Gruss P, Kessel M
Max-Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.
Curr Opin Genet Dev. 1991 Aug;1(2):204-10. doi: 10.1016/s0959-437x(05)80071-1.
The specification of the body axis in the embryo is reflected in the structure of the vertebral column. Expression patterns of Hox genes in the prevertebrae suggest their involvement in this specification process and in the maintenance of vertebral identities. A single, ectopically expressed Hox gene can reprogramme the rostral part of the vertebral column and induce phenotypic alterations interpretable as homeotic transformations.
胚胎中身体轴的特化反映在脊柱的结构中。椎前体中Hox基因的表达模式表明它们参与了这一特化过程以及椎体身份的维持。单个异位表达的Hox基因可以重新编程脊柱的头部部分，并诱导可解释为同源异型转化的表型改变。
