HOXB8

Homeobox protein Hox-B8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB8 gene.

Function

This gene is a member of the Antp homeobox family and encodes a nuclear protein with a homeobox DNA-binding domain. It is included in a cluster of Homeobox B genes located on chromosome 17. The encoded protein functions as a sequence-specific transcription factor that is involved in development. Increased expression of this gene is associated with colorectal cancer. Mice that have had the murine ortholog (see Homology (biology) § Orthology) of this gene knocked out exhibit an excessive pathologic grooming behavior. This behavior is similar to the behavior of humans suffering from the obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder trichotillomania.

Transplantation of normal (wild-type) bone marrow into a Hoxb8 mutant mouse results is a reduction of compulsive grooming.

See also

• Homeobox

External links

• HOXB8 protein, human at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.