Abstract
Homeobox genes (Hox genes) control segmentation and segment specificity in Drosophila. Hox genes have been detected in several species from insects to vertebrates. Differential and stage-related expression has been observed in human embryonic tissues as well. We have investigated whether the cell line Caco-2 expresses Hox genes. Caco-2 is a cell line derived from a human colon carcinoma and exhibits a spontaneous enterocytic differentiation after cellular confluency in vitro. At 7, 14, 21 days after confluency we have found that Hox-2.3 and one Hox-3 hybridize to poly(A)+ RNA with a stage-related fashion. Moreover, the 21 days pattern of hybridization resembles that one observed in normal adult human small intestine. We suggest that Caco-2 differentiation may be associated to specific activation of Hox genes. Finally, Caco-2 cell line represents a model to further investigate the role of Hox genes in intestinal development.
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Sebastio, G., D’esposito, M., Montanucci, M. et al. STAGE-RELATED EXPRESSION OF HUMAN HOMEOBOXES GENES DURING DIFFERENTIATION OF CACO-2 CELL LINE. Pediatr Res 22, 238 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198708000-00147
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198708000-00147