Homeobox Protein C13 (HOXC13)

HOXC13 belongs to the homeobox family of genes. The homeobox genes encode a highly conserved family of transcription factors that play an important role in morphogenesis in all multicellular organisms. Mammals possess four similar homeobox gene clusters, HOXA, HOXB, HOXC and HOXD, which are located on different chromosomes and consist of 9 to 11 genes arranged in tandem. This gene is one of several homeobox HOXC genes located in a cluster on chromosome 12. The product of this gene may play a role in the development of hair, nail, and filiform papilla.Hoxc13 was also expressed in vibrissae, in the filiform papillae of the tongue, and in hair follicles throughout the body -- a pattern that apparently violates spatial colinearity.Hoxc13 has been recruited for a function common to hair, nail, and filiform papilla development.