title: HOX genes in pancreatic development and cancer.
abstract: The HOX genes are a family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors that determine cellular identity during development and which are subsequently re-expressed in many types of cancer. Some recent studies have shown that HOX genes may have key roles both in pancreatic development and in adult diseases of the pancreas, including cancer. In this review we consider recent advances in elucidating the role of HOX genes in these processes, how they may connect early developmental events to subsequent adult disease, and their potential both as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Hardev S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Pandha
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Michael
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Middleton
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005801:Genes, Homeobox / Q000235:genetics*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D005810:Multigene Family; D010179:Pancreas / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: C489213:HOXA5 protein, human; C090460:HOXB4 protein, human; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; C073547:HOXA4 protein, human