Hox genes are a family of genes that are vital to an animal’s embryonic development. The HOX genes belong to the homeobox gene family, which is the second-largest gene family which all encodes for 61 amino acid sequence that forms a helix turn helix structure. The expression pattern of HOX genes dictates the body plans of organisms. In vertebrates, HOX genes are organized into clusters that are on different chromosomes named abcd which individually each contain 9 to 11 hox genes In this study, we propose to study HOXC genes for this experiment.
HOXC is a gene cluster that is located on the chromosome. There are 9 HOXC genes;HOX 4,5,6,8,9,10,11,12, and 13. All of the genes are located close to one another and in some cases share a noncoding exon. HOXC 4,5,6 shares an exon. HOXC4 is involved with the development and involved in the stimulation of androgen receptors. The function of HOXC5 is unclear. However, the gene is associated with Lymphoma. The function of HOXC6 is similarly unknown. HOXC8 is involved in cartilage differentiation and a malfunction of the gene gives rise to cartilage disorders. HOXC9 is involved in the differentiation of white and brown adipose tissue. The function of HOXC10 is not clear but it is highly expressed in cell differentiation and proliferation. HOXC11 is involved in the development, specifically the mesodermal commitment pathway. The function of HOXC12 is not known but is associated with a club foot. HOXC13 is involved in the development of hair and nails.
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