Homeobox protein Hox-C10 (HOXC10)

Homeobox protein Hox-C10 (HOXC10) is a sequence-specific transcription factor encoded by the HOXC10 gene located in the HOXC cluster on chromosome 12 in humans. This protein belongs to the highly conserved homeobox gene family, which regulates gene transcription essential for morphogenesis, cellular identity, and development in multicellular organisms. In adults, HOXC10 is generally expressed at low levels, but abnormal or increased expression is commonly observed in various cancers and is linked to tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Its function is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA and histone methylation, as well as post-transcriptional modifications. HOXC10 can activate transcription of genes such as ADAM17, FGFBP1, SOX10, and MTFR2, and influence signaling pathways like MAPK, EGFR/ERK, and Wnt/β-catenin, which are critical for cell proliferation and survival in tumors. HOXC10 is considered a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for certain malignancies, especially endocrine-resistant breast cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Other names

HOXC10HOX3IHomeobox protein Hox-3Ihomeo box C10homeoprotein C10

DNA methylation inhibitors (e.g., 5-azacytidine) can increase HOXC10 expression through promoter hypomethylation; Epigenetic regulators may silence or activate HOXC10 by modulating DNA/histone methylation; In cancer, targeting HOXC10 mechanisms might modulate cell cycle progression, apoptosis, proliferation, and metastatic potential.