The Human Homeobox (HOX) Genes EpiTect Chip qPCR Array profiles the histone modification status or “histone code” of 84 HOX genes involved in multicellular organismal development. Histone modifications regulate chromatin structure, regulate gene activity, and contribute to cellular identity. HOX genes encode a group of homeodomain-containing transcription factors, initially described as genes controlling segmental patterning during development, when dramatic changes in the histone code occur. Recently, the importance of homeobox genes and the epigenetic regulation of their expression has been reemphasized by stem cell and cancer researchers. For example, CDX2 transcriptional repression commonly occurs in colon cancer, due to epigenetic histone alterations in its promoter (high H3K4me3 and H3ac with low H3K4me2 and H3K9me3). Although these HOX genes have been grouped according to their established roles in multicellular organismal development, their true function in your cellular systems is waiting to be discovered by you. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and this real-time PCR Array, you can easily and reliably analyze the histone modification patterns associated with a focused panel of HOX genes.
The EpiTect Chip qPCR Arrays are intended for molecular biology applications. This product is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease.