The Generic Facet of Hox Protein Function. Issue 12 (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saurin, Andrew J.; Delfini, Marie Claire; Maurel-Zaffran, Corinne; Graba, Yacine
• Is Part Of: Trends in genetics. Volume 34:Issue 12(2018)
• Page Start: 941
• Page End: 953
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Genetics -- Periodicals; 576.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2018.08.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-9525

Abstract

Abstract : Hox transcription factors are essential to promote morphological diversification of the animal body. A substantial number of studies have focused on how Hox proteins reach functional specificity, an issue that arises from the fact that these transcription factors control distinct developmental functions despite sharing similar molecular properties. In this review, we highlight that, besides specific functions, for which these transcription factors are renowned, Hox proteins also often have nonspecific functions. We next discuss some emerging principles of these generic functions and how they relate to specific functions and explore our current grasp of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Highlights: Hox proteins are master regulatory transcription factors controlling differential morphogenesis in development and evolution. In doing so, each Hox protein displays unique and specific regulatory activities. Recent studies highlight biological processes where Hox proteins are largely interchangeable indicating that nonspecific (generic) action is an as-yet largely unexplored facet of Hox protein activity. Hox generic action is found in multiple tissues, in the embryo and adult, and from Drosophila to vertebrates. The available examples further suggest that generic and specific functions constitute a continuum rather than separable functional entities, in some instances occurring in the same biological context and sharing molecular modalities.