HOXA6
Description
The HOXA6 (homeobox A6) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 7.
The HOXA6 gene encodes a homeobox protein called Hox-A6. Homeobox genes are a family of transcription factors involved in regulating embryonic development in vertebrates. HOXA6 is part of the A cluster of homeobox genes located on chromosome 7. It acts as a DNA-binding transcription factor, potentially regulating gene expression, morphogenesis, and cell differentiation.
HOXA6 has been found to be preferentially expressed in primitive cells, such as hematopoietic progenitor cells, under the influence of growth factors and cell cycle regulators. Factors like interleukin 3 and all-trans retinoic acid stimulate HOXA6 expression. During cell division, HOXA6 is primarily active in the S and G2M phases. Overexpression of HOXA6 promotes proliferation but inhibits differentiation of multipotent stem cells in the process of blood cell formation. This overexpression can even transform primary hematopoietic cells into immortal cell lines. Transplantation of these cell lines can lead to acute myeloid leukemia in recipient animals.
HOXA6 is also known as HOX1, HOX1.2, HOX1B.
Associated Diseases
- autosomal recessive spondylocostal dysostosis
- autosomal dominant spondylocostal dysostosis
- nonpapillary renal cell carcinoma
