Homeobox Protein B7 (HOXB7)

HOXB7 is a member of the Antp homeobox family and encodes a protein with a homeobox DNA-binding domain. It is included in a cluster of homeobox B genes located on chromosome 17. The encoded nuclear protein functions as a sequence-specific transcription factor that is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Increased expression of this gene is associated with some cases of melanoma and ovarian carcinoma. In mouse, Hoxb7 expression is confined to macrophages. Using RT-PCR, Lill et al. (1995) detected expression of HOXB7 in monocytes differentiated from HL60 cells by stimulation with vitamin D3. Overexpression of HOXB7 inhibited differentiation into granulocytes but not monocytes. However, RT-PCR analysis failed to detect HOXB7 expression in mature monocytes.