B9 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB9 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-D3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXD3 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB3 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC4 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-D4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXD4 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C13 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC13 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-B8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB8 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C9 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC9 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-C5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXC5 gene.
Homeobox protein Hox-A6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXA6 gene.
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.