Homeobox genes and their functions on development and neoplasm in gastrointestinal tract.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the role of homeobox genes on development and tumorigenesis in gastrointestinal tract.


RESULTS
We searched the MEDLINE database (until March, 2006) with the keywords of homeobox genes, gastrointestinal tract, development, tumorigenesis, carcinogenesis and therapeutic targets. We reviewed the literature on classification of homeobox genes, development of gastrointestinal tract, carcinogenesis of gastrointestinal tract as well as therapeutic targets.


CONCLUSIONS
The functional effects of homeobox family in development and tumorigenesis of gastrointestinal tract are identified. The importance of homeobox genes and a possibility of therapeutic intervention in clinical medicine are discussed.
Yu
Y Y
YY
Department of Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200025, China. yingyan3y@yahoo.com.cn
Pan
Y S
YS
Zhu
Z G
ZG
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D005801:Genes, Homeobox / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm