Phenomena and Processes

Homeobox Genes

Genes that encode highly conserved TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS that control positional identity of cells (BODY PATTERNING) and MORPHOGENESIS throughout development. Their sequences contain a 180 nucleotide sequence designated the homeobox, so called because mutations of these genes often results in homeotic transformations, in which one body structure replaces another. The proteins encoded by homeobox genes are called HOMEODOMAIN PROTEINS.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Genes that encode highly conserved TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS that control positional identity of cells (BODY PATTERNING) and MORPHOGENESIS throughout development. Their sequences contain a 180 nucleotide sequence designated the homeobox, so called because mutations of these genes often results in homeotic transformations, in which one body structure replaces another. The proteins encoded by homeobox genes are called HOMEODOMAIN PROTEINS.

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Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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See Also

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Synonyms

27 entry terms
  • Genes, Homeo Box
  • Genes, Homeobox
  • Genes, Homeotic
  • Homeotic Genes
  • Hox Genes
  • Gene, Homeo Box
  • Gene, Homeobox
  • Gene, Homeotic
  • Gene, Hox
  • Genes, Hox
  • Homeo Box Gene
  • Homeo Box Genes
  • Homeobox Gene
  • Homeotic Gene
  • Hox Gene
  • Homeo Box
  • Homeo Box Sequence
  • Homeo Boxes
  • Homeobox
  • Homeobox Sequence
  • Homeoboxes
  • Sequence, Homeo Box
  • Homeo Box Sequences
  • Homeobox Sequences
  • Sequence, Homeobox
  • Sequences, Homeo Box
  • Sequences, Homeobox

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

5 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

History Note

95; was GENES, HOMEO BOX 1987-94

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Previous Indexing

  • Alleles (1968-1975)
  • Drosophila Melanogaster (1972-1986)
  • Genes, Structural (1983-1986)
  • Morphogenesis (1983-1986)

MeSH Hierarchy

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MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QU 470

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Homeobox Genes. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D005801. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D005801
  2. Homeobox Genes. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeobox
  3. Homeobox Genes. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q898769