A subgroup of homeobox genes, which play an important role in the developmental processes of a variety of multicellular organisms, Hox genes have been shown to play a critical role in vertebrate pattern formation. Hox genes can be thought of as general purpose control genes that is, they are similar in many organisms and direct the same processes in a variety of organisms, from mouse, to fly, to human.
* Provides researchers an overview and synthesis of the latest research findings and contemporary thought in the area.
* Inclusion of chapters that discuss the evolutionary development of a wide variety of organisms.
* Gives researchers and clinicians insight into how defective Hox genes trigger developmental abnormalities in embryos.