Cell cycle control by homeobox genes in development and disease

Homeobox-containing transcription factors are among the most studied players during normal embryonic development. In the last few years, they have also been shown to act as modulators of cell proliferation. In the present review, we highlight recent studies that demonstrated the influences of homeobox genes on crucial components of the cell cycle machinery. Homeobox genes may have direct or indirect influence on their transcription levels but can also interact with those components via protein-protein interaction. In many cases, these studies were done in the context of pathological states like cancer as well as during vertebrate development.