In vertebrates, the genes encoding the class of transcription factors called homeobox genes are found in clusters named A, B, C, and D on four separate chromosomes. Expression of these proteins is spatially and temporally regulated during embryonic development. This gene is part of the A cluster on chromosome 7 and encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor which may regulate gene expression, morphogenesis, and differentiation. For example, the encoded protein represses the transcription of differentiation-specific genes during keratinocyte proliferation, but this repression is then overcome by differentiation signals. This gene is highly similar to the antennapedia (Antp) gene of Drosophila. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Alternative Names
homeo box A7 homeobox A9 Homeobox gene A7 homeobox protein Hox 1.1 homeobox protein Hox-1.1 homeobox protein HOX-1A HOMEOBOX PROTEIN HOX-A7 (HOX-1.1) (M6-12) (M6) homeobox protein Hox-A7-like homeobox protein R5 hox-1.1 hox-1.1 peptide