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Homeodomain Subtypes and Functional Diversity

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A Handbook of Transcription Factors

Part of the book series: Subcellular Biochemistry ((SCBI,volume 52))

Abstract

The homeodomain is a protein domain of about 60 amino acids that is encoded by homeobox genes. The homeodomain is a DNA binding domain, and hence homeodomain proteins are essentially transcription factors (TFs). They have been shown to play major roles in many developmental processes of animals, as well as fungi and plants. A primary function of homeodomain proteins is to regulate the expression of other genes in development and differentiation. Thousands of homeobox genes have been identified, and they can be grouped into many different classes. Often other conserved protein domains are found linked to a homeodomain. Several particular types of homeobox genes are organized into chromosomal clusters. The best-known cluster, the HOX cluster, is found in all bilaterian animals. Tetrapods contain four HOX clusters that arose through duplication in early vertebrate evolution. The genes in these clusters are called Hox genes. Lower chordates, insects and nematodes tend to have only one HOX cluster. Of particular interest is that many of the HOX cluster genes function in the process of pattern formation along the anterior-posterior body axis. Many other types of homeodomain proteins play roles in the determination of cell fates and cell differentiation. Homeobox genes thus perform key roles for all aspects of the development of an organism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, and Center for Biosciences, Karolinska Institutet, Hälsovägen 7, Novum, SE 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden

    Thomas R. Bürglin

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  1. Thomas R. Bürglin
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Correspondence to Thomas R. Bürglin .

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  1. , Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Res, University of Toronto, College St. 160, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada

    Timothy R. Hughes

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© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

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Bürglin, T.R. (2011). Homeodomain Subtypes and Functional Diversity. In: Hughes, T. (eds) A Handbook of Transcription Factors. Subcellular Biochemistry, vol 52. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9069-0_5

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