HOXC9

HOXC9 is a gene that in humans encodes a protein belonging to the homeobox family of genes. The HOXC9 gene is part of the HOX gene family, a group of genes that play crucial roles in embryonic development and cell differentiation.

Function

The HOXC9 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the regulation of gene expression. This protein binds to specific areas of DNA and helps control the activity of certain genes. As a transcription factor, the HOXC9 protein is involved in various aspects of embryonic development, including the formation of the nervous system and the spinal cord.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the HOXC9 gene have been associated with several medical conditions. For instance, research has suggested a link between HOXC9 and neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells. Additionally, HOXC9 has been implicated in glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain cancer.

Research

Ongoing research is being conducted to further understand the role of HOXC9 in human health and disease. This includes studies into its role in cancer development and progression, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target for certain types of cancer.

See also

• Homeobox
• HOX gene
• Gene expression
• Transcription factor
• Neuroblastoma
• Glioblastoma