HOXB8

321815416ENSG00000120068ENSMUSG00000056648P17481P09632NM_024016NM_010461NP_076921NP_034591Homeobox protein Hox-B8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB8 gene. Homeobox protein Hox-B8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HOXB8 gene. This gene is a member of the Antp homeobox family and encodes a nuclear protein with a homeobox DNA-binding domain. It is included in a cluster of Homeobox B genes located on chromosome 17. The encoded protein functions as a sequence-specific transcription factor that is involved in development. Increased expression of this gene is associated with colorectal cancer. Mice that have had the murine ortholog (see Homology (biology) § Orthology) of this gene knocked out exhibit an excessive pathologic grooming behavior. This behavior is similar to the behavior of humans suffering from the obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder trichotillomania. Transplantation of normal (wild-type) bone marrow into a Hoxb8 mutant mouse results in a reduction of compulsive grooming. This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.