Differential expression of Hox genes in multistage carcinogenesis of mouse skin

We surveyed expression of Hox genes in multiple carcinogenesis of mouse skin by RT-PCR cloning. According to the sequences of the amplified DNA fragments within the homeobox of Hox genes, 25 of the 39 known Hox genes were amplified in the normal dorsal skin of adult mice. In the papilloma and carcinoma, clones of Hox A7 and Hox B7 were preferentially isolated among others. The entire Hox D locus was silent in both papilloma and carcinoma. Our present results suggest that the majority of Hox gene family members are expressed in normal mouse skin, while the repertoire is substantially limited in the papilloma and carcinoma.