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The role of HOX genes in normal hematopoiesis and acute leukemia

Leukemia volume 27, pages 1000–1008 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

The homeobox (HOX) genes are a highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors that specify cell identity in early development and, subsequently, in a number of adult processes including hematopoiesis. The dysregulation of HOX genes is associated with a number of malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), where they have been shown to support the immortalization of leukemic cells both as chimeric partners in fusion genes and when overexpressed in their wild-type form. This review covers our current understanding of the role of HOX genes in normal hematopoiesis, AML and ALL, with particular emphasis on the similarities and differences of HOX function in these contexts, their hematopoietic downstream gene targets and implications for therapy.

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Acknowledgements

RA Alharbi gratefully acknowledges the support of Albaha University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK

    R A Alharbi, H S Pandha & R Morgan

  2. Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, KSA

    R A Alharbi

  3. St. George’s, University of London, London, UK

    R Pettengell

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  1. R A Alharbi
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  2. R Pettengell
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  3. H S Pandha
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  4. R Morgan
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Alharbi, R., Pettengell, R., Pandha, H. et al. The role of HOX genes in normal hematopoiesis and acute leukemia. Leukemia 27, 1000–1008 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/leu.2012.356

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