title: The role of HOX genes in myeloid leukemogenesis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Homeodomain proteins of the Hox family play an important role in regulation of normal hematopoiesis. Substantial evidence also indicates that abnormal Hox protein expression is functionally significant in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid malignancies. The purpose of this review is to outline recent progress in understanding molecular mechanisms involved in Hox regulation of myelopoiesis and myeloid leukemogenesis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Since Hox proteins function as transcription factors, recent studies have focused on identifying Hox target genes. Various approaches to this problem have been taken, including high throughput screening techniques. In these studies, expression profiles of hematopoietic cells overexpressing various Hox proteins have been analyzed to obtain initial information about potential target genes. Identification of common and unique sets of target genes for various Hox proteins will shed light on function and regulation of the Hox code in developing hematopoietic cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recent studies have generated some intriguing information about potential Hox target genes involved in myelopoiesis and leukemogenesis. A number of issues regarding Hox protein function are unresolved, however. These issues include determining whether the effects of various Hox proteins are redundant versus antagonistic, identifying mechanisms which regulate Hox protein function and mechanisms by which Hox proteins modulate target gene transcription in a context-dependent manner.
authors.affiliation: The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University and Jesse Brown VHA Medical Center, 710 N. Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. e-eklund@northwestern.edu
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Eklund
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005801:Genes, Homeobox / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D038042:Myelopoiesis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D018398:Homeodomain Proteins