  Hoxc5 and Hoxc8 Expression Are Selectively Turned on in Human Cervical Cancer Cells Compared to Normal Keratinocytes; Castronovo, Vincenzo  ; et alin Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (1999), 257(3), 738-45 A growing number of data have sustained the involvement of homeobox genes expression deregulation in cancer. In this study, we have performed an exhaustive survey of the expression of the 39 class I HOX ... [more ▼] A growing number of data have sustained the involvement of homeobox genes expression deregulation in cancer. In this study, we have performed an exhaustive survey of the expression of the 39 class I HOX genes expressed in normal and malignant human cervix keratinocytes. Using RT-PCR, we observed that the vast majority (34/39) of HOX genes are expressed in normal keratinocytes. Only HOXA2, HOXA7, HOXC5, HOXC8 and HOXD12 were found to be silent. Interestingly, this pattern is conserved in the transformed keratinocytes (SiHa cells) except for the appearance of HOXC5 and HOXC8 mRNA. The HOXC5 and HOXC8 expression was also observed in two other transformed keratinocytes cell lines of independent origins, Eil-8 and 18-11S3, and confirmed by in situ hybridization. Our data add weight to the body of evidence attributing to a specific adult tissue a particular combination of expressed HOX genes and suggest that HOXC5 and/or HOXC8 could be involved in the process leading to the transformation of cervical keratinocytes. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 10 (2 ULg)Expression and Modulation of Homeobox Genes from Cluster B in Endothelial Cells; ; et al in Laboratory Investigation : Journal of Technical Methods & Pathology (1998), 78(10), 1291-9 Angiogenesis is a complex phenomenon likely to be under the strict control of a group of transcription factor(s). Homeobox (HOX)-containing proteins have been identified as regulators controlling the ... [more ▼] Angiogenesis is a complex phenomenon likely to be under the strict control of a group of transcription factor(s). Homeobox (HOX)-containing proteins have been identified as regulators controlling the coordinated expression of genes involved in organ development and tissue differentiation. In this study, we have demonstrated that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) express 8 of the 10 HOX genes contained in cluster B. Treatment of HUVEC with tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), an agent known to induce morphologic changes in endothelial cells, or vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), a proliferative and angiogenesis inducer, results in a specific time-dependent modulation of the eight HOX genes identified. Interestingly, neither basic fibroblast growth factor, an endothelial proliferative agent, nor TNP-470, a fumagillin derivative with potent antiendothelial cell proliferation properties, affected expression of these HOX genes. Specific modulation of HOX genes by differentiating agents but not by proliferative or antiproliferative molecules suggests that they could be involved in the control of the genetic program that coordinates the construction of new blood vessels. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 22 (1 ULg) |
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