Homeobox Protein C8 (HOXC8)

HOXC8 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 regulation of cartilage differentiation.

Cell culture experiments demonstrated downregulation of HOXB8, HOXC8, HOXD8, and HOXA7 and supported the cleavage mechanism for miR196-directed repression of HOXB8.