In vitro analysis of the role of HOXA10, HOXC9, HOXC10 and HOXC13 genes in tumorigenesis of head and neck cancer

• Grant number: 15/16329-7
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2016
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Wilson Araújo da Silva Junior
• Grantee: Graziela de Moura Aguiar
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/08135-2 - CTC - Center for Cell-Based Therapy, AP.CEPID

Abstract

The HOX genes are a subset of the homeobox family, which are characterized by the high degree of conservation among fungi, plants, and animals. In mammals, the HOX genes are divided into four groups or gene clusters named of HOXA, HOXB, HOXC, and HOXD, and located on chromosomes 2, 7, 17 and 12, respectively. To date, 39 HOX genes have been identified, which act during embryonic development regulating biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. These processes are reactivated during carcinogenesis and controlled by HOX genes. Several studies have suggested that these genes may play a significant role in several types of cancer. In a recent study, conducted by our group, we identified eight members of HOX genes (HOXA10, HOXA11-AS1, HoxC8, HOXC9, HOXC10, HOXC13, HOXD10, and HOXD11) overexpressed in head and neck cancer (HNC). In vitro assays corroborate the role of genes HOXC8, HOXD10 and HOXD11 in biological processes associated with tumorigenesis CCP. Thus, this study aims to assess whether the other HOX genes (HOXA10, HOXA11-AS1, HOXC9, HOXC10 and HOXC13) act similarly in tumorigenesis and tumor progression.