NKL Homeobox Genes in Normal and Aberrant Hematopoiesis
A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 11632
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Homeobox genes encode conserved transcription factors having major impacts on developmental processes during embryogenesis and in the adult. NKL homeobox genes represent a 48 gene strong subclass of the large ANTP-class of homeobox genes. Well-known members of this subclass encode master factors for the development of the heart (NKX2-5), the prostate (NKX3-1), and of the spleen (NKX3-2 and TLX1), demonstrating the developmental power of these genes. Reflecting their impact on the differentiation of embryonal parts, subgroups of homeobox genes generate specific codes: The HOX-code regulates the anterior–posterior axis, and the DLX-code organizes the pharyngeal region. Accordingly, the recently reported NKL-code describes specific expression patters of 11 NKL homeobox genes in the course of hematopoiesis. NKL master factors for the development of blood cells include HHEX and HLX. Aberrant activities of NKL homeobox genes have been identified in both lymphoid and myeloid malignancies, underlining the oncogenic role of this gene subclass. Deregulated NKL homeobox genes encompass NKL-code members and ectopically expressed non-members. These disturbances of the physiological NKL-code affect differentiation, proliferation, and/or cell survival of hematopoietic progenitors. The knowledge of the functional roles of NKL homeobox genes in normal and malignant hematopoietic cells and tissues may contribute to understand the differentiation processes of blood cells and to design novel therapeutic approaches to treat leukemia and lymphoma. This Special Issue will highlight the dual role of NKL homeobox genes in these settings, reporting examples for genes, cell types, and diseases.
Dr. Stefan Nagel
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- homeobox
- hematopoiesis
- lymphopoiesis
- leukemia
- lymphoma
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