The Role of HOXA Cluster Genes in Human Body Plan

Homeobox (HOX) genes are contributed in the genetic control of development of the body plan, pattern formation, and cell fate determination and the other several key developmental processes. HOX genes are also known as selector genes because expression within a given section of the embryo will cause its cells to choose a particular developmental path. HOX genes encode transcription factors that conduct embryological development as well as regulate differential endometrial gene expression with each menstrual cycle. HOX genes have been arranged in four clusters of A, B, C and D that each has parallel and overlapping expression domains. Among these clusters, HOXA cluster that is the main focus of this paper has an important role in regulating various processes in human body. In the present paper, the expression of HOXA9, HOXA10, HOXA11, and HOXA13 genes in the developmental processes related to the reproductive tract and the expression of HOXA1, HOXA2, HOXA3, HOXA4, HOXA5, HOXA6 and HOXA7 genes in the other sections of human body are highlighted.