Hox genes and evolution

• DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.7663.1
• Publication Date: 2016-05-10T10:40:06Z
• Authors: Steven M. Hrycaj; Deneen M. Wellik
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Review

Hoxproteins are a deeply conserved group of transcription factors originally defined for their critical roles in governing segmental identity along the antero-posterior (AP) axis inDrosophila. Over the last 30 years, numerous data generated in evolutionarily diverse taxa have clearly shown that changes in the expression patterns of these genes are closely associated with the regionalization of the AP axis, suggesting thatHoxgenes have played a critical role in the evolution of novel body plans within Bilateria. Despite this deep functional conservation and the importance of these genes in AP patterning, key questions remain regarding many aspects ofHoxbiology. In this commentary, we highlight recent reports that have provided novel insight into the origins of the mammalianHoxcluster, the role ofHoxgenes in the generation of a limbless body plan, and a novel putative mechanism in whichHoxgenes may encode specificity along the AP axis. Although the data discussed here offer a fresh perspective, it is clear that there is still much to learn aboutHoxbiology and the roles it has played in the evolution of the Bilaterian body plan.