Potential functions of the human homeobox TGIFLX/Y genes in normal and abnormal development

Youssefian, L., Vahidnezhad, H., Raoofian, R., Greene, W. and Heidari, M. (2012) Potential functions of the human homeobox TGIFLX/Y genes in normal and abnormal development. European Journal of Clinical & Medical Oncology, 4 (1).

Abstract

Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that play important roles in the developmental and normal cellular processes in all metazoans. TGIFLX/Y (TGIFLX and TGIFLY) are members of the homeobox superfamily of genes. Their expression is specifically detected in human adult testis but their functions remain to be investigated. Identification of relevant target genes should make a key contribution to a complete understanding of the mechanisms by which TGIFLX/Y functions in both normal and abnormal developmental processes. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on different aspects of TGIFLX/Y with a focus on the current state of research about their roles in tumorigenesis and azoospermia.