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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Review

HOX genes in ovarian cancer

Authors: Zoë L Kelly, Agnieszka Michael, Simon Butler-Manuel, Hardev S Pandha, Richard GL Morgan

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

The HOX genes are a family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors that determine cellular identity during development. Here we review a number of recent studies showing that HOX genes are strongly expressed in ovarian cancer, and that in some cases the expression of specific HOX genes is sufficient to confer a particular identity and phenotype upon cancer cells. We also review the recent advances in elucidating the different functions of HOX genes in ovarian cancer. A literature search was performed using the search terms HOX genes (including specific HOX genes), ovarian cancer and oncogenesis. Articles were accessed through searches performed in ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed and ScienceDirect. Taken together, these studies have shown that HOX genes play a role in the oncogenesis of ovarian cancer and function in the inhibition of apoptosis, DNA repair and enhanced cell motility. The function of HOX genes in ovarian cancer oncogenesis supports their potential role as prognostic and diagnostic markers, and as therapeutic targets in this disease.

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Title: HOX genes in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zoë L Kelly
Agnieszka Michael
Simon Butler-Manuel
Hardev S Pandha
Richard GL Morgan
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-4-16

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