Modulated expression of human homeobox genes in differentiating intestinal cells

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 146; no. 2; pp. 751 - 756
• Main Authors: Sebastio, G., D'Esposito, M., Montanucci, M., Simeone, A., Auricchio, S., Boncinelli, E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 31.07.1987
• Subjects: Adult; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Colonic Neoplasms - genetics; Gene Expression Regulation; Genes, Homeobox; Humans; Intestines - cytology; Sucrase-Isomaltase Complex - biosynthesis; Sucrase-Isomaltase Complex - genetics
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1016/0006-291X(87)90593-6

Homeobox genes ( Hox genes) control segmentation and segment specificity in Drosophila . Hox genes have been detected in several species from insects to vertebrates. Differential and stage-related expression has been observed in human embryonic tissues as well. We have investigated whether the cell line Caco-2 and human adult intestine express Hox genes. Caco-2 is a cell line derived from a human colon carcinoma and exhibits a spontaneous enterocytic differentiation after cellular confluency in vitro . At 7, 14 and 21 days after seeding we have found that Hox-2.3 and one Hox-3 gene hybridize to poly(A) +RNA in a stage-related fashion. Moreover, the 21 days pattern of hybridization resembles that one observed in adult small intestine. The Caco-2 cell line provides a model system that allows a detailed analysis of cellular factors controlling transcription and stability of Hox gene products.