Identification of homeobox genes expressed in human T-lymphocytes.

Homeobox genes encode transcription factors involved in the process of normal development and differentiation of cells and organs. Recently, some homeobox genes are found implicated in hemato-lymphoid neoplasms. To assess the role of homeobox genes in normal development and neoplastic transformation of T-cells, we have surveyed for homeobox-containing gene expression in a human T-cell leukemia line with a polymerase chain reaction. Ten members of homeobox genes were isolated, including one novel sequence. The novel sequence was most related to mouse Cdx. One of the others, HOXB7, is expressed in most malignant T-cell lines and CD4-positive peripheral blood T-cells. Together with the recent observations, these results suggest that the protein products of these genes may participate in normal functions and/or transformation of T-cells.